As he heads towards 50, road riding legend John McGuinness will return to the Tourist Trophy in 2022, riding the factory Honda CBR1000RR-R. "McPint", a 23-time winner of the world’s most prestigious road race, has decided to jump back on the Japanese bike as he prepares to reach the milestone of 100 TT race starts. He will also compete in the North West 200 a few weeks earlier, a race that almost brought his career to an end in 2017 (again with Honda).
“What can I say really, it's like coming back home to the family,” comments McGuinness said. “It's the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade, I'll be 50 years old and also celebrating my 100th TT start, so it feels like it's meant to be. I can't wait to get stuck in!”
Glenn Irwin to make his TT debut
McGuinness will be joined by Glenn Irwin, current Honda Racing UK rider in British Superbike. Although he will be one of the favourites at the North West 200, considering the number of race wins he’s amassed with Ducati and Kawasaki in recent years, he’ll be making his TT debut and will be up against some very stiff competition. But his experience in other road races, such as the Macau GP, could nevertheless see him become one of the dangerous newcomers of all time.
"Finally, I’ll be making my long-awaited TT debut with Honda”, says Irwin. "We have no expectations for the Isle of Man TT, we’re going there to learn and enjoy. It’s incredible to have someone like John as my teammate, he’s probably the second greatest TT rider after Joey Dunlop, so to be able to share the garage with him is something I am really excited about”.
Translated by Heather Watson
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