John McGuinness: 'They don’t come in Christmas crackers and you have to earn them'

John McGunniess will get his first ride on the new Paton at this weekend’s Scarborough Gold Cup

After another injury-hit season, John McGuinness is looking forward to ending his year on a high by making his debut for Paton at the Scarborough Gold Cup.

The 23-time TT winner will get to try out the Italian machine for the first time at Oliver’s Mount this weekend.

If all goes well, the 50-year-old will then ride the Paton in the Lightweight TT next year.

'They don’t come in Christmas crackers and you have to earn them'

McGuinness has endured a frustrating season with Honda, missing most of the year after suffering a broken leg in a crash at the North West 200.

But he returned to action at the Classic TT last month and is now looking forward to getting on the Paton.

“I’m excited to have a go on the Paton at Scarborough,” he said. “I wanted to make sure I was fit enough to do it justice and I feel like I am now.

"Paton is a great brand and I’ve always admired their bikes.

“I know I won’t be able to just jump on and be competitive, but I’m hoping to get a feel for it and make a start on developing it for next year’s TT.”

McGuinness is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, but he is determined to succeed.

“I know it’s going to be tough,” he said. “But I’m prepared to put in the work.

"Successes don’t come in Christmas crackers and you have to earn them.”

McGuinness will team up with Davey Todd and former TT winner Gary Johnson in Paton’s three-man team at Scarborough.