AFTER sealing a third-place finish in the second Monster Energy Supersport Isle of Man TT race, TV star Guy Martin lavished praise on the team for his bike’s performance and speedy pit-stop that paved the way for a podium finish.

Eastington-based Smiths Racing secured a second rostrum finish thanks to Martin, who was nine seconds clear of James Hillier. Martin ran inside the top five from the very beginning of the four lap race and gradually moved his way up into the final podium position as the race wore on. Aided by two 126mph plus laps, as well as a slick pit-stop, the 33-year-old ace brought the British-built machine home and finished in an impressive third-place.

Guy Martin said: “The bike worked a treat and it’s better than the third place I gave it. I can’t fault the team at all. When Hutchy came past me, I tried to hang on to him but he started to pull away from me and was riding brilliantly. I could see I was in third so rode my own race and just concentrated on securing the podium place.”

Team-mate David Johnson also had a fine ride on the Triumph machine as he finished in tenth place to maintain the team’s 100% finishing record at this year’s event. He posted a best lap on a Supersport machine in the finale of the Mountain Course at 125.587mph to seal a top ten spot.

It came off the back of a brilliant ride in the RL360 Superstock TT race with Johnson finishing in sixth place.