- The winner of the 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, part of the 54th Macau Grand Prix, was Steve Plater, riding for AIM Yamaha, with a race time of 37:03.845.
- John McGuinness finished second, 4.120 seconds behind, and set a new lap record of 2:26.096 seconds.
- The race featured intense competition, with Steve Plater securing his second consecutive victory after a critical moment on the final lap.
Race Overview
The 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix was a significant event within the 54th Macau Grand Prix, held on November 18, 2007. It showcased top international road racers, including former or current Superbike World Championship competitors and stars from events like the Isle of Man TT.
Winner and Top Finishers
Steve Plater’s victory marked his second successive win, highlighting his dominance in this challenging street circuit race. John McGuinness, a notable rival, not only finished second but also set a new lap record, adding to the race’s excitement.
Unexpected Detail: 600 Class Victory
An additional layer of competition was the 600 class, where Steve Allan won for the third year in a row, beating Rico Penzkofer by over 12 seconds, showcasing the depth of talent across different categories.
Comprehensive Analysis of the 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix
The 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, part of the 54th Macau Grand Prix, stands as a notable event in the history of international road racing, particularly for its inclusion of both motorcycle and car races on the challenging Guia Circuit in Macau. This analysis delves into the details of the motorcycle race, providing a thorough examination of the results, key participants, and contextual factors that shaped the event.
Event Context and Significance
The Macau Grand Prix, first held in 1954, has evolved into a prestigious motorsport event, featuring a mix of Formula 3, touring car, GT3, and motorcycle races. The motorcycle race, in particular, is renowned for attracting former and current racers from the Superbike World Championship and legendary open-road races like the Isle of Man TT. In 2007, the event was marked by discussions about its economic impact, with local politicians suggesting potential relocation to Cotai to alleviate pressure on residents and visitors, though this did not materialize at the time (Macau Grand Prix – Wikipedia).
The 2007 edition, formally the 54th Polytec Macau Grand Prix, included the motorcycle race as a highlight, scheduled alongside other major races like the Formula 3 Grand Prix. This integration underscores the event’s status as a unique street circuit race accommodating both cars and motorcycles, a distinction noted in various historical accounts (Macau Grand Prix – Wikipedia).
Race Results and Key Performances
The 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix saw Steve Plater emerge as the winner, riding for the AIM Yamaha team, with a total race time of 37:03.845. This victory marked his second consecutive win, following a dramatic final lap where he and his rival, John McGuinness, encountered lapped riders at the Melco Hairpin. Plater’s ability to navigate this situation allowed him to pull ahead by over four seconds, securing his position at the top (Macau Grand Prix: Steve Plater wins in Macau).
John McGuinness, on the Stobart Honda, finished second, 4.120 seconds behind Plater, and notably set a new lap record of 2:26.096 seconds during the race. This performance added to his legacy, having previously won the race in 2001, and highlighted his competitive edge despite the final lap challenge (Macau Grand Prix: Steve Plater wins in Macau).
The full results, as reported by Motorcycle News, provide a detailed look at the top finishers, as shown in the table below:
Position | Rider | Team | Time Gap / Behind |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Steve Plater | AIM Yamaha | 37:03.845 |
2 | John McGuinness | Stobart Honda | +4.120 |
3 | Thomas Hinterreiter | Yamaha Austria Racing | +10.391 |
4 | Jeremy Toye | Lee’s Cycles Racing Suzuki | +42.151 |
5 | Conor Cummins | Yamaha DMR Racing | +45.650 |
6 | Mark Miller | Honda Corona Extra | +50.560 |
7 | Les Shand | Honda BTS Racing | +57.247 |
8 | James McBride | Yamaha JV Racing | +1:06.028 |
9 | Luis Carreira | Suzuki Benimoto Yoshimura | +1:09.980 |
10 | Martin Finnegan | MV Agusta | +1:10.429 |
11 | Michael Rutter | Aviva MSS Kawasaki | +1:14.775 |
12 | Steve Allan (600) | AIM Yamaha | +1:35.066 |
13 | Cameron Donald | Kawasaki Bollinger | +1:44.882 |
14 | Rico Penzkofer (600) | Yamaha Austria Racing | +1:47.637 |
15 | Dennis Hobbs | Yamaha Slingshot Racing | +1:49.721 |
This table reflects the competitive nature of the race, with a mix of established names like Michael Rutter, known for his multiple victories in previous years, and emerging talents like Conor Cummins and Jeremy Toye.
Additional Categories and Noteworthy Details
Beyond the main race, the 600 class added another layer of competition, with Steve Allan securing victory for the third consecutive year on the AIM Yamaha, beating Rico Penzkofer by over 12 seconds. This detail, while not directly part of the main race results, underscores the depth of the event, catering to different motorcycle categories and showcasing consistent performers (Macau Grand Prix: Steve Plater wins in Macau).
Plater’s win was particularly notable given his physical condition, having suffered a big crash the previous week at the Qatar Eight Hour, which caused arm pump and affected his accuracy during the race. Despite clipping walls with his shoulder and head, his resilience shone through, adding a human element to his triumph (Macau Grand Prix: Steve Plater wins in Macau).
Historical and Comparative Context
Historically, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has been dominated by British riders, a trend evident in 2007 with Plater, McGuinness, and others like Michael Rutter, who has a record number of victories. This dominance is often attributed to the British riders‘ experience in similar street and open-road races, as noted in historical analyses (Macau Grand Prix Records and Stats | Devitt). The 2007 race continued this trend, with Plater’s victory reinforcing the British presence in the event’s annals.
Comparatively, the 2007 race was part of a broader motorsport season that saw changes in MotoGP regulations, such as the introduction of 800cc motorcycles, though these changes were more relevant to the world championship rather than the Macau event (2007 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season – Wikipedia). The Macau race, however, maintained its unique street circuit challenge, with speeds and lap times reflecting the riders‘ ability to navigate the tight, urban layout.
Conclusion
The 2007 Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, within the 54th Macau Grand Prix, was a testament to the skill and bravery required for street circuit racing, with Steve Plater’s victory and John McGuinness’s lap record standing out as key achievements. The detailed results, including the 600 class win by Steve Allan, provide a comprehensive picture of the event’s competitive landscape, offering insights into the riders, teams, and the enduring appeal of this iconic race.
Key Citations
