From a press release issued by John McGuinness’ publicist: McGuinness continues with Honda Racing and Padgett’s for 2008 Morecambe’s John McGuinness has re-signed with Honda Racing and Padgett’s Motorcycles for the 2008 season and he will again spearhead the Japanese manufacturer’s assault on the International road races whilst continuing to attack the British Supersport Championship. 2007 was a fantastic year for the 35-year old with 2 wins, 4 podiums and the outright lap record at the Centenary Isle of Man TT, whilst he also claimed a win at the North West 200 and new lap records at both the Ulster Grand Prix and Macau Grand Prix. He also enjoyed one of his best years on the short circuits with 6th overall on the Padgett’s Honda in the ultra-competitive British Supersport Championship and few would bet against him repeating these performances in 2008. At the North West 200, John will line up on for the HM Plant Honda team in the two Superbike races whilst he will also campaign his usual Padgett’s CBR600RR Honda in the Supersport races as well as riding for the Yorkshire motorcycle dealers in the 250cc race. At the Isle of Man TT, John will again ride a factory Honda Fireblade Superbike, built specially for him to win the TT on, and it will be run on the Island in the Padgett’s colours, who transfer their skills to the Superbike class for the roads, along with additional support from Manx Gas. Once more, he will be in the Padgett’s colours for the two Supersport races whilst he will also have a one-off outing in the Superstock class, this time in the official livery of Honda Racing. Speaking about his new deal, which also includes an option for 2009, John commented: “It’s taken a few weeks to get the deal all finalised but I couldn’t be happier with the way it’s turned out – it’s exactly the deal I wanted and I’m delighted to be staying with Honda. I never wanted to leave Clive’s team so it’s great news that we will be carrying on together after the successful partnership of 2007 and I couldn’t be more confident going into the new season. I’ve proven in the last few seasons what I can do given the right package and with the support I’ll have for this year, both on the roads and on the circuits, I’m sure we can achieve more of the same. It’s going to be another tough year with extremely close and hard fought racing each and every weekend but I’m as fit and sharp as I’ve ever been and I’ll be giving 110% all the way – the hunger and desire is as strong as ever and I’m aiming for more wins and more success.” McGuinness will have some pre-season testing at both Almeria and Cartagena in the coming weeks before the British Championship season kicks off at Brands Hatch on April 6th.