John McGuinness: MP calls for TT star honour

McGuinness has won 17 Isle of Man TT races

Isle of Man TT star John McGuinness should be honoured for his contribution to motorcycling, an MP says.

David Morris, MP for McGuinness's home town of Morecambe, tabled a Parliamentary motion after receiving letters from his constituents calling for the honour.

Mr Morris has called on the Main Honours Advisory Committee to recommend McGuinness be suitably recognised.

McGuinness has won the Isle of Man TT races, held every June, 17 times.

Mr Morris said: "I have received a large number of letters from constituents calling for John to be honoured.

"I am confident the work he has done for the world of motorcycling and to put Morecambe on the map is worthy of an honour."

The 39-year-old former bricklayer is the outright lap record holder at the TT races and is the second most successful rider in event's history.

McGuinness, who received the Freedom of the City of Lancaster in 2007 following the first ever lap of 130mph around the Isle of Man's Mountain Course, said: "In a way, I'm already an MBE, I'm a motorbike expert.

"But to receive a real MBE would be the icing on the cake and it is very moving that so many people are pushing my name forward.

"I am a Morecambe lad, born and bred and I always push our town, where ever I go, but the Isle of Man is without question my second home. I absolutely love the place."

The most successful rider in TT history, Joey Dunlop, was awarded the MBE in 1986 for his services to the sport and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work.