Isle of Man TT great John McGuinness says the idea of riding a BIC Paton at the inaugural Classic TT in 2013 is a ‘dream come true’.
The 19-times TT winner is teaming up with sponsor Roger Winfield to ride a BIC Paton machine in the 500cc Classic TT race at next year’s Classic TT.
Speaking about the plans announced at the Motorcycle Live event at Birmingham’s NEC, McGuinness said:
“Ever since the Classic TT concept was announced I have wanted to get involved and support the organisers with this exciting new idea.”
“I love the Isle of Man and I love riding a bike around the TT Mountain course, so getting the chance to do it on a really special Classic bike is a dream come true.”
McGuinness will take over Winfield’s exotic Paton from previous rider Ryan Farquhar, who retired from racing in 2012.
Together Winfield and Farquhar took five victories at the Manx Grand Prix with this bike, and fans will no doubt be looking forward to seeing the ‘Morecambe Missile’ make his classic racing debut on the Italian-built machine next August.
McGuinness added:
“I’ve already had a little run out on the bike just for a bit of fun at the Festival of Jurby during this year's Manx Grand Prix and straight away I was impressed by how good it was to ride.”
“Roger is a fantastic guy to work with and when he invited me to ride the bike at the Classic TT it was an easy decision to make.”
“I watched Ryan (Farquhar) on the bike during this year's Manx, and he looked incredible on it. The machine sounded really good as well and you could hear it for miles and miles after he had gone past.”
Bike owner Roger Winfield said:
“I’m delighted that John has agreed to ride the bike for us in the Classic TT. It is a real honour for our team to be working with one of the greatest TT riders of all time.”
“Ryan Farquhar did a terrific job for us on the bike over the past few years, and when he retired we had to replace him with a rider of the highest calibre and there is nobody better than John McGuinness to take over the reins.”