John McGuinness put in some strong performances at this week’s International North West 200 road races with the Morecambe ace showing he was back to his best form after an injury hit 2014 and with fine results in both the Superbike and Supersport races, he’s in confident mood heading into next month’s Isle of Man TT Races.

With the two qualifying sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at the Causeway Coast seeing wet and dry conditions, John fared best on the Honda Racing Superbike when he qualified in an excellent third place in the dry although an alternative grid pattern saw him put back to the second row. He was also flying on the Jackson Racing 600cc Honda, qualifying fifth in the dry and it was only the super close Superstock class where he was outside of the top ten although he was still more than happy with the performance of the EMC2 Superstock Honda.

Thursday evening’s schedule saw John out first in the Supersport race but an overshoot at the Mather’s Cross chicane on the opening lap cost him the chance of a top five position as he was docked ten seconds. However, although he was back down in 15th on time, he was circulating in close company with team-mate Conor Cummins, Dan Kneen and Keith Amor and their pace meant that John crossed the line seventh on the road and tenth overall.

Saturday’s main race day saw the Causeway Coast afflicted by weather conditions with dry, sunny weather interspersed with heavy showers, which made it difficult for everyone concerned and, after the first Superstock race was cancelled due to two incidents, John’s first full race was the second Supersport 600cc encounter.

Two strong laps enabled John to move up to an excellent fifth as he edged away from the group behind him but a rain shower at University on the fourth lap saw him ease off slightly, which allowed Keith Amor and Dean Harrison to overhaul him. Next time around, the track was dry but the damage had been done and he had to settle for seventh at the chequered flag.

The opening Superbike race was up next with John out on the Honda Racing machine and although sixth place wasn’t the result he wanted, it was an extremely competitive ride as he was only four seconds off the race win and part of a thrilling race that saw six riders running in close formation throughout.

With the day continuing to be hit by mixed weather and delays, John then suffered some bad luck when a holed radiator on the warm up lap meant he was unable to start the Superstock race on the EMC2 Honda. That just left the feature Superbike race but with winds of 40mph hitting the course and with the time already 7.15pm, organisers took the decision to cancel the race on safety grounds.

John McGuinness: “It’s been a tough day for everyone, the organisers, the marshals, the riders, the teams and the spectators and it’s definitely some of the worst conditions I’ve raced in, especially the wind, I’ve never known it to be so strong. There’s nothing we can do about it and it is what it is so it’s a real shame for everyone concerned whilst I was also detuned a bit by seeing a crash in Saturday morning’s Superstock race.”

“When we got a clean run, I was able to be competitive though in all classes and I was well pleased with my Superbike ride. I was aggressive on the first lap and was only a couple of seconds off the lead so I’ve got to be happy. The BMW’s were so fast down the straight and it would have been easy to settle for a position but I fought all the way to the end and had no problems with my wrist.”

“I enjoyed both 600cc races and the bike’s mint – the engine's good, it handles well and the team have given me a great little bike so it’s looking good for the TT. Only bad luck prevented me from getting out on the Stocker but we’ve been strong and competitive all week so I’m feeling good. Massive thanks to all the teams and sponsors for all their support this year – they’ve all come together to give me some great bikes and I’m determined to repay them all this season.”

John will now head to the Isle of Man TT Races where he’ll be looking to add to his tally of 21 wins and 42 podiums. Practice gets underway on Saturday 30th May with the first race, the Superbike, on the following Saturday.

Picture by Pacemaker Press International