There are some big names in the world of road racing but ‘McGuinness’ is one that almost transcends the discipline. Why? Personality, success, longevity and pure balls-out commitment to the sport. And ‘McPint’ isn’t all about the streets. His extended CV boasts a British 250cc championship, World Supersport starts and even MotoGP appearances; proving that he had the pace and skills to rub shoulders with the world’s best as well as the hedgerows of the Isle of Man. It is around the famous TT course where he stamped his authority and earned celebrity status. The Englishman gathered the first of his 23 TT wins at the end of the last century, at the age of 25, and subsequently added almost 50 more podiums. He totaled numerous lap records (including the first 130mph average lap speed in 2007) and celebrated 23 wins to stand as the most decorated racer on the Island outside of the Dunlop family. Most of the silverware came with Honda machinery and from smaller cylinder engines – 250s and 400s – to rasping 1000cc Superbikes. He even aced the electric ‘TT Zero’ race two years in a row with the exotic Mugen. Loved by fans for his down-to-earth and relatable nature and brave fightbacks from injury, and respected by racing peers around the globe, John is still a big pull wherever he goes.