Bruce Anstey

Bruce Anstey

Bruce Anstey at the 2014 Isle of Man TT.
Nationality New Zealander
Born (1969-04-24) 24 April 1969
Wellington, New Zealand
Current team Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles
Bike number 5
Motorcycle racing career statistics
Isle of Man TT career
TTs contested19 (1996. 1998 –2000. 2002–present)
TT wins11
First TT win2002 250cc TT
Last TT winSES TT Zero 2016
Podiums36

Bruce Anstey MNZM (born 21 August 1969 in New Zealand) is a professional motorcycle road racer. He is a former lap record holder on the world famous Snaefell Mountain Course with a time of 17 minutes 6.682 seconds, at an average speed of 132.298 mph (212.913 km/h) set during the 2014 Superbike TT Race.[1] Widely regarded as one of the most consistent of racers, Anstey is currently signed to race for the Padgett's Honda Racing Team having previously ridden for TAS Suzuki Racing, Valmoto Triumph and DTR Yamaha.[2][3] His quiet and unassuming demeanor makes Anstey tremendously popular amongst fans of motorcycle racing.

Racing career

Said to have been inspired to take up a career as a motorcycle racer after watching Mike Hailwood's comeback victory at the 1978 Isle of Man TT Races,[4] Anstey made his competitive debut on Boxing Day, 1990, at the Whanganui Circuit in his native New Zealand, competing on a Suzuki RGV250.

Bruce Anstey thunders down Bray Hill on his way to victory in the 2015 Superbike TT.

Isle of Man TT

Yamaha (1996-2002)

1996

Anstey made his Isle of Man TT debut at the 1996 event.[5] Riding a Yamaha he finished in 29th place in the Lightweight TT before retiring in the Senior TT.[5]

1996 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Lightweight 250cc 29th 1.27.4.05 103.99 Bronze
Senior TT DNF
Source:[6]
1998

Due to illness Anstey did not participate at the 1997 TT, with his next appearance being at the 1998 races. Again featuring in the Lightweight and Senior races, Anstey took his Yamaha TZ250 to a 26th-place finish in the Lightweight and followed this by taking 20th in the Senior TT, being the third 250cc mounted rider to finish behind Gavin Lee and his fellow New Zealander, Shaun Harris.

1998 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Lightweight 250cc 26th 55.05.09 82.17 Bronze
Senior TT 20th 2.00.44.9 112.48 Bronze
Source:[6]
1999

Campaigning in the same classes as the previous year and riding the same Yamaha TZ250, Anstey's form continued to improve in 1999, with him securing his first top 10 finish by claiming 7th in the Lightweight and following this up with 24th in the Senior.

1999 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Lightweight 250cc 7th 1.19.21.5 114.1 Silver
Senior TT 24th 1.59.53.5 113.29 Bronze
Source:[6]
2000

The 2000 Isle of Man TT saw Anstey gain his first podium place at the event, finishing second behind Joey Dunlop in the Lightweight TT. The second race of his week saw him again riding the DTR Yamaha TZ250 in the Senior where he took the Denis Trollope machine to the highest place of any 250cc machine in the race, 14th.

2000 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Lightweight 250cc 2nd 59.39.4 113.84 Silver
Senior TT 14th 1.58.41.5 114.43 Silver
Source:[6]
2002

The 2001 Isle of Man TT was cancelled as a precaution against the Foot and Mouth Outbreak reaching the Island. Racing resumed in 2002, with Anstey being entered in five races. He retired in the week's curtain raiser, the Formula 1 TT, however his fortunes improved as race week progressed. In the Ultra-Lightweight TT Anstey took his DTR 125cc Yamaha to 10th place and then followed this with 3rd place in the Production 1000cc class. He then secured his maiden victory at the TT taking the honours in the Lightweight TT on a DTR 250cc Yamaha. Anstey then recorded a 2nd-place finish in his final race of the week, the Production 600cc.

2002 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Formula 1 TT DNF
Ultra-lightweight 125cc 10th 1.30.32.9 100 Silver
Production 1000cc 3rd 56.05.2 121.08 Silver
Lightweight 250cc 1st 1.18.31.1 115.32 Silver
Production 600cc 2nd 57.36.9 117.87 Silver
Source:[6]

Triumph (2003)

2003

At the 2003 meeting, Anstey competed in four categories. Opening his account with the runner up position in the Production 1000cc race, he followed this up with a victory in the Junior TT aboard the Valmoto Triumph Daytona, giving Triumph its first TT win in twenty seven years. In the Production 600cc class, Anstey managed an 8th-place finish for Triumph and completed the racing programme with 7th place in the Senior aboard a 1000cc Suzuki.

2003 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Production 1000cc 2nd 55.55.42 121.44 Silver
Junior 600cc 1st 1.15.13.98 120.36 Silver
Production 600cc 8th 38.50.74 116.55 Silver
Senior 7th 1.14.25.8 121.66 Silver
Source:[6]

Suzuki (2004-2010)

2004

Signed by TAS Suzuki in 2004, Anstey's reputation for consistency saw him finish on the podium in all the races he entered at the TT. A 3rd place in the opening Formula 1 was followed by victory in the 1000cc Production race. A trio of 2nd-place finishes then followed as Anstey took the runner up spot in the Junior 600cc, the Production 600cc and the Senior TT respectively.

2004 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Formula 1 TT 3rd 1.12.58.0 124.1 Silver
Production 1000cc 1st 54.53.5 123.72 Silver
Junior 600cc 2nd 1.15.23.0 120.12 Silver
Production 600cc 2nd 57.48.9 117.46 Silver
Senior 2nd 1.13.38.3 122.96 Silver
Source:[6]
2005

Again Anstey was entered in five races at the 2005 Isle of Man TT, producing mixed results. Problems with his TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike saw him retire in both races in which the machine featured. On the plus side Anstey took victory in the Superstock TT cementing his reputation in the class. Following this he took 4th place in the opening Supersport race but retired in the following one. Anstey's week ended with his retirement in Friday's Senior.

2005 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike DNF
Superstock 1st 54.39.74 124.242 Silver
Supersport Race 1 4th 1.15.56.10 119.249 Silver
Supersport Race 2 DNF
Senior DNF
Source:[6]
2006

In the 2006 TT practices, Anstey achieved the unofficial current top speed record for the Mountain Course of 206 mph (332 km/h)[7] at the end of Sulby straight on a Suzuki 1000cc machine. This speed value was registered by the on-board datalogging equipment and so cannot be considered as an official record.

2006 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike DNF
Superstock 1st 1:12.56.34 124.147 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 2nd 1:14:30.13 121.542 mph Silver
Senior 3rd 1:48:08.79 125.596 mph Silver
Source:[6]
2007

At the Centenary TT of 2007, Anstey failed to finish in the opening Superbike Race, but swiftly made up for it by claiming victory in the Superstock event winning by 40 seconds over John McGuinness.[8] Anstey missed out on a podium place in the Supersport race finishing 4th, which was followed by another retirement in the highlight Senior TT.[5]

Two of Anstey's race bikes displaying his No 5 plate.
2007 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike DNF
Superstock 1st 1:11.56.29 125.875 mph Silver
Supersport Race 4th 1:13.38.27 122.969 mph Silver
Senior DNF
Source:[6]
2008

In 2008, Anstey opened his account by claiming the runner up spot in the Superbike race.[5] This was followed by an initial victory in the opening Supersport only for Anstey to be subsequently stripped of the 1st place. Having defied a heavy cold to win the race, he was disqualified following an inspection of his machine, which found the exhaust cam did not meet regulations. However just two days later on Wednesday 4 June Anstey swept to victory in the second Supersport Junior race in which he was involved in a thrilling dice on corrected time with Ian Hutchinson.[9] Following over 150 miles of racing, Anstey came home in a time of 1'13:35.71 at an average speed of 123.041 mph. On his second lap he also broke the lap record for the race with an average speed of 125.359 mph. The Senior TT again proved a disappointment for Anstey, with him posting a retirement.[5]

To celebrate his Supersport Junior TT win, Suzuki released a GSXR-600 K8 replica of Anstey's Relentless by TAS Suzuki race bike.

2008 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 2nd 1:48.16.66 126.614 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 DSQ
Superstock DNF
Supersport Race 2 1st 1:13.35.71 123.041 mph Silver
Senior DNF
Source:[6]
2009

Anstey's campaign at the 2009 Isle of Man TT proved particularly frustrating. A 2nd place in the second Supersport race being the highlight with retirements in the other four races.[5]

2009 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike DNF
Supersport Race 1 DNF
Superstock DNF
Supersport Race 2 2nd 1:15.05.81 120.580 mph Silver
Senior DNF
Source:[6]
2010

The 2010 meeting again provided a mixed bag of fortunes for Anstey. Finishing just outside the top 10 in the opening Superbike race,[5] he failed to finish in either the opening Supersport or the Superstock races.[5] An 8th place followed in the second Supersport race and, comparatively, the meeting ended on a positive note with Anstey securing the final place on the rostrum after a hard-fought Senior.[5]

2010 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 11th 1:50.07.67 123.337 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 DNF
Superstock DNF
Supersport Race 2 8th 1:14.12.16 122.031 mph
Senior 3rd 1:11.38.08 126.408 mph Silver
Source:[6]
Anstey pictured at the TT Grandstand

Honda (2011-Present)

2011

Anstey had switched teams for the 2011 season, and compared with the previous two seasons an upturn in fortune was evident. Although he failed to finish in the Superbike TT, he enjoyed a win in the opening Supersport race, followed by a further retirement in the Superstock.[5] A 5th place in the second Supersport was followed by Anstey again taking 3rd in the finale race, the Senior TT.[5]

2011 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike DNF
Supersport Race 1 1st 54' 40.01 124.232 mph Silver
Superstock DNF
Supersport Race 2 5th 1:13.43.85 122.814 mph Silver
Senior 3rd 1:46.01.50 128.109 mph Silver
Source:[6]
2012

At the 2012 Isle of Man TT Anstey took a well earned 3rd place in the Superbike race followed by victory in the opening Supersport race.[5] A brace of 4th places followed in the Superstock and second Supersport races.[5]

2012 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 3rd 1:47.00.22 126.938 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 1st 1:12.55.92 124.160 mph Silver
Superstock 4th 1:12.05.98 126.593 mph Silver
Supersport Race 2 4th 1:13.50.38 122.633 mph Silver
Senior DNS [Race Cancelled]
Source:[6]
Anstey approaches Ramsey on his Superstock Honda Fireblade at the 2013 Isle of Man TT.
2013

Anstey achieved a commendable list of results at the 2013 Races, where he secured an 8th place in the opening Superbike race, followed by taking second place on the podium in the first Supersport.[5] A 5th place in the Superstock was followed by another 2nd in the second Supersport race. Anstey rounded off the week's racing with 3rd place in the Senior.[5]

2013 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 8th 1:48.03.974 125.690 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 2nd 1:12.30.520 124.884 mph Silver
Superstock 5th 1:11.56.895 125.857 mph Silver
Supersport Race 2 2nd 1:11.54.404 125.930 mph Silver
Senior 3rd 1:45.37.999 128.584 mph Silver
Source:[6]
Bruce Anstey on board the Team Mugen Shinden San at Parliament Square, Ramsey.
2014

Anstey's renowned consistency was particularly evident at the 2014 TT.[5] He posted a 4th place in the Superbike race, followed by 2nd in the Supersport and 3rd in the Superstock. The 2014 TT also saw Anstey's debut in the TT Zero Class in which he finished in 2nd place to John McGuinness on an identical Mugen Shinden San. Another 2nd place followed in the second of the Supersport events and the week was rounded off with 4th in the Senior.[5]

In the Superbike TT, Anstey set a new outright lap record for the Mountain Course. In addition to his haul of six silver replicas, Anstey was also awarded the prestigious John Williams Trophy for the fastest lap in the Superbike TT Race and the Jimmy Simpson Trophy, which is presented to the rider who has achieved the fastest lap of the meeting.[10]

2014 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 4th 1:46.31.687 127.504 mph Silver
Supersport Race 1 2nd 1:12.44.483 124.483 mph Silver
Superstock 3rd 1:11.54.197 125.936 mph Silver
TT Zero 2nd 0:19.40.625 115.048 mph Silver
Supersport Race 2 2nd 1:12.33.883 124.788 mph Silver
Senior 4th 1:46.20.814 127.722 mph Silver
Source:[6]
Anstey crests Bray Hill on the sixth lap of the 2015 Superbike TT
2015

On Sunday June 7, 2015, Anstey achieved the highlight of his career, winning the Superbike TT.[11] Lying in second place behind race leader Ian Hutchinson[11] Anstey took the race lead following the pit stops at the end of lap four.[11] Astride a Padgett's Honda Anstey began to extend his lead, claiming victory by 10.97 seconds on corrected time following 226 miles of racing.[11] Added to the victory, Anstey also set a new race record and the fastest lap of the race on his sixth lap at an average speed of 131.977 mph.[11] Anstey's 2015 campaign continued when he took a 2nd place behind the rejuvenated Hutchinson in the first of the Supersport races and followed this by finishing 9th in the Superstock.[11] Riding for the Mugen Shinden team, Anstey then competed in the TT Zero, his second year competing in the class, taking his electrically powered machine to second place behind Mugen team-mate, John McGuinness.[11] In the second Supersport race of the week Anstey continued his run of podium positions, again finishing 2nd to Ian Hutchinson.[11]

Bruce Anstey descends Bray Hill during the 2015 Supersport TT

The Senior TT was red flagged mid-way through lap 2, following an incident involving Jamie Hamilton. A restart followed with the race reduced to 4 laps. Anstey concluded a highly satisfactory week's racing by taking 8th place in the restarted race.

Following his success in the Superbike race Anstey also claimed the John Williams Trophy for the second year in succession.

2015 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 1st 01:45:29.902 128.749 Silver
Supersport Race 1 2nd 01:12:18.595 125.228 Silver
Superstock 9th 01:11:47.731 126.125 Silver
TT Zero 2nd 00:19:02.785 118.857 Silver
Supersport Race 2 2nd 01:12:13.570 125.373 Silver
Senior 8th 01:10:13.264 128.953 Silver
Source:[6]
2016

Remaining with Honda for 2016, it was announced that Anstey was to ride a Honda RC213V-S at the TT,[12] specially prepared by the Valvoline Racing by Padgett’s Motorcycles Team. Various adjustments had to be made to the machine in order for it to withstand six laps of the punishing 37.73 mile Snaefell Mountain Course with such parts as the wheels, the forks, the rear shocks, the brakes and the radiator guards all having to be specially made.[12]

Anstey was enjoying a reasonably successful qualifying week until he came off his Honda Fireblade, CBR1000RR Superbike at Keppel Gate during qualifying on Thursday June 2, as a result of which he received various injuries.[13] After a check up at Noble's Hospital, Douglas, he was passed fit to compete in the opening Superbike race on Saturday, June 4. Despite his injuries, Anstey came home in a respectable 8th place on board the Honda RC213V-S.[14] Still evidently feeling the effects of the injuries sustained during the Practice Week, Anstey managed to hold station within the top 10 for the first two laps of the opening Supersport 600 race. However, following the pit stops at the end of lap 2 he subsequently retired on lap 3 at Ballacraine. Later on June 6, Anstey lined up on the Glencrutchery Road for the afternoon race, the Superstock TT. Again riding in significant discomfort he retired at the TT Grandstand at the end of the opening lap.

Astride the Honda RC213V-S, Anstey prepares to start the 2016 Senior TT

A rest day during race week combined with a spell at the Isle of Man's hyperbaric chamber paid dividends for Anstey. Notably improved form followed when he took 5th place in the Junior TT, followed by victory in the TT Zero, his first triumph in that particular category. Although trailing at Ballaugh Bridge to Mugen team mate John McGuinness, Anstey took the lead after McGuinness had stopped to make adjustments, leading home William Dunlop and Jamie Hamilton.

A further day's recuperation continued to aid Anstey prior to the Senior TT. Following a delayed start due to poor visibility, Anstey was lying in 4th place by the end of lap 1 having lapped at an average speed of 131.086 miles per hour (210.962 km/h).[15] With the retirement of Peter Hickman, Anstey moved up to 3rd place at the pit stop at the end of lap 2, until he was displaced by John McGuinness at the end of lap 3. Anstey was then overtaken on corrected time by Dean Harrison following the second round of pit stops at the end of lap 4, holding 5th place until the end of the 6 laps.[16]

2016 TT Results
Race Position Time Speed Replica
Superbike 8th 01:47:05.936 126.825 Silver
Supersport Race 1 DNF
Superstock DNF
Supersport Race 2 5th 01:12:44.287 124.490 Silver
TT Zero 1st 00:19:07.043 118.416 Silver
Senior 5th 01:46:08.108 127.976 Silver
Source:[6]

North West 200

Anstey at the 2007 North West 200

At the North West 200, Anstey had 10 wins between 2002 and 2014. In 2002 he won the Production race,[2] and in 2004 he won the 600 Supersport race and the Production race. He was leading the Superbike race until the final lap when he crashed. In 2005 he won the rain affected Superbike event and finished runner-up to Ian Lougher in the Superstock race.[17] In 2006 he won the first Supersport race and the Superstock race. The 2007 meeting proved to be his best year to date, winning a hat-trick of races that could have been more, had he not crashed out of the first Superbike event.[17] While running in 2nd on the third lap, he "highsided" at York Corner, and he was placed 2nd in the results because they were taken from the last completed lap. He went on to win the two Supersport events, and the Superstock event as well. He may well have increased his tally, but was unable to race in the main Superbike event, as his bike was damaged from the previous crash. At the 2016 North West 200 Anstey made a good start from a middle grid position in the opening Superbike Race. Dicing for a position within the top three, Anstey set a new absolute top speed record on the run to Coleraine at 209.8 mph (337.6 km/h).[18] Anstey continued to cement his position in the field when, towards the end of lap 4 he crashed his Honda Fireblade at Church Corner as a result of running a wider line.[19] As a consequence of the crash the race was red flagged.

Anstey pictured taking victory in the second Supersport 600 race at the 2007 North West 200.

Ulster Grand Prix

Anstey has also claimed numerous successes at the Ulster Grand Prix, winning ten times.[20] In 2003 he won the Production race, and in 2004 he enjoyed a hat-trick of successes in the Superbike, Production 600, and Production 1000 classes. In 2005 he did not win any races, but had 2 podiums. In 2006, he was victorious in the Superstock class once more. In 2014, Anstey won the opening Supersport race and then went on to win the blue riband Superbike race and was named 'Man of the Meeting'.

He won the Superbike race at the Ulster Grand Prix in 2010, setting a new lap record of 133.977 mph (215.615 km/h), making him the fastest rider on the fastest motorcycle racing circuit in the world.[21][22] At the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix Anstey took the honours in the associated event, the Dundrod 150 as well as taking victory in the main event, in controversial circumstances. The feature event, the Ulster Grand Prix was red flagged following an incident towards the end of lap 7. The race organisers decided to give the victory to Anstey, who had been leading at the end of lap 4, citing they could not take the standings after the fifth lap because some riders had not completed it when the red flags went up.[23] Anstey secured victory over Ian Hutchinson who had been leading the race at the end of lap 5 (two-thirds distance).[23]

The 2016 Ulster Grand Prix was a meeting dominated by Ian Hutchinson, however Anstey also enjoyed a respectable meeting.[24]This saw him taking the runner up spot behind Hutchinson in the both Superbike races and victory in the opening (red flagged) Supersport event. Anstey concluded the meeting by taking 4th spot in the second Supersport race.[25]

Classic TT

Following changes to the Manx Grand Prix Races in 2013, the Classic TT became part of the newly revamped festival allowing established TT competitors the opportunity to compete on classic and post-classic machinery.

2013

Anstey campaigned a classic bike at the 2013 Classic TT. He failed to finish in the Bennett's 500cc Classic on which he rode a 1961 Manx Norton.[5]

2013 Classic TT Results

Race Position Time Speed Replica
Classic 500cc DNF 21:03.303
Source:[6]
2014

At the 2014 Manx Festival of Motorcycling, Anstey was entered in the 500cc Classic TT and Formula 1 Classic TT.[5] Again on board the Manx Norton Anstey took 3rd in the 500cc Classic and notched up his maiden victory at the event when he took a Padgett's Yamaha YZR500 to 1st place in the Formula 1 Classic.[5]

2014 Classic TT Results

Race Position Time Speed Replica
Classic 500cc 3rd 1:24:47.027 106.803 Silver
Formula 1 Classic TT 1st 55:41.219 121.597 Silver
Source:[6]
2015

Entering in the Motorsport Merchandise F1/F2 Classic TT, Anstey lined up astride the same Padgett's Yamaha YZR500 which he had taken to 1st place in the Formula 1 Classic the previous year. A strong depth of field joined Anstey on the grid as he went head to head with Michael Dunlop, Michael Rutter, Ryan Farquhar and Peter Hickman amongst others.[26]

Bruce Anstey astride the Padgett's Yamaha YZR500 during the 2015 Motorsport Merchandise F1/F2 Classic TT.

As a consequence of various delays during the course of the day, racing finally got underway at 5pm with Anstey's Yamaha YZR500 pitted against Suzuki, Kawasaki and Yamaha Superbikes. Tussling with the pugnacious Dunlop at the head of the field, Anstey crossed the line in 1st place at the end of the opening lap with a time of 18:13.707 producing an average speed of 124.190. As the second lap progressed Anstey began to secure the lead from Dunlop taking an increasing advantage into the 3rd lap. However Anstey was then black flagged as he approached Cronk-ny-Mona at the end of lap 3. The result of this being Anstey having to return to the pits with a loose left exhaust.[26]

The Valvoline Racing by Padgetts Motorcycles team battled valiantly to fix the problem and Anstey rejoined the race, but he’d lost a minute to Michael Dunlop, handing victory to Dunlop on a plate. Anstey had the consolation of clawing back a gap of over thirty seconds on James Hillier on the last lap and with Ryan Farquhar losing time on the Mountain section, Anstey snatched an incredible 2nd place by a second from Farquhar.[26]

2015 Classic TT Results

Race Position Time Speed Replica
Motorsport Merchandise F1 Classic TT 2nd 1:14:41.154 121.244 Silver
Source:[27]
2016

Anstey was again in attendance at the 2016 Classic TT on the Isle of Man in which he enjoyed success in the Classic 250cc race, leading from start to finish. Campaigning a Padgett's Honda RS250R, Anstey recorded a fastest lap of 118.74mph breaking John McGuinness' lap record which had stood since 1999.[28] Anstey is now the current lap record holder on the Snaefell Mountain Course in both two stroke categories, set at the Classic TT.[29]

Bruce Anstey pictured at Keppel Gate at the 2016 Classic TT.

Anstey failed to make an impact in the Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Race. Onboard the Padgett's Yamaha YZR500 Anstey was lying in 8th place at the end of the opening lap behind a rampaging Michael Dunlop, who went on to brake Anstey's lap record for the Superbike class (although Anstey's record for two stroke machinery still stands). Anstey made no impression at the head of the field, and retired on lap 4 at Glen Tramman.[30]

2016 Classic TT Results

Race Position Time Speed Replica
Sure Lightweight 250cc Classic TT 1st 1:18:04.437 115.982 Silver
Motorsport Merchandise Superbike Race Classic TT DNF
Source:[31]

Personal life

Bruce Anstey tends to shy away from un-warranted media attention, although he is not averse to giving interviews.[32] Together with his partner, Anny, he spends his time away from racing at his home in Windsor or in New Zealand.

A popular joke amongst the motorcycle racing paddock surrounds Anstey's propensity for sleeping. It is often referred to that his racing results reflect which time the race occurs - the later in the day, the better.

Testicular Cancer

Anstey's racing career suffered a severe setback in 1995 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.[4] Having made his first appearance at the Isle of Man TT Races in 1996, he was forced to miss the 1997 meeting as a consequence of undergoing treatment. Although being declared free of the disease, he has stated that he still feels the lingering effects part of which affect his immune system.[4]

Pre-ride rituals

On numerous occasions prior to races, a traditional New Zealand Haka has been performed for Anstey. He also received a Haka following his win at the 2015 Ulster Grand Prix.[33]

Helmets

Bruce Anstey is contracted to the Arai Helmet Company, his current helmet design is the Arai RX7-RC.[34] It is black in colour, and features a yellow coloured Kiwi on the front.

Awards

Anstey was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to motorsport in the 2015 New Year Honours.[35]

Nicknames

Anstey is widely recognized as one of the most laid-back racers in motorcycling and is known by at several nicknames; one being "Smiler," a name bestowed on him by members of his family,[4] and used by motorcycle racing commentator Fred Clarke. Other nicknames by which Anstey is popularly known are "Bruce Almighty," "The Wellington Wonder"[36] and "The Flying Kiwi."

Complete TT record

2016 Superbike TT
8
Supersport TT 1
DNF
Superstock TT
DNF
Supersport TT 2
5
TT Zero
1
Senior TT
5
Lightweight 250cc Classic TT
1
Superbike Classic TT
DNF
2015 Superbike TT
1
Supersport TT 1
2
Superstock TT
9
TT Zero
2
Supersport TT 2
2
Senior TT
8
Formula 1 Classic TT
2
2014 Superbike TT
4
Supersport TT 1
2
Superstock TT
3
TT Zero
2
Supersport TT 2
2
Senior TT
4
Classic 500 TT
3
Formula 1 Classic TT
1
2013 Superbike TT
8
Supersport TT 1
2
Superstock TT
5
Supersport TT 2
2
Senior TT
3
500cc Classic TT
DNF
2012 Superbike TT
3
Supersport TT 1
1
Superstock TT
4
Supersport TT 2
4
Senior TT
Cancelled
2011 Superbike TT
DNF
Supersport TT 1
1
Superstock TT
DNF
Supersport TT 2
5
Senior TT
3
2010 Superbike TT
11
Supersport TT 1
DNF
Superstock TT
DNF
Supersport TT 2
8
Senior TT
3
2009 Superbike TT
DNF
Supersport TT 1
DNF
Superstock TT
DNF
Supersport TT 2
2
Senior TT
DNF
2008 Superbike TT
2
Supersport Junior TT 1
DSQ
Superstock TT
DNF
Supersport Junior TT 2
1
Senior TT
DNF
2007 Superbike TT
DNF
Superstock TT
1
Supersport TT
4
Senior TT
DNF
2006 Superbike TT
DNF
Superstock TT
1
Supersport TT
2
Senior TT
3
2005 Superbike TT
DNF
Superstock TT
1
Supersport TT 1
4
Supersport TT 2
DNF
Senior TT
DNF
2004 Formula1 TT
3
Production 1000 TT
1
Junior TT
2
Production 600 TT
2
Senior TT
2
2003 Production 1000 TT
2
Junior TT
1
Production 600 TT
8
Senior TT
7
2002 Formula 1 TT
DNF
Ultra-lightweight 125 TT
10
Production 1000 TT
3
Lightweight 250 TT
1
Production 600 TT
2
2000 Lightweight 250 TT
2
Senior TT
14
1999 Lightweight 250 TT
7
Senior TT
24
1998 Lightweight 250 TT
26
Senior TT
20
1996 Lightweight 250 TT
29
Senior TT
DNF

References

  1. Ansley's lap record was passed by John McGuinness on 12 June 2015, achieving 132.701 miles per hour (213.562 km/h). David Norton in IOM Today, 12 June 2015: "What a race! John McGuinness storms to 23rd TT victory"
  2. 1 2 "Bruce Anstey Archived 8 November 2010 at the Wayback Machine.", northwest200.org, retrieved 2010-08-28
  3. "Rider Profile :: Bruce Anstey (NZ)", BBC, 7 April 2010, retrieved 2010-08-28
  4. 1 2 3 4 http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/tt-road-races/2015/september/bruce-almighty/
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Events/Races.aspx?meet_code=ALL&ride_id=4310
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 "2009 TT Results". Isle of Man TT. ACU Events Ltd. 2009-06-13. Retrieved 2010-06-14.
  7. http://www.motorcycledaily.com/20june06_ttspeed.htm New Isle of Man Top Speed Record (retrieved 12 August 2006)
  8. Walker, Jimmy (2007) "Neill hails Anstey as Kiwi breezes to glory", Belfast Telegraph, 6 June 2007, retrieved 2010-08-28
  9. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/2008/june/jun0408isle-man-tt-bruce-anstey-bounces-back-supersport/
  10. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2015/Downloads/TT_REGS_2015-14-04.pdf
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/northern-ireland/33027146
  12. 1 2 http://www.iomtt.com/News/2016/May/25/Anstey-RC213V-TT-2016.aspx
  13. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/sport/tt-road-races/2016/june/tt-2016-anstey-ok-after-fast-practice-off/
  14. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2016/Results/RST-Superbike-TT/RST%20Superbike%20Result.pdf
  15. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2016/Results/PokerStars-Senior-TT/PokerStars%20Senior%20TT%20Lap%20by%20Lap.pdf
  16. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2016/Results/PokerStars-Senior-TT/PokerStars%20Senior%20TT%20Lap%20by%20Lap.pdf
  17. 1 2 http://www.northwest200.org/the-history-of-the-nw200/
  18. http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/230335/1/nw200-dunlop-smashes-record-for-superbike-win.html
  19. http://www.crash.net/road-racing/news/230335/1/nw200-dunlop-smashes-record-for-superbike-win.htm[]
  20. "ULSTER GP: Bruce Anstey doubles up with victory in feature Superbike race", newsletter.co.uk, retrieved 2014-08-16
  21. Pinchin, Gary (2010) "Bruce Anstey: Road racing’s reclusive hero", Motorcycle News, 18 August 2010, retrieved 2010-08-28
  22. "Ulster Grand Prix: Anstey celebrates being fastest man on planet", Belfast Telegraph, 17 August 2010, retrieved 2010-08-28
  23. 1 2 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/33834806
  24. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/37069879
  25. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/northern-ireland/37069879
  26. 1 2 3 http://www.iomtt.com/Classic-TT/News/2015/08/31/Convincing-wins-for-Dunlop-and-Kneen-in-F1-F2.aspx
  27. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2015/CTT/Race-Results/F1/Formula%201%20Result%20Sheet.pdf
  28. http://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/motorcycling/classic-tt-bruce-anstey-roars-to-record-breaking-lightweight-250-victory-1-7547631
  29. http://www.iomtt.com/Classic-TT/News/2016/August/27/Record-breaking-250-win-for-TT-star-Anstey.aspx
  30. http://www.iomtt.com/Classic-TT/News/2016/August/29/Motorsport-Merchandise-Superbike-Classic-TT.aspx
  31. http://www.iomtt.com/~/media/Files/2015/CTT/Race-Results/F1/Formula%201%20Result%20Sheet.pdf
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSIR1xOCnAc
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sw_cON0GQs
  34. http://www.whyarai.co.uk/bruce-ansteys-rx7-rc.-the-fastest-helmet-at-the-iomtt-2014
  35. "New Year honours list 2015". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  36. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nw200/2010/04/rider_bruce_anstey_nz.html
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