Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness looks set to miss this year’s event after breaking his leg in a crash yesterday.
The Honda rider was taking part in qualifying for the North West 200, the Northern Irish road race that is seen by many as the traditional warm-up for the TT, when he fell at the high speed Primrose Hill section. The session was immediately stopped and the 46-year-old, who has won 23 TTs, was taken by ambulance to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital. McGuinness was conscious throughout, but was later confirmed to have broken his right tibula and fibula. The rider underwent surgery to plate the injury and looks almost certain to miss out on this year’s TT races.
The accident is bad news for McGuinness’ Honda Racing squad, which has endured a troubled preparation for this year’s TT races. Last month McGuinness dislocated a thumb after crashing during a Dunlop tyre test at Wiltshire’s Castle Combe circuit, while high profile team-mate Guy Martin has been off the pace. The Lincolnshire TV personality had a small off in practice and qualified way back in 19th in the superbike races, 27th in supersport and 16th in superstock.
Honda Racing also withdrew Martin from Thursday’s superstock race at the North West as they were unable to ascertain the reason for McGuinness’ crash due to the bike being held by the event organisers. Guy did race in the supersport race, finishing a lowly 23rd.
