Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness has announced he will not ride for the Bikesure-sponsored Norton Motorcycles team in this weekend’s festival.
McGuinness is some weeks short of full fitness after breaking his right leg, four vertebrae and ribs in what was described as a “horror crash” in Ireland last May.
He had anticipated being fit enough to race but there was a complication when a crack appeared on the healing leg break which put back his recovery.
In his column in Motorcycle News, McGuinness revealed he will travel across the Irish Sea from his home in Morecambe to enjoy the TT festival but he definitely won’t be getting in the saddle to race, though he does hope to complete some gentle parade laps.
Much of his time will be spent on promotional work with Norton Motorcycles, Dunlop tyres and with the Manx government but he said he was also looking forward to enjoying the roar of the bikes, the spectacle of the racing and the odd seaside ice cream with family and friends.
In his column, McGuinness explained: “I absolutely love watching at the TT. It blows me away and even after all these years it gives me that unreal feeling as I hear a motorbike coming in the distance absolutely flat-out. It’s unique.”
He added he knew it would be difficult being there but not racing.
He joked that he wished he could down the Isle of Man ferry to delay this year’s event for a couple of weeks, by which time he is confident he would be fit for the road.
McGuinness qualifies as a true TT legend having claimed 23 wins in the big race. Since 2013 a bend on the A3 Snaefell Mountain Course has been named in his honour in recognition of his incredible TT record.
Josh Brookes, whom in 2013 became the fastest-ever TT newcomer clocking an average lap speed of 127.726 mph, is now stepping up as lead rider for the Norton team.
Here’s more about Bikesure’s partnership with Norton Motorcycles and the offers available for owners.
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