Roads: McGuinness: 'Let me race the North West 200!'

23-time TT winner John McGuinness has pleaded with North West 200 boss Mervyn Whyte to allow Norton to compete at the event in May.

At present, the North West 200 is run to FIM homologation rules, ruling out machines like the Norton and Honda RCV run by Padgetts at the TT. However, McGuinness is itching to get back out on the Triangle course where his career so nearly came to an end in May 2017.

“I’d love to do the North West on the Norton,” he told MCN. “There’s some sort of barrier up at the minute with the bike and the rules, but I think the North West needs bikes like the Norton and the RCV.

“If it was a 300bhp beast that did 250mph on the straights, I’d understand why they won’t let it in, but it’s on par with the BMWs and Kawasakis. It’s a great bike, a great brand and I think people would love to see it on the grid. I’ve raced at the North West every year for the last 25 years with the exception of last year so it’d be a shame to miss it.”

For the latest on McGuinness’ 2019 racing plans, pick up this week’s MCN.