John McGuinness crashes at NW 200 – Out of TT
Honda Racing’s John McGuinness has crashed at Primrose corner during the Superbike practice session at the Vauxhall International North West 200 overnight.
The 45 year old Morecambe rider, who is a six times winner at the event, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by ambulance with a suspected broken leg.
Upon arrival the broken leg was confirmed and the 26-time TT winner was taken straight to theatre where attempts were made to plate and screw compound fractures of the tibia and fibia.
Surgeons were unable to complete the procedure successfully, and McGuinness is heading for further surgery this weekend, with an external fixator being attached to his leg.
McGuinness also sustained four broken verterbrae and cracked three ribs.
Honda Racing Statement
“John has been diagnosed with a compound fracture to his right lower leg, while in theatre on Thursday night it was not possible to plate the leg as initially thought due to the extent of the injury, and tomorrow an external fixator will be fitted. In addition, John has also suffered four broken vertebrae and has three broken back ribs, John will wear a cast for up to six weeks in treatment for the vertebrae. John will remain at Royal Victoria Hospital for around one week as part of the recuperation process.”
As is standard procedure following such an incident, the Honda Racing Fireblade SP2 was impounded by race organisers.
As the team was unable to inspect the machine and reach a conclusion about the most likely reason for the crash, the team opted to withdraw Guy Martin from that evening’s Superstock race.
With TT qualifying only two weeks away it looks impossible that McGuinness will have the opportunity to his win tally at TT 2017.
Alastair Seeley took the Superstock victory for Tyco BMW (Link)
