1988: Super Steve

After being runner-up again in 1987, ‘Super’ Steve would take the first of his four wins in 1988. Beta mounted Jordi Tarres was his main opposition, but knowing that it was almost impossible to challenge for the win over Saunders after he held the lead on the Friday evening he lost marks in the morning when he turned up late for the start. Saunders was only ten riders away from his main rival Tarres in the entry list with riding numbers 144 and 134 respectively, keeping the crowd very much on their toes during the six days. Their early day on the Wednesday was where cracks started to appear for Tarres as Saunders turned in a performance which would see him take the lead.

With the mono-shock Yamaha still classed very much as the machine to have at the event Phil Alderson had his best ever Scottish result with a fine third place on the Team Hamilton supported machine. John Shirt Jnr also made his debut at the event on the ex-Eddy Lejeune four-stroke Honda moving up to as high as fourth place at one point during an eventful week’s riding.

Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP): Having won in 1987, Saunders was on his case from day one in 1988.

Steve Saunders (Fantic): At last, Steve was delighted with his first win after finishing as the runner-up from 1985 to 1987.

John Shirt Jnr (Honda): Having celebrated his 17th birthday in March it was straight in at the deep end for ‘Shirty’.