RE: John McGuinness: PH Meets

RE: John McGuinness: PH Meets

Tuesday 6th September 2016

John McGuinness: PH Meets

The TT's King Of the Mountain on why he's not ready to retire yet



It's credit to John McGuinness's humility that he's happy for the biography on his official site to describe him as 'the second most successful TT rider of all time', somewhat downplaying his dominance of the event in recent years. 46 podiums and 23 wins is a formidable record and second only to the late great Joey Dunlop. Against the rising challenge of some super talented competition, including Dunlop's nephew Michael and a resurgent Ian Hutchinson, he's not slowed down, blitzing the 2015 TT Senior with and incredible ride that saw him average over 131mph from his standing start out-lap. This after a week of dominance by Dunlop and Hutchinson that had many questioning whether or not he still had it. 2016 was tougher still with no wins but enough podiums and top 10 placings to prove he's still got the pace to challenge and a determination to win that shows no signs of waning.

PH caught up with him on the recent 'job swap' with fellow Honda man and BTCC driver Gordon Shedden to find out more about what makes him tick.

TT still a huge event for John
TT still a huge event for John
You've ridden road and short circuits with great success. What are the differences between the two disciplines?
"It's the speed and danger element that makes road racing stand out. At the TT, you're flat out for quite long periods where, on a track, it's much more of a sprint up and down the gears. There's no way you can make a mistake at the TT or somewhere like the North West 200. That kind of riding isn't for everyone, and many road racers wouldn't want to go on a short circuit. I suppose I'm lucky I get the chance to do both and have had success in each."

What keeps you fired up to race?
"I still love crossing the Irish Sea for the TT, I'm doing some classic races and there's racing at Macau. There's also the Le Mans 24 Hours race, so I'm still living the dream. I still want to win and have the speed, so I suppose that's what keeps me going. And I'm lucky my family support everything I do."

In 2016, you're racing a Honda CBR600, Fireblade and the Mugen TT Zero electric bike. How do you deal with swapping from one to the other?
"A lot of it comes down to experience. You only get that by riding lots of different bikes and getting in as many laps as possible. At the TT, the more classes you enter, the more track time you get, so it's going to have a positive effect when you ride other bikes. The Supersports 600s are great to push around as they are so agile, while the big litre bikes need all of your attention to get the best from them. The electric bikes are completely different because there's no engine braking, so you can't just roll on and off the throttle, you have to plan and conserve energy. That's the real challenge, getting your mind into the right focus to get the best from the machine."

Road and circuit racing keeps him busy
Road and circuit racing keeps him busy
What's your favourite bike?
"Out of them all, I reckon it's the two-stroke 250 Honda I raced 20 years ago. It probably has something to do with winning the 1999 British 250 Championship on one, but I love those stink wheels. There's something about wringing everything from one that's just fun."

You've had huge success at the Isle of Man TT. Does that ease the pressure when you race there or add to the weight of expectation?
"I don't really notice it when I'm at the TT. Sure, you know there are a lot of people watching and loads of talk about who's going to win, but there's no point getting worked up about. All I can do is go out there and ride the best I can. There are so many great riders out there now and you only have to look at the lap record and how that's gone up and up to see the level of competition. I suppose sponsors and guests want you to do well and it's always great to win for the team who put the bike together and get me to the start line. But, no, I don't feel pressure about winning."


We know everyone asks you, but can you beat Joey Dunlop's 26 TT wins and how would that feel?
"It's a possibility, but it's not really on my radar. I've had such a great time in racing, met so many amazing people and had some fabulous results, if I don't match Joey, it doesn't matter. I'll never achieve what Joey did. He was five times World Formula One champion, he won all over the world, and he won on 125s which I've never managed. Joey was Joey, he was always my hero. I've had the thumbs up from the Dunlop family, so they've given their blessing so to speak. Mind you, I've had a few fans in Ireland jokingly say 'Don't you dare touch our Joey's record.' Then there's Michael Dunlop, who's much younger and such a talent, there's some magic in him as he's won 13 TTs and he's only 27."

Might be slower than a bike, but cars are still fun!
Might be slower than a bike, but cars are still fun!
When riding at the TT, do you have time to enjoy the ride?
"There are three or four places around the course where you can have a rest and a breather. You have to take that, tell yourself to get some air in your lungs, wiggle your fingers and toes. Maybe have a look down at the temperature gauge and check nothing's wrong with the bike. But the rest of it is so intense and you've got to be inch perfect everywhere. That's the key to success at the Isle of Man. I reckon you could blindfold me and I'd know where I am on the track after thousands of laps and 92 starts round the Mountain Course."

With the recent growth of the TT, you're more widely recognised. How does that affect you?
"It can be frustrating at times. I'm not on Formula 1 wages, but I'm not going to starve. The putting the helmet on bit is still the same, even if the paddock is more professional and there are more VIPs there. The TT has survived some tough times. It's made it through two World Wars, foot and mouth disease and the era when David Jeffries was killed in 2003. He was a real good mate of mine and the TT fell on its arse for a few years then. But people understand more about what the TT is now. It is dangerous, but the history and heritage outweigh that. As for fame, it's not gone to my head. Well, not yet anyway."

Any thoughts of retirement?
"I think about it and then I think of something else."

 

 

 

 

 

[Photos: LAT photo]

Author
Discussion

zeb

Original Poster:

3,193 posts

217 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
I've had many a happy time watching John on the Isle of Man, a true legend and still has it. For how many years longer....who knows?

My all time favourite rider was the late great David Jefferies who truly was a joy to watch. You could at least have checked the spelling of his name PH ???

moanthebairns

17,918 posts

197 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
I've met him half a dozen times or so, this is a remarkably powderpuff interview for the man laugh I'd expect his answers to be a bit more colourful.

DBRacingGod

609 posts

191 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
I think that's a snap of Marc 'Potski' Potter on JM's bike in that top pic. Looks like his lid design. And his wheelie.

Biker's Nemesis

38,536 posts

207 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
I've met him a few times and had the pleasure to ride on track with him, hes down to earth, funny and as fast as fk in equal measures

Debaser

5,665 posts

260 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
John McGuinness is a proper hero.

robbo_gt77

9 posts

187 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
was going to say thats not mcguiness in the first picture. Its also Jason O'hallorans bsb bike too.

Legend all the same.

wormus

14,509 posts

202 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
The guy is a hero and the way he rode in the 2015 senior left many of us with no doubt that he's still got it. He's also younger than Anstey and Rutter who did really well at the North West this year. Just got back from TT Classic/MGP and he seemed to be really enjoying himself. Top event, top riders and better weather if you haven't been.


jamespink

1,218 posts

203 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
It is hard/impossible for a car driver to appreciate what it takes to get round the Island at the speed he does, such a dangerous place to thread a bike at 150/200 mph! Awe-inspiring! Check out the YouTube vids... Scary as f***

smifffymoto

4,527 posts

204 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
Check out his youtube press conference after some races,live tv's worst nightmare.

Dakkon

7,826 posts

252 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
smifffymoto said:
Check out his youtube press conference after some races,live tv's worst nightmare.
I disagree completely, he is exactly what he says on the tin, if that is does not conform to some marketing managers wet dream of a TV sportsman that is their problem.

smifffymoto

4,527 posts

204 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
What,like losing time on the first lap because his foreskin rolled back,cracking his nuts on the tank and saying his wife would have to check they were working properley.
He tells the truth but for live tv producers would be in a state of panic.

theshrew

6,008 posts

183 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
Dakkon said:
I disagree completely, he is exactly what he says on the tin, if that is does not conform to some marketing managers wet dream of a TV sportsman that is their problem.
I can't say I've ever met him but seems a nice genuine fella.

It would be nice to see more people just say it how it is in all forms of sport. F1 is like watching performing chimps.

ZX10R NIN

27,494 posts

124 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
McPint is a true great of the sport but it does frustrate me when those interviewing just ask about the TT there are a lot of actual Road Races which are just that Races, go to the Cookstown, Skerries, Armoy, Southern 100, Ulster GP & NW200 to see what real road racing is about & to see where Mcpint & the rest cut their teeth (as you can't just rock up to the TT & race) looking forward to seeing the 2017 Blade & Japan fighting back against BMW.

DBRacingGod

609 posts

191 months

Tuesday 6th September 2016
quotequote all
I've interviewed him a few times and he is a top banana. When 'Banzai' was on TV we did a Bet Now! with McG holding his breath whilst we pinched his nose with a pair of mole grips.

Mr Tidy

22,065 posts

126 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
I think the word "legend" is used too often these days, but John McGuiness really is one!

Love the way he (and many others like Bruce Anstey, the Dunlop brothers, etc.) also rock up for the Classic TT, and also seem to enjoy that as much as the main event!

moanthebairns

17,918 posts

197 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
DBRacingGod said:
I've interviewed him a few times and he is a top banana. When 'Banzai' was on TV we did a Bet Now! with McG holding his breath whilst we pinched his nose with a pair of mole grips.
God I miss that programme.

Jellyfish

52 posts

131 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
moanthebairns said:
I've met him half a dozen times or so, this is a remarkably powderpuff interview for the man laugh I'd expect his answers to be a bit more colourful.
At the Knockhill BTCC this year they were interviewing him live over the circuit speakers. He mentioned he was in the interviewer's motorhome when he knocked his missus up. Then went on to say 'don't worry mate, i knocked my missus up in a motorhome too'...

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
That man is an outright legend.

Valentino Rossi has refused to race there, as the course is far more dangerous than a GP race, so full credit to John (and all who race there, frankly).

Top, top effort.

Digga

40,207 posts

282 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
Never owned a motorbike, possibly never will, but watching the TT is just unreal - long may the event continue - and so even as a very casual observer, I have huge respect for the riders and McGuinness is right up there with the best ever. He certainly gives the aura of being a very safe, steady and massively skilled rider. The force is definitely with him.

epom

11,400 posts

160 months

Wednesday 7th September 2016
quotequote all
John, you are some man for one man. Talented.