TT star McGuinness back in action
Fresh from his staggering success at the Isle of Man TT’s Centenary celebrations, John McGuinness was on top form for his return to short circuit racing.
After claiming victory in the Superbike and Senior races at the TT, taking his tally of wins to 13, McGuinness returned to the British Supersport championship at the weekend.
The sixth round of the series, at Mondello Park, was a difficult race for the British Supersport Championship with several red flags and the tragic loss of Guy Sanders, who suffered fatal injuries in a race accident.
McGuinness, who smashed records during the TT on his way to setting a new outright lap record of more than 130mph, remained composed despite the difficulties and brough the Padgett’s Honda home in a fighting fourth place, his best result so far this year.
Heavy rain during practice meant several competitors, including Morecambe’s McGuinness, didn’t take to the track for the second qualifying session. His 10th fastest time from the opening session saw him line up on the third row of the grid.
McGuinness enjoyed a good start and was up to sixth by lap eight. The race was interrupted by two red flags, but started again for a nine-lap sprint to the flag.
He slotted into sixth again and chased the leading pack hard. Billy McConnell and Michael Laverty tangled, promoting McGuinness to fourth. The TT superstar was closing in on third place when the chequered flag was shown.
Fourth place gave McGuinness, who has the third highest number of TT victories, 13 points and consolidated his fifth place in the championship table.
McGuinness said:
‘It’s always a bit difficult coming back to the short circuits having spent two weeks at the TT, as they require a completely different mindset, but as the weekend went on, we got closer and closer and I’m really pleased with the fourth place finish.’
‘The rain and red flags made it difficult for everyone, but we got stuck in and did the best job we could. I was especially happy with the consistent lap times I was doing and the bike was working brilliantly allowing me to close up on the front pack and get my best result of the year.
‘It’s been a very good day for the Padgett’s team and we’ve proved once again we’re more than a match for anyone.’
The next outing for McGuinness will be the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend, where he will be appearing on his TT-winning HM Plant Honda Fireblade before heading to Knockhill in Scotland on July 1st for the next round of the British Supersport Championship.
Phil Wain