Honda honours John McGuinness with special Isle of Man TT livery
Honda has launched a special TT livery for John McGuinness, who celebrates his 30th anniversary of competing at the Isle of Man.
Honda Racing UK has revealed a special livery in honour of 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness.
McGuinness is currently racing the new livery in the Superbike TT race, which is the first race of this year’s event after TT organisers postponed the opening Superstock race due to low clouds on Saturday.
McGuinness made a name for himself at the TT in just his second appearance at the event, securing his first podium that same year (1997). His first win came in 1999, and since then the road racing legend has added another 22 wins to his name, putting him third on the all-time TT winners list.
Speaking before today’s Superbike TT race, McGuinness said:
“I’ve said it before but sometimes people forget how proud I am to be able to wear the number one plate and ride for the factory Honda race team. Back in 2013 I was lucky enough to pay tribute to Joey Dunlop wearing his paint and leathers, but to be here honouring my own career feels quite surreal. I’ll just go out and enjoy my racing like I always do, hit my spots and ride the best race I can.”
McGuinness has also produced some of the more iconic moments at the TT, including breaking the 130mph lap barrier in 2007. McGuinness also produced a dominant victory in the Senior TT race in 2015, setting his fastest ever lap around the 37 ¾ mile circuit in the process, thanks to a speed of 132.701mph.
Honda Racing UK Team Principal, Neil Fletcher, added:
“John’s performance in practice week at the TT races this year is vintage McGuinness. Always smiling, always with time for the huge line of fans that forms every time he stands still and still fast and smooth as silk on track.
“I’ve always said that a happy rider is a fast rider and John looks happy whenever he’s at the TT races. The 30 years of TT racing Fireblade looks amazing, the perfect nod to where it all began for John but at the same time looking like it’s ready to reach for the top step on the podium.”
McGuinness is unlikely to be a challenger for race wins at the 2026 event, with team-mate Dean Harrison heading into the six-lap Superbike TT race as the firm favourite.
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
