John McGuinness, a six-time North West 200 winner, is setting his sights on a remarkable milestone in 2026: his 100th start at the iconic Triangle circuit. The 54-year-old racing legend currently sits at 96 starts, thanks to an embarrassing miscalculation last year that left him red-faced and a commemorative helmet gathering dust at home.

"It was embarrassing when we got it wrong," McGuinness admits. "I had a helmet all painted for the occasion and we had to leave it at home on the shelf." The mix-up meant he thought he was celebrating his century at the 2025 event, but official records showed he was four short. Now, with five races lined up for the Honda Racing team—three Superbike and two Superstock events—he's determined to reach that ton.

McGuinness's career over the North West 200's 8.9-mile circuit is nothing short of legendary. Between 2000 and 2012, he claimed six victories and has racked up 22 podium finishes, with his most recent trip to the rostrum coming in the second Superstock race in 2024. The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner knows the course intimately and still savors every moment.

"The North West is a big event, and in that atmosphere, when everyone is back safe in the paddock, it is very hard to replicate that feeling," he says. "It is an event that keeps on giving for me, one I still look forward to coming to, bang on top of the calendar. I've won a few and arguably been in the hunt to win a few more that we didn't. But to win six around here is hard work."

Despite his age, the former British 250cc champion shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to post impressive lap times and results, including a sixth-place finish in last year's Superbike race. "I sort of think I should stop, but then I think, why?" he says with a smile. "I'm riding a factory Honda with Dean Harrison, and sometimes I think that maybe that bike should go to someone else. But in last year's Superbike race, I was holding my own in the field. I think I was warranting the ride, and then I thought, come and get it from me!"

For fans of road racing, McGuinness's pursuit of his 100th North West 200 start is a testament to his enduring passion and skill. As he lines up on the grid in 2026, every lap will be a step closer to history—and a reminder that legends never truly retire.