UK 50-year-old extended with Honda for one more season
McGuinness paired with Harrison on official Fireblades at TT and NW200
There are riders who keep pushing back their career longevity by riding their bikes season after season. Valentino Rossi was a good example, but the Doctor hung up his suit at the end of the 2021 season.
If there is another top driver to impress at this level, it is John McGuinness, the second most successful driver in Tourist Trophy history with 23 current successes.
Last season, the Brit returned to the Isle of Man alongside Honda to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the sports car Fireblade and found himself at the start of his 100th TT race just after celebrating his 50th respond. At the time, he had speculated that this would be his last participation before a well-deserved retirement.
Guess what ? This is not the case.
McGuinness has finally renewed its commitment to the Honda Racing UK team for the 2023 road racing season. He will therefore ride the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP again during the Tourist Trophy as well as at the NorthWest 200.
John McGuinness :
Riding a Fireblade again at the TT last year was something special, so it was only fair to keep going for another year. I couldn’t feel more at home with the Honda team, so my warmest regards to Harv and Neil (Editor’s note Havier Beltran team manager and Neil Fletcher Honda UK motorcycle director). Celebrating 100 TT starts with the team and riding with this unique livery and all the history we have been truly something special. We also managed a top 5 finish last year in superbike which was great, but I want more. I just want us to start and start the race again!
The British veteran will not be the only one to be evaluated in the colors of Honda since the team has also recruited manxman Nathan Harrison. A rising star in road racing, he discovered the Senior TT last year and managed to finish 10th. In the past he also won victories and podiums at the Manx Grand Prix.
Both riders will be entered in Superstock and Superbike races at both the NorthWest 200 and the Tourist Trophy.
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