Professional Kiwi superbike rider Bruce Anstey set a new lap record in the world-renowned Isle of Man TT race on Sunday morning (NZT).

A nine-time winner at what many consider the most prestigious motorcycle race in the world, the 44-year-old from Wellington had to settle for fourth overall, but his record-setting lap was a memorable one.

Anstey’s record-breaking lap came on his sixth and final trip around the 60.73km mountain course, charging home in just 17 minutes 6.682 seconds. His average speed for the lap was a remarkable 212.913kmh.

Northern Irishman Michael Dunlop was crowned overall champion and broke the lap record twice during his run before being bettered by the Kiwi rider late in the piece.

Dunlop completed his six laps in just under 1 hour 46 minutes, with Anstey just over 45 seconds back in fourth.

As depicted in the 2011 documentary TT3D: Closer to the Edge, the race is widely regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous motor racing events.

It involves racing around narrow, twisting streets, roads and lanes flanked by buildings and stone walls. Between 1907 and 2009, 241 riders have died on the course during official practices or races.