McGUINNESS ‘Happy to split the hotshots’
TT superstar John McGuinness says he can’t wait to start the TT at number five, ‘between the two hotshots’. He starts between Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop in the 2017 Superbike and Senior TT races and said: “It is my choice to go at number five. I have gone first for a long time, I’ve enjoyed the kudos of going off first and I’ve won from number one, number two, three, four and 10! I just think it is time for a change.” McGuinness thinks starting between Hutchinson and Dunlop could give him extra motivation. “Maybe I just need somebody to chase now and if I catch Hutchy I will be going alright. If Dunlop catches me then I’ve got somebody to pull me along. I’m riding in between the two hotshots and what will be will be.” McGuinness’s move signals a seismic shift in the level of competition at the TT and recognition of the phenomenal pace now being set by Dunlop and Hutchinson. “I’m not bowing down or saying that I am beaten but gone are the days when you can clear off at the front,” McGuinness admitted. “There were a lot of years when I was under the radar, doing alright, managing things at number one. That’s not to be now. There is a lot of competition and everybody is on it. There are ups and downs to everything but I have looked at every scenario and this is where I feel I should have a go.”