John McGuinness, one of the most successful riders in the history of the Isle of Man TT motorcycle races, has been awarded an MBE. Known as the Morecambe Missile, John is the second most successful TT rider of all time behind the late Joey Dunlop.
The Morecambe man follows in the footsteps of his idol, Northern Ireland’s Joey Dunlop, plus fellow motorcycling stars such as John Surtees, Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene, Carl Fogarty and World Superbike king Jonathan Rea, who have been acknowledged for their achievements in the sport with the honour.
McGuinness has won 23 races at the Isle of Man TT and is the second most successful rider ever at the TT behind Ballymoney legend Dunlop, who has 26 victories.
The 48 year old said: “I’m thoroughly humbled to receive an MBE and when I started racing all those years ago, never in a million years did I think I’d go on to achieve the success that I have let alone be recognised and honoured by the Queen!”
Gary Thompson MBE BEM, ACU Ltd commented “This is fantastic news, not only for John himself but also for motorcycle sport. McPint has had a fabulous career in Road Racing, he is a great ambassador for the sport and it is only right he has been recognised in this way”