It would be hard for anyone to argue that John McGuinness is not one of the greatest riders to race around the Isle of Man mountain course. McGuinness has won 17 TT races (second only to Joey Dunlop) was the first man to do the 37 mile course at more than 130 mph, and he holds the outright lap record. But should he be recognized by the Queen of England?
David Morris MP thinks so. Morris has tabled a parliamentary motion to have McGuinness nationally honored. Morris said:
"I have received a large number of letters from constituents calling for John to be honoured. I am confident that the work he has done for the world of motorcycling and to put Morecambe on the map is worthy of an honour.
"He continues to race all over the world; to honour him would be a boost for the sport, for John himself and for the whole town."
McGuinness, who was born in Morecambe in 1972, was a bricklayer before he discovered his motorcycle talent. McGuinness now races for the HM Plant Honda team and, on top of his Isle of Man TT duties, races all over the world with the Endurance team.
The motion reads:
"That this House notes the contribution John McGuinness has made to motorcycle racing; further notes that he has received a number of local awards but never been honoured nationally; believes that Mr McGuinness should receive an award in the next honours list; and calls on the Main Honours Advisory Committee to recommend that he is suitably recognised in the next honours list."
