ROAD NEWS

John McGuinness will once again be a part of its road racing lineup at this year ’ s North West 200 and the infamous Isle of Man TT . McGuinness will be returning to ride for the manufacturer with whom he has amassed 16 of his 23 total TT wins , and will line up again in Honda Racing colours aboard the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP . Joining him for 2023 will be Manxman Nathan Harrison , who is seen as a rising star of the sport . As the most successful manufacturer to have raced at the TT , Honda says it is thrilled to continue its relationship with the ‘ Morecambe Missile ’ after their history-making year together in 2022 saw Honda celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade , whilst McGuinness recorded his 100th TT start . The two combined are a proven winning combination and are now set to continue writing history together for another year . “ Riding a Fireblade again at the TT last year was something special so it only felt right to continue for another year ,” says McGuinness . “ I couldn ’ t feel more at home with the Honda team so I need to say a massive thank you to Harv and Neil . Celebrating 100 TT starts with the team and riding with that one-off livery and all of the history that we have was really something else . We also managed to crack the top five last year on the superbike , which was great , but I ’ m hungry for more . I just want to get started now and go racing again !” Lining up alongside his childhood idol , Nathan enters the team fresh from his first outing at the Senior TT in 2022 where he recorded a 128.087 MPH lap and placed 10th aboard the Isle of Man Steam Packet Fireblade . Although last year was Nathan ’ s first time riding in the Senior race , he is no stranger to racing on the island , amassing wins and podiums at the Manx Grand Prix . With full support from the Honda team and the guidance and mentorship of his vastly experienced teammate , 2023 will be an exciting year on the roads for Nathan lining up beside his hero at both the NW200 and TT . “ To race alongside John and to ride in the Honda Racing UK team has always been a dream of mine ,” explains Harrison . “ Coming from a Manx family that has always been involved in motorcycling , the TT has always been in my blood . Watching the TT as a child with John & Honda dominating , it made me want to be the next ‘ John McGuinness ’ and that was my full focus . It ’ s only my second ever TT , so to be going into it on a great bike , with the best teammate I could ask for , will be an incredible experience . Hopefully , the longterm plan of where John can teach me things I may not know , learning from the team with the experience they have on the Fireblade and then my own progression , we can make small steps on last year to hopefully get me to that top step in the years to come .” The 2023 International Road Racing season kicks off with the North West 200 over May 9-13 , with the Isle of Man TT races scheduled for May 29 - June 10 .

94 KIWI RIDER