‘I wish I was 24’ - John McGuinness celebrates Historic Senior Classic TT win

Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness says his Paton “was flying” as he took a dominant win in the Historic Senior race at the 2026 Classic TT.

The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner celebrates the 30th anniversary of his debut at the event in 1996 this season, with this year’s Classic TT focusing on his career.

McGuinness already scored a podium earlier in the weekend with a third-place finish in the Historic Junior race.

But from the off in Monday’s three-lap Historic Senior race, McGuinness was in total control on his Paton, posting a 113mph lap from a standing start and securing victory by just under 30 seconds.

“I love that feeling…”

McGuinness, whose future at the TT remains uncertain, admits he wished “I was 24, not 50” in parc ferme following his win, while praising the Winfield-prepared Paton 500’s performance.

“Honestly, I love that feeling, getting waved into that enclosure,” he told Manx Radio, following his first win since the 2019 Classic TT on the Isle of Man.

“The bike was flying, she was bouncing off the limiter in top [gear].

“Up the mountain she was pulling and pulling - lovely!

“I had a bit too much free play in the clutch; I was panicking.

“I was having to adjust it myself, a bit of on-the-road adjustments. But beautiful conditions out there.

“There are a few fans out there. Everyone cheered me on that last lap; I really appreciate it.

“I've got to thank Roger and his team; they’ve worked hard on this bike.

“We’ve broke down a few times with it, won on it a few times, had a bit of bad luck with it.

“But when she’s going, she’s absolutely singing. It’s a really lovely, lovely bike to ride.

“Talking about singing - my ears are ringing! It’s the only thing I wear earplugs on.

“On a Superbike, I don’t. But on this, I tried it and it’s impossible.

“Lovely three laps out on the Mountain Course. I love it.

“I wish I was 24, not 50. But the bike’s never really missed a beat all week.

“I’ve been in this position a few times before, but it’s so nice to be in here.”

The Classic TT is due to continue on Monday evening with the Junior 600 race, with the event concluding on Tuesday with the Classic Superbike contest.