John McGuinness has re-signed with Honda Racing and Padgett's Motorcycles for the 2008 season and will again combine spearhead the Japanese manufacturer's assault on international road races with another assault the British Supersport Championship.
The Briton will line up with the HM Plant Honda team in the two Superbike races at the North West 200, whilst campaigning his usual Padgett's CBR600RR in the Supersport races and riding for the Yorkshire motorcycle dealers in the 250cc race. At the Isle of Man TT, the launch of which formed the backdrop to McGuiness' announcement, he will again ride a factory Honda Fireblade Superbike, built especially for a winning attempt on the TT, and run in the colours of both Padgett's and Manx Gas.
Padgett's will also be the livery of choice for the two Supersport races, while McGuiness will also have a one-off outing in the Superstock class in the official colours of Honda Racing.
"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," McGuiness said, "I never wanted to leave Clive's team either, so it's great news that we will be carrying on together after the successful partnership of 2007."
Last season proved to be a fantastic one for the 35-year old, with two wins, four podiums and the outright lap record at the Centenary Isle of Man TT, 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 sixth overall on the Padgett's Honda in the British Supersport Championship.
