John McGuinness’s guide to enjoying the Isle of Man TT
Honda Racing has one of the bona fide TT ‘greats’ on its team in the form of John McGuinness MBE. As a 23-time winner of the event and the all-time record holder of 47 podium appearances, McGuinness first travelled to the Isle of Man at the age of 10 with his father and has an unrivalled passion for all things TT-related.
Who better, then, to ask for a bit of a guide to getting the most out of the most famous motorcycle race in the world? Having first competed in the Lightweight TT some 29 years ago - riding a Honda then as he does today - McGuinness has the knowledge and a passion for the island, the people and the race like few others.
Q: You’re back in the paddock, John, what is it that keeps you coming back to the TT?
A: “It’s work, it’s our job as riders. But it is special for so many reasons, not least that you can go to so many circuits in Britain and around the world that are open all throughout the year, but only once each year do they close off 38 miles for you to go roaring round. I’m very lucky that I am still competitive and that I get to be part of the Honda team. But whatever reason you come to the TT, I always say to people that if they come and they don’t enjoy it, then I’ll give them their money back. There really is something for everyone.”
Q: Is there a particular section of the track that, if you get it right, really tells you it’s a good lap?
“All of it, really. You can’t be strong in some parts of the track and struggling in others, you just have to string it all together. The ideal average speed now is getting on for 135 mph in the big classes, it’s something that seems completely nuts. There are lots of places that stand out and give you a thrill at that speed - well over 200 mph in places. I’ve got my own named corner on the track now, which is fantastic. But the whole experience is unique: you’re at sea level, you climb up the mountain, you’re going over the hilltop and then you come flying down the mountain. It’s just got every type of corner and every type of challenge. Everywhere will bite you in a breath, so it’s about getting your risk management right and the planets lined up - you don’t get a handbook!”
Q: If someone is coming to the TT for the first time, what is the must-see section of the track?
“You’ve got a hell of a lot to go at! For me, if it’s your first time, you should go somewhere where it’s flat-out. Go somewhere fast - the bottom of Bray Hill, Gorse Lea, the end of the Cronk-y-Voddy straight, bottom of Barregarrow, K-Tree, Hillberry - somewhere you’re only a couple of feet from bikes doing 180 mph. That gives you the real feeling of something that doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. Nothing else comes near it.”
Q: What should you take with you to make the most of your vantage point?
“Assuming that you’re standing at a fast and scary bit, then, as a newcomer, you want a bag full of sandwiches, a couple of tins of pop, or some ale, for while you’re out there, and the TT Live Pass app is essential. It’s the best £23.99 you’ll ever spend, the value for money is insane. Other than that, you won’t go far wrong with butties, beer, a sun hat and a warm coat!”
