John McGuinness has said it ‘looks like we’re going to have the leathers on again next year’.

The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner was asked about his plans for 2027 during TNT’s coverage of the final round of this year’s British Superbike Championship which took place at Brands Hatch at the weekend.

The Honda Racing veteran was competing in the series’ Superstock Championship alongside the likes of fellow Mountain Course regulars Jamie Coward and Conor Cummins.

McGuinness finished 18th and 12th at the weekend to finish 29th in the overall standings.

The 54 year old revealed he intends to compete at selected British championship rounds again next year along with the North West 200 and TT.

‘I’m in a good spot, I can’t really say too much but it looks like we’re going to have the leathers on next year.

‘I can’t leave it alone, it’s like a disease. The job’s sort of a changed a little bit, some ambassador stuff, some different bits and pieces with Honda, but I still like putting the leathers on and that’s the problem.

‘I’m going to go testing with the team and I’m going to be riding next year with the team, and we’ll be on the grid at some various races.

‘We’re going to pick and choose a few BSB rounds but the North West and TT’s on the horizon.’

McGuinness, whose 30th anniversary of competing on the Mountain Course was celebrated this year, added: ‘I didn’t want to finish the TT on a red flag! It was a red flag in the Senior and I didn’t want to finish that way, but I’m still motivated, still focused, and I still want to improve myself.

‘Even though I look a bit saggy around the old face and a bit heavier on the belly, the fire’s still burning and I’m enjoying it still.’