HM Plant SBK tijdens de 'grote 3' ... Padgett's voor de rest ...
McGuinness signs deal with Honda UK and Padgett's for 2007
Eleven times Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness has signed a deal with
Honda UK that will see him line up in the colours of both HM Plant and Padgett's Motorcycles for the 2007 season. The Morecambe rider, who scored a sensational hat trick at last year's TT Races, will ride in the Superbike class for the official HM Plant Honda team at all three of the International road races - the North West 200, Isle of Man TT Races and Ulster Grand Prix - where he is sure to be in contention for more honours. He will also ride a HM Plant Honda Fireblade in the Isle of Man TT Superstock race.
A significant part of the deal is that McGuinness will contest a full season of short circuit racing in the British Supersport Championship, this time under the Padgett's Motorcycles banner, where he will line up alongside Dennis Hobbs. This marks a return to the class for McGuinness for the first time since 2002, when he contested the World Championship, a year after he claimed third spot in the British title. The new deal sees the 34-year old link up with the Batley based Padgett's family for the first time in his career, following in the footsteps of some illustrious names who have ridden for the family concern, one of the staunchest supporters of British motorcycle racing.
McGuinness will also ride the Padgett's CBR600 Honda in the Supersport races on the roads and a clearly delighted John commented:
"It's taken a while but I've finally been able to put together a deal for 2007 and I'm over the moon with the way it's all turned out. There were a number of other interesting offers on the table but, after the success I had this year, I never wanted to leave Honda and it's just been a matter of getting all the smaller details confirmed. Riding in the British Championships is still very important to me and getting a good ride there was crucial so it was just a question of sorting out which team I'd be riding for. It will be another very tough year as the competition is going to be intense but I'm confident of going out there and delivering the goods with the Centenary TT being very high on the agenda."
McGuinness will have some pre-season testing in February and March before
the British Championship season kicks off at Brands Hatch on April 9th
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