By North West 200 event organisers have given the latest update this evening, on the situation regarding the prospect of the factory Norton outfit competing this May, on the fabled Triangle course.
In recent months, there’s been gossip, rumours a plenty as to whether John McGuinness will pilot the SG8 Norton in the NW200 Superbike encounters.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
The full update on the present situation, which it’s fair to say is more than a touch complicated, was provided tonight by North West 200 Event Director, Mervyn Whyte MBE, who in honest, candid fashion stated:
“The organisers of the 2019 fonaCAB International North West 200 in association with Nicholl Oils received an entry from John McGuinness dated 7th February, 2019 to compete for the Norton team in the May 12-18 races.
The entry specified the machine John was entered on for both Superbike races would have an engine capacity of 1000cc.
The entry was accepted on that basis and a recent announcement was made to the press that John would make his comeback to the North West 200 after a two year absence because of a leg injury sustained in 2017. The organisers were delighted at this prospect.”
Whyte MBE then went onto state:
“The organisers were subsequently informed on 26 March, 2019 by Norton that the engine capacity of the SG8 superbike they intend to race at the North West will be 1200cc.
It does not, therefore, meet the current Technical regulations for the NW200 superbike races and would not be eligible for competition at the event.
John McGuinness and Norton CEO, Stuart Garner, have both been informed of that situation. It is hoped that a solution can still be found to resolve this issue before May and that both John McGuinness and Norton will take part in the 90th anniversary event.”
Words by Stevie Rial
