Reunited with long term partners Team Winfield, 23 times TT winner John McGuinness MBE, starts for many a firm contender for Carole Nash Classic Senior honours during the 100th Anniversary Manx Grand Prix.
The combination of McGuinness MBE and the Winfield Paton, proved uncatchable in 2018 and 2019 and various roads scene insiders are widely tipping the Morecambe roads icon for a maiden Manx GP glory this month.
France’s first solo TT top three finisher of the 21st Century Pierre Yves Bian, Shaun Anderson (Peter Beugger Racing), add further-depth to Paton’s challenge whilst another possible podium finishing occupant is fitness permitting, perennial front running contender, TT Privateers Champion Jamie Coward (Craven Classic Racing).
Reigning class Champions Davies Motorsport also have designs on first rate achievements, having retained ‘130 Mph Club’ member Dominic Herbertson and added Macau GP wins record holder Michael Rutter, to their team stable.
Herbertson and Rutter are astride TX 500 Yamaha machines whilst the CSC Racing/IMS pairing of 2013 Lightweight TT winner James Hillier, 2022 Irish Road Race Champion Michael Sweeney are also Yamaha powered.
Honda’s class presence is led by respected classics racer Alan Oversby, Ruthless Racing’s Rob Hodson, Black Eagle Racing’s Andy Hornby and MGP returnee Derek Sheils (Greenall Racing).
Others confirmed for the four-lap Classic Senior race, that promises captivating yesteryear action include prominent racing all-rounder, Michael ‘Jack’ Russell (Izzard Racing), DKW pilot Gary Vines (Wiz Norton Racing), Cleethorpes Jeff Smith.
Rising talent, 2022 Steve Henshaw Gold Cup runner-up Jim Hind, Hefyn Owen, Super Twins race one runner-up at TT 2023, Michael Browne, who races the Peter Grantham Lodge Norton.
Mountain Course newcomers Stephen Walsh, Mark Johnson and fellow Irish roads regular Darryl Anderson.
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler, Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou


