HARRISON AND MCGUINNESS TO LEAD HONDA RACING UK CHARGE AT 2025 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200
Honda Racing UK will return to next year’s Briggs Equipment North West 200 with a familiar line-up as the squad retains the services of both Dean Harrison and John McGuinness for the 2025 road racing campaign.
Harrison enjoyed strong performances at the 2024 NW200 in his maiden season as a factory Honda rider, claiming podium finishes in the Amici Restaurant Superstock and Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike races despite being limited to Superstock-spec machinery in the blue riband events. Harrison should arrive at Portrush race -fit and on the pace after competing in the early rounds of the British Supersport series.
‘I am so excited to go again next year having learnt all of the lessons we learnt this year on the roads and the short circuits.’ the 35 year old said.
‘I enjoy riding the CBR600RR so much so to continue in Supersport is really positive, we showed some really good pace on that bike so I want to continue building on that good form. I also get to work with the same crew as this year across all of my racing next season which helps a lot with consistency. You see how hard they work and it’s such a motivator for me. We have a year of development under our belt with all of the bikes and I am looking forward to getting on with the job and trying to win.’
A rostrum finish by John McGuinness in Saturday’s CP Hire Superstock race on the Honda Fireblade was the highlight of the Morecambe veteran’s 2024 season. A favourite with the north coast race fans, the 52 year old had the packed grandstands on their feet as he celebrated his first rostrum finish at the event since 2012 on what was the 30th anniversary of his NW200 debut.
‘I rode hard this year and you could say we managed to capitalise on a few scenarios to stand back on the box again, but they don’t come in Christmas crackers and you have to earn them.’ McGuinness reflected.
‘It was amazing really, and very humbling to get such a reaction. I always knew I was capable of another podium but when it came it was so sweet. I’m just super proud and excited to get going with the testing and get stuck in come the season start.’
In what will be his 35th year of racing, the veteran racer will be hoping for more of the same in 2025.
‘There is nothing that makes me prouder than putting on my Honda top, riding for this team and representing the brand. To be there in the thick of it contributing what I can to the team and having a good go of it myself, it honestly means the world. So to get the opportunity to continue doing that for another year, I couldn’t be happier.’