John McGuinness: It’s looking good for the Isle of Man TT

After an injury-hit 2014 the Morecambe Missile put in a some strong performances at the North West 200 at the weekend with the iconic festival of racing looming large at the end of the month.

McGuinness recorded three top-10 finishes in difficult conditions in Northern Ireland with all eyes now on further enhancing his status as a TT great as he looks to improve on 21 wins and 42 podiums.

The Honda ace finished seventh and 10th in the two 600cc Supersport races and sixth in the solitary Superbike race, with the second being cancelled on safety grounds due to high winds.

A mechanical problem also meant McGuinness was unable to take to the start line in the Superstock race.

He said: “It’s definitely some of the worst conditions I’ve raced in, especially the wind, I’ve never known it to be so strong.

“When we got a clean run, I was able to be competitive though in all classes and I was well pleased with my Superbike ride.

“I was aggressive on the first lap and was only a couple of seconds off the lead so I’ve got to be happy.

“The BMWs were so fast down the straight and it would have been easy to settle for a position but I fought all the way to the end and had no problems with my wrist.

“I enjoyed both 600cc races and the bike’s mint – the engine’s good, it handles well and the team have given me a great little bike so it’s looking good for the TT.

“Only bad luck prevented me from getting out on the Stocker but we’ve been strong and competitive all week so I’m feeling good.

“Massive thanks to all the teams and sponsors for all their support this year – they’ve all come together to give me some great bikes and I’m determined to repay them all this season.”

TT practice gets underway on Saturday, May 30, with the first race, on Superbikes, the following Saturday.