My TT

When I come across to the Isle of Man nowadays everyone makes a bit of a fuss.  It wasn’t always like that!  Now I get welcomed with open arms.  The riders get classed as a bit of a hero and that’s quite nice!  

John McGuinness 2007: Getty Images

Anywhere else in the world, or even in the South of England, people think you’re mad for riding the TT. But up north and on the Island, everyone appreciates what you do.  People understand that we put our heart and soul into the fast, high speed show. That’s what the fans come to see.  They want to come and watch that close racing and it’s fantastic to be part of it. 

I’m fortunate to have won a few TT’s but to be fair I am just a bloke from Morecambe who can ride a motorbike fast.  Peoples’ attitudes have changes towards me since I started getting some wins in. 

When I first came across to the TT it was 1982.  I came with my dad to watch.  The big names then were Joey Dunlop and Graham Crosby.  They were the heros of the day and I said to myself, that’s a bit of me, you know.

My all time hero has got to be Joey Dunlop.  26 wins at the TT, ridden all makes of machines and in all the categories.  He was amazing across the board, completely amazing.

People ask me how I do it but to be honest I haven’t got a clue.  I just get on my bike and ride round!  Things have been going well and I have had a lot of success over the last few years. But the main thing is I have been really enjoying it.  I’m really excited about TT 2009.  I’ve been out in Spain doing a 6-day test to familiarise myself with the bikes.  Now I’m relaxed and looking forward to the start of the season.

John Mcguinness 2007: Getty Images

You’ve got to be prepared for the TT.  It takes 110% concentration to get round it and every part of the course has its own challenges.  Even on the easy bits of the course, if you just take your eye off the ball or lose concentration, that’s when it can catch you out.

I had a real big scare in 2005 at a place called Glen Trammon.  It scared me so much that I am rubbish through there now; I’m really slow through that part.  It’s scared me for life!

I was recently at Brands Hatch and I had a competitive ride there so it feels like I am ready to go.  Certainly as far as preparation is concerned I am ready.  Let’s go!