Roads: John McGuinness joins SMT Racing for TT Supersport races

John McGuinness will reunite with the returning SMT Racing team in the Supersport class at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

McGuinness will ride a Honda CBR600RR in the two four-lap races, as he joins forces with Robin Croft’s squad. It’s five years since SMT Racing last contest the TT, whilst McGuinness last rode for them at the Macau Grand Prix between 2010 and 2012.

During that time, McGuinness recorded three top seven finishes, whilst Croft has since assisted the 23-time TT race winner in his Ducati TriOptions Cup campaigns in 2020 and 2021.

“Robin and I have enjoyed some good days in the past, so I’m delighted he’s backing my TT campaign,” McGuinness said. “Being out in the two Supersport races was vital to me as you can’t afford to miss any practice sessions or track time nowadays.”

“We’ve put together a good package; the CBR600RR Honda will be more than competitive, and I’ve got a good little team around me, so it complements my rides with Honda Racing in the 1000cc races really well. I’m confident we’ll give a good account of ourselves and am just looking forward to getting going.”

McGuinness will ride for the official Honda Racing UK team in the Superbike and Superstock class, riding alongside TT newcomer, and winner of both Superbike races at this year’s North West 200, Glenn Irwin.

SMT Racing tasted victory in the opening Sidecar race with Tim Reeves/Dan Sayle in 2013, whilst they have taken solo top 10s with the likes of Michael Rutter and Dan Stewart.

Alongside the road racing campaigns, SMT Racing also competed in multiple BSB classes in the 00s and early 10s, working with racers such as Jason O’Halloran, Christian Iddon, Adam Jenkinson, and the late Karl Harris.

“We are delighted to be back at the TT this year after last competing in 2017 and are thrilled to be working with John again,” Croft added. “The TT is the premier road racing event and remains the event closest to my heart, so I am excited to be back.”

Practice for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races is scheduled to get underway on Sunday May 29, with the Supersport races due to take place on Monday June 6 and Wednesday June 8. All of the action is available live on the event’s all-new streaming service, TT+.