In this new section, we are not going to directly discuss the motorcycle Grands Prix. Instead, we'll delve into the history of the world's most prestigious race. The Tourist Trophy. The mere mention of this name gives shivers to some enthusiasts. A quick reminder for newcomers: the “TT” is a legendary race, taking place every year in June on the Isle of Man, a small independent dependency located between England and Northern Ireland. It takes place on a circuit of more than 60 km, traced on the roads since 1907.
Once again, we are tackling a real piece here. John McGuinness, a true living legend. At 48 years old, he's still capable of sharpening on two wheels and won't be letting go of the handlebars any time soon. “Designed for speed”, as he puts it so well.
Since he was very young, McGuinness has been immersed in the world of motorcycles, his father running a garage. However, he will wait until he is 18 to debut on the legendary circuit ofAintree, as part of an endurance race, at the end of 1990.
Passionate about Tourist trophy and wanting to do it one day, like all bikers, young Johnny doesn't give up. Race after race, fall after fall, here he was at the start of his first TT in 1996. His first victory came three years later, in the 250cc category. For the record, he participated in a few Grand Prix rounds at the end of the 1990s, without much success.
And since then, he hasn't stopped winning. In 2006, he even achieved the hat-trick Supersport,
Superbike et Senior while lowering the lap record. Record that he exploded in 2007. Then in 2009. Currently, he has 23 victories along the mountain. Only the late Joey Dunlop did better, with 26 units.*
Passers-by seeing a living legend perform at the 2010 Tourist Trophy. Photo: Agljones
John seemed capable of chasing his mentor's record. Unfortunately, a serious injury slows down the "Morecambe missile" during the tests of the North West 200 2017. Vertebrae affected, in addition to broken ribs and multiple fractures to the right leg.
His long partnership with Honda came to an end. It is clear that McGuinness will struggle to win the race again, but he is nonetheless an exceptional competitor, who, despite injuries, is still racing. In 2019, he reconnected with the winged brand via Padgett's for the Supersport races, which he finished in 15th and 17th place.
McGuinness is an institution, an encyclopedia in himself. Better than anyone, he analyzes the route with an expert eye, while knowing how to save time to stay on his wheels. Maybe slower than a Peter hickman ou Michael Dunlop on a tour, but more regular over the years.
John is a very generous person. Everyone can identify with him and in this sense, it is possible to say that he masterfully took over the role of
Joey Dunlop as a “people’s pilot”. This year he was crowned a member of the British Empire. Well Named. What McGuinness brought to his sport is undeniable, as is his love for speed, regardless of the mount. A great among the greats.
The king. Photo: Agljones, TT 2013.
Cover photo: Ken Long
