The Morecambe ace was in contention throughout the weekend and he brought his Padgett's Honda home in 12th place, right in the wheel tracks of the factory Suzuki and Honda riders, Ian Lowry and Steve Brogan.

Always at home around the 2.18-mile Lincolnshire venue, McGuinness claimed sixth in the opening qualifying session.

In the afternoon, he followed that with a time of 1m 31.12s for eighth place overall, good enough for a third row start on the revised grid formation.

With a bumper crowd again in attendance, the largest of the year, the original race was red-flagged but when it did start, McGuinness slotted in to 10th place on the opening lap.

He was embroiled in a terrific 10-rider battle for eighth place with places changing frequently around the undulating and technical course.
After 14 hard fought laps, John crossed the line in 12th place, just behind the official Honda UK entry of Steve Brogan, for four more championship points.

McGuinness was pleased afterwards, saying: "Cadwell is one of my favourite circuits so I always enjoy riding there and right from the beginning of the weekend, I felt at home.

"I didn't quite get the start I would have liked but it was nip and tuck all the way and one of the most pleasing aspects was that I was comfortably running the same pace as many of the championship contenders.

"There was very little between any of the bikes but I stayed strong throughout the race, running some very consistent times, and we've got a solid result.

"I was right with Lowry and Brogan, who are running in the top 5 of the championship, so I think I've proved that it's only a run of bad luck that has prevented me from being in the points on a more regular basis.

"I'm feeling fit and as sharp as ever so I'm looking forward to a strong end to the season and getting as many points as possible."
The next round is on September 14 at Croft.