Star line-up for Honda: Harrison, McGuinness and Harrison in focus for TT 2024
Honda Racing UK has announced the line-up of its team for the 2024 Isle of Man TT race. It will consist of Dean Harrison, John McGuinness MBE and Nathan Harrison.
Dean Harrison joins the Honda factory team after a seven-year spell with DAO Racing and Kawasaki. He scored two of his three TT victories at Kawasaki, including the prestigious win in the 2019 Senior TT.
John McGuinness continues his long and successful history with the Japanese manufacturer. He has achieved 16 of his 23 TT race wins with Honda. He remains at the front of the field as he enters his 34th year of motorcycle racing.
Manx rider Nathan Harrison completes the trio. Having missed the 2023 event due to injury, he is counting down the days until the 2024 TT.
This announcement coincides with the introduction of a heavily revised CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP for the Superbike and Superstock classes. In addition, the CBR600RR in the Supersport category will be reintroduced to the UK market.
McGuinness will focus exclusively on the 1000cc classes, while both Harrisons will also compete in the two Monster Energy Supersport TT races under the Honda Racing UK banner. This marks the brand’s return to the class in an official capacity after several years.
A new chapter for Dean Harrison
Dean Harrison had this to say about his move: “I can’t wait to begin a new chapter with Honda Racing UK and I jumped at the chance when this opportunity came about. If I’m honest, it hasn’t sunk in yet and I don’t think it will until I get to ride the bike for the first time in Honda colours.”
“It feels like a really good time to have a refresh and now is as good a time as any for a change. I have always been a Honda fan, and Honda is the way I want to go. I am also really looking forward to being part of a multi-rider team after riding in a solo team for so long. To be able to see each other’s data and collaborate on ideas is going to be of great value to me. To work with John and Nathan, both of whom I have a great working relationship with, is really exciting. I think that the Honda package, with the new bike, could be the missing link that I need.”
Perfect balance of youth and experience
Havier Beltran, Team Manager of Honda Racing UK, added: “I’m delighted to welcome all our riders for the 2024 season, both returning and new members. It’s certainly going to be an extremely exciting year for Honda with our expanded rider line-up and growth into a variety of racing classes.”
“I truly believe that our line-up perfectly balances youthful enthusiasm, experience, talent and ambition, and I eagerly look forward to witnessing Dean, John and Nathan compete with these new models. Dean is one of the most compelling riders to witness on the roads and I am confident that we can provide him with the machinery to showcase his remarkable talents.”
“Keeping John for another year is simply brilliant, he and Honda share so much history and he brings so much to this team that continuing for another year was a very easy decision to make. 2023 was a tough year for Nathan but he never lost his determination or the smile on his face. This was always about progression, building into things and taking our time to grow together, continuing that journey with him will be fantastic.”
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