John McGuinness enters the IoM TT record books

John McGuinness enters the records books for the third time in one week at the Isle of Man TT. As perfect weather greeted the riders today, John blew the lap record apart aboard his HM Plant Honda during the Senior Race at the Tourist Trophy.

Taking the lead by Glen Helen, John was to break the existing record on the first lap with a time of 17min 39.95secs, and a speed of 128.146mph from a standing start.

John kept up his blistering pace and increased the record to an amazing 17min 29.26secs, at a speed of 129.451mph - increasing his lead on lap three of the race to 20.99secs over second placed rider Cameron Donald. John increased his lead to 30 seconds at Ballaugh Bridge, but Cameron clawed the deficit down to 20 seconds on the final lap.

John said afterwards, “This bike was specifically built for the TT, and it’s never missed a beat. It’s worked perfectly - the conditions have been getting better throughout the week. It was an awesome race - I pushed from the start and the bike done us proud. It was mega hot out there, but the job was done after four laps. There were so many spectators around the course it was like a British Superbike meeting, so thanks for all the support.”

When asked about his top speed, John said, “Top speeds have never lifted my skirts up - it is the race wins I am interested in. I am proud to have my name on the trophy. My good friend DJ [David Jefferies] is on there, and I am on it twice. I nearly dropped it on the podium - it’s a heavy trophy, six laps and trying to pick that up.”

John now enters the records book as being one of the most successful riders to take the most wins, by taking his tally to 11 wins - alongside the likes of the late, great Steve Hislop, and Phillip McCallen, as the third most successful riders in 99 years of TT history.

John has also taken the accolade of being the first rider ever to break the 128 and 129mph barrier. I feel sure John will be back next year and, who knows, that all elusive 130mph barrier doesn’t appear to be that far away now.

An amazing TT week and one that will live in the minds of those who watched it unfold for years to come - well done John.

Top ten finishers:
1 John McGuinness
2 Cameron Donald
3 Bruce Anstey
4 Ian Lougher
5 Guy Martin
6 Carl Rennie
7 Davey Morgan
8 Raymond Porter
9 Nigel Beattie
10 Gary Carswell