John McGuinness dislocates thumb in Honda Superbike test

John McGuinness has suffered a dislocated thumb in a crash during a Honda test at Castle Combe on Wednesday. The 23 times TT winner was completing two days of tests with his 2017 superbike spec Honda Fireblade alongside Guy Martin when he crashed on the approach to the Esses at the Wiltshire circuit.

The Honda star was treated at the circuit before being taken to a local hospital and has now returned home to Morecambe.

McGuinness and Martin completed dozens of laps at Castle Combe on the new Fireblade superbikes they will ride at the North West 200 and TT this year. Lee Johnston (Jackson Hondas), Bruce Anstey (Padgetts Honda) and Dan Heggarty (Top Gun Honda) were also taking part in the two day test.

“I am happy with the way things have went.” McGuinness told MCN just before the crash.

“We are going in the right direction and it seems easier to do the same times as we have done here before on the new bike.”
McGuinness suffered a broken wrist during an enduro ride in 2014 that ruined his road racing season. That injury was to the 44 year old’s throttle hand but today’s mishap involved his left hand.

Both McGuinness and Martin are due to fly to Japan on Friday to test the new Mugen Shinden electric bike they are scheduled to race in this year’s Zero TT.