McGuinness Talks 18th TT Win (Video)

2012 Isle of Man TT

The man who holds the outright Isle of Man TT lap record of 131.578 mph around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course (2009) is one victory closer to tying with the legendary Joey Dunlop, who holds 26 TT wins.

Following his dominate performance at the six-lap Dainese Superbike TT Saturday, John McGuinness, known locally on the IOM as the “Morecambe Missle,” now has 18 victories.

The Honda TT Legends rider piloted his CBR1000RR Fireblade with usual McGuinness finesse, holding off early challenges from Wilson Craig Racing Honda’s Cameron Donald. By mid race, he had a six-second lead over Donald.

Following two slick pit stops, and the fastest lap of the day – a 130.483 mph – McGuinness took the win over Donald by 14.86 seconds; his victory, his seventh Superbike TT race win, would arrive with a new fastest finish in the Dainese Superbike TT. Taking the final podium position at the Dainese SBK event was eight-time TT winner Bruce Anstey aboard the Padgett’s MMCG Racing Honda CBR1000RR.

John McGuinness (Honda TT Legends CBR1000RR) says: “This feels pretty special. I’ve won a few around here in the past and, to be honest, I never know what to say and going off at number one again, it was just me, the track and the stopwatch. There were a lot of leaves on the track first thing and a bit of mist swirling around over the Mountain so I was a bit tentative on the first lap, just feeling my way into the race. After that though, conditions were good and I felt strong everywhere, so I just read my boards once I’d got the lead.

“Cameron was really on it to begin with it but, after two fantastic pit stops, I had a real good go on laps three and five, hitting all my apexes and concentrating really hard.

“There was a big crowd out there and I got a bit emotional when I went through the Creg on the last lap as it reminded me of how I used to wave at Joey all those years ago! I’ve had a good start to the season, getting in plenty of races and there’s no substitute for track time. I’m not getting any younger but I’m really happy with everything at the moment and am enjoying my racing as much as ever. I’ve got to say a big thank you to all my team and family – I’ve got a great group of people behind me and to be sitting here with 18 wins is just incredible.”

McGuinness will try to add to his TT tally Monday at the first Monster Energy Supersport race and the Royal London 360 Superstock TT, both run over four laps, riding Padgetts Honda machinery.

Attached below is a video of McGuinness, Donald and Anstey on the Dainese Superbike TT podium; for a report of the Dainese TT, including full race results, click here.

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