Guy Martin joins Honda Racing for 2017 TT
McGuinness and Martin team up for 2017 assault on the Manx roads
McGuinness of course commands huge respect among the road racing community and beyond but Honda will be keen to benefit from Martin's star quality and genuine - if seemingly reluctant - TV celeb status to help publicise the new Fireblade they'll both be riding. As such Martin and McGuinness are only to race in Superbike classes on the 'blade SP2. The big question for Guy's fanbase is, of course, whether or not this partnership can at last bring him the long-awaited TT success he's craved.
With 15 podiums under his belt, Guy is one of the most successful TT racers not to stand on the top step. While the vastly experienced Honda team are certain to give Guy the bike and technical back-up to make this year his best shot to date, there is one Morecambe based obstacle in his way - McGuinness!
"I had a lot of thinking to do before I committed and said yes to joining the team," said Guy. "I spent a lot of time on my push bike to and from work, thinking about what to do. I didn't want to grow old regretting not giving the Honda a go, and the more time passes since making the decision, the more time I've thought it is the right decision. John is the man, I've got massive respect for him and I'm looking forward to racing on the Fireblade against him."
McGuinness shares the anticipation too. "I'm excited to have Guy as my new teammate; we've enjoyed many a racing battle over the years and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can both do," says McGuinness. "I know the old model like the back of my hand and have taken a lot of my TT wins with the old girl, so I can't wait to get out on track and try the new machine out. I have a good feeling about this year and think we have a really good package to show that we mean business. I of course would like another TT win and I would quite like my lap record back! I always say when it's broken that the lads are just borrowing it and I hope this year that this is the case."
There is one interesting point left unresolved - will Guy race in the Supersport TT? He is still linked to Triumph with his World Speed Record attempt and the Daytona 675 is right on the pace at the TT, as Guy proved in 2015. Honda has discontinued its CBR600RR and, as such, may be open for Guy racing a Triumph. Though it might be a little awkward if Guy wins the Supersport TT on a Triumph and not the Superbike class on a Honda...
Martin ? If he was going to win one he would have done so by now. Time to bow out gracefully old bean.
Some people seem to think hes not very good...
Also great to see McGuinness back for another crack, the man is a legend and fully deserves to be on a competitive bike, should he retire? Maybe, but while your still quick and can give the young lads a run for there money then why stop? He obviously lives for the TT and loves his riding which really shows through in every interview he does, he's always enthusiastic and that's exactly what the TT needs.
Safe riding lads!
But it will be very interesting to see how Guy competes with John.
John is still competitive for podiums but a finished a long way behind both Dunlop and Hutchinson in the Superbike races in 2016 [i.e. a full minute] so I think his best is definitely past him
I guess it boils down to how good the works Honda will be, if they throw money at it and it’s the best bike on the circuit then they have a chance winning
What would be even more interesting is if Honda also signed Michael Dunlop as he hasn’t announced who he is riding for
Interesting times!
But it will be very interesting to see how Guy competes with John.
John is still competitive for podiums but a finished a long way behind both Dunlop and Hutchinson in the Superbike races in 2016 [i.e. a full minute] so I think his best is definitely past him
I guess it boils down to how good the works Honda will be, if they throw money at it and it’s the best bike on the circuit then they have a chance winning
What would be even more interesting is if Honda also signed Michael Dunlop as he hasn’t announced who he is riding for
Mcpint will get his usual TT Zero win after that it'll be pretty open but he might have a Triumph for the 600 class although the new R6 will take some beating.
I'm sure the CBR600RR is still eligble to race btw. Homologation certainly used to last 5 years from date of last manufacturer.
Questions, questions. How much short circuit racing has Guy got to do in the next couple of months before getting back his TT course license or are they going waive that rule? When do they release the start numbers? Will Guy go off at no.8?
I'm sure the CBR600RR is still eligble to race btw. Homologation certainly used to last 5 years from date of last manufacturer.
Questions, questions. How much short circuit racing has Guy got to do in the next couple of months before getting back his TT course license or are they going waive that rule? When do they release the start numbers? Will Guy go off at no.8?
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