John McGuinness wins Historic Senior race on Isle of Man 30 years on from TT debut

Morecambe motorbike ace John McGuinness dominated to win the Historic Senior race at the Classic TTs.

McGuinness was victorious in Monday's three-lap race around the iconic Mountain Course where 'The Morecambe Missile' has made his name, at the Classic TTs.

His win on a Winfield Paton was his first since he won at the Classic TTs on a similar bike in 2019, coming in 26.8 seconds ahead of Shaun Anderson. Mike Browne finished third.

McGuinness, 54, started well and pulled away from the field throughout the race, to notch another win in his remarkable career which has seen him win 23 times at the TT Races.

The Classic TT is held every August on the island, with riders using classic racing machines.

"Honestly, I love that feeling, getting waved into that enclosure,” said McGuinness, speaking to Manx Radio.

“The bike was flying, she was bouncing off the limiter in top [gear].

“Up the mountain she was pulling and pulling - lovely

“I had a bit too much free play in the clutch; I was panicking.

“I was having to adjust it myself, a bit of on-the-road adjustments. But beautiful conditions out there.

“There are a few fans out there. Everyone cheered me on that last lap; I really appreciate it.

“I've got to thank Roger and his team; they’ve worked hard on this bike.

“We’ve broke down a few times with it, won on it a few times, had a bit of bad luck with it.

“Talking about singing - my ears are ringing! It’s the only thing I wear earplugs on.

“On a Superbike, I don’t. But on this, I tried it and it’s impossible.

“Lovely three laps out on the Mountain Course. I love it.

“I wish I was 24, not 50. But the bike’s never really missed a beat all week."

This year the event is celebrating John's 30-year career in the Isle of Man, including with a pop-up exhibition of memorabilia.

He finished third in the Historic Junior Classic TT race on Saturday. 

Earlier this year, 'McPint' celebrated his first start at his 30th anniversary TT races with a fifth place finish in the RST Superbike.

Read more: John McGuinness earns podium finish as Classic TTs celebrate his iconic 30-year career - Beyond Radio