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Russell secures top-ten finishes at Isle of Man
RAF Marham serviceman Mike Russell enjoyed a memorable few days at the 2008 Manx Grand Prix at the Isle of Man with two top-ten finishes in the junior and senior races.
Russell was 69th fastest in practice on his 600cc bike for Wednesday's junior race, although he was only out on this machine for the first night of practice and was sure to go quicker in the race itself.
Having been given a starting number of 72, Russell started 65th on the road, given that various start numbers ahead of him were not used.
He produced a stunning start and by the end of the first of the three-lap race he was 15th with an average speed of 110mph.
By the end of lap two he had improved his position to tenth with a second lap average speed of 113mph before making his pit-stop.
The final lap saw Russell improve his position to seventh overall by the end of the race with a final lap speed of just under 110mph.
This was a truly impressive performance given that his 600cc engine was a standard motor with only 104bhp, and he was racing against 600cc machines that had more power than his 750cc engine which he competed on in the senior race.
Russell proved that although he was only using a standard engine he was really able to really fly around the TT course.
He was an amazing eighth fastest on his 750cc bike for the senior race on Friday.
Friday's senior race was postponed until the Saturday due to the weather conditions.
The start list of the blue-riband event had been depleted a little as some riders had to withdraw due to their sailings back to the UK and circumstances back home regarding work etc.
Other competitors were able to change their bookings and remain on the island and compete in the race.
After the first 28 numbers had left the start line the red flag came out, after rider 29's engine blew as he left the line and deposited oil on the course from the footbridge to the top of Bray Hill.
Riders out on the course, which included Russell, were stopped at Kirk Michael and escorted back to the start line.
The oil slick stretched from the centre of the Grandstand to Ago's Leap and this had to be cleared up before racing could continue safely.
The race was restarted as a reduced two-lap event from three and it finally started at 2.45pm.
Russell made a tremendous start to the race clawing his way up to fourth at the end of lap one with an average speed for the lap of 117.5mph, achieving his aim of achieving more than 117mph by the end of race week.
Lap two saw Russell have a slightly slower lap at 115.4mph, resulting in him finishing a fantastic seventh place.
Russell can be justly proud of two good top-ten finishes in this year's Manx Grand Prix.
He is now well placed to move up to the TT next year, and is well on the way to achieving the much sought after 120mph lap.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
