Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness has been recognised in the latest round of the New Year’s Honours announced ahead of celebrations to welcome in 2021.
The ‘Morecombe Missile’ has established himself as one of road racing’s foremost stars enjoying success at the highest level for more than 20 years, most notably on the blue riband Isle of Man TT where he has accumulated 23 victories since his first in 1999.
He has also tallied up success on the North West 200, Ulster GP and Macau Grand Prix, success that has now caught the attention of - by extension - the Royals, who have subsequently awarded him an MBE for ‘services to motorcycle racing’.
“Well I’m speechless for once! Unbelievable response from all you guys, amazing! Been reading all the messages it means so much, wish I could reply to you all. Huge thanks to everybody that has made it happen. 30 yrs of racing, now the icing on the cake an MBE.
McGuinness scored his maiden TT success in 1999 in the Lightweight category, but has enjoyed accolades across the categories, including the premier Senior TT race. He was due to compete with Kawasaki in 2020 before the TT was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
McGuinness is second on the all-time winners’ list with Joey Dunlop, though he will need to wait until 2022 now if he wants to add to that tally after this year’s event was cancelled for the second successive year.
His honour comes after fellow road racer Ryan Farquhar was recognised as a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Well I’m speechless for once! Unbelievable response from all you guys, amazing! Been reading all the messages it means so much, wish I could reply to you all. Huge thanks to everybody that has made it happen. 30 yrs of racing, now the icing on the cake an MBE pic.twitter.com/jdIXGxlRxP
— John McGuinness (@jm130tt) December 31, 2020
