By It’s all change for Honda’s TT Races challenge in 2020, with the motorcycling giant securing the services of IRRC Superbike Champion Davey Todd and Mountain Course debutant, four times North West 200 winner Glenn Irwin.
Todd, Irwin who have between them six International road race triumphs, are both set to pilot at TT 2020 Honda’s much hyped, praised new model the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP within the Superbike, Superstock, Senior races.
The most successful manufacturer in the history of the TT Races, Honda’s factory TT team projects of recent times, in particular within 2017 and 2018, proved extremely challenging.
Back to the rostrum finishers circle in 2019, alongside the all new rider line up, Honda’s TT 2020 project sees the Honda UK racing branch returning to running the official International roads team.
Commenting about this topic, Honda Racing Team Manager, Havier Beltran stated (via hondaracinguk.co.uk)
“I am very excited about how next year is shaping up, for sure there’s a huge buzz with the new Fireblade, which we’re all very excited to get our hands on, but also Honda (UK) taking back the road racing programme.
With the riders we have for the year, I think we’re in for some good results both on the roads and in the British championship.
Davey and Glenn are both new to us on the roads, but they have definitely made their marks and impressed in their careers to date.”
Photo via https://www.hondaracinguk.co.uk/
New Honda Racing employees, Glenn Irwin, Davey Todd who are also North West 200 bound in 2020, additionally provided reaction to them being part of a fresh, enterprising new look for Honda’s TT program.
High profile Mountain Course debutant Irwin, candidly stated: (via hondaracinguk.co.uk)
“I’m enjoying doing the homework for the TT and learning it, there’s no expectations whatsoever, we’re not going there to win in year one, the place requires a lot of respect and time and that’s what we’ll give it.
It’s a privilege to make my debut there on the new Fireblade as a lot of people will be wanting to see it in action, so I have to prepare the best I can for the most professional and safe job in my first year.”
TT 2020 team mate, highly rated next generation roads talent Davey Todd, added: (via hondaracinguk.co.uk)
“I am really excited to sign for Honda Racing for the 2020 season. We all know Honda’s history and I grew up watching the factory team and that’s what got me into racing, and it’s been a lifelong dream to ride for Honda.
I’m looking forward to getting back to the British Championship and I think I’ve got a lot to give there. I had one season in 2016 and then concentrated a little more on the roads, but I don’t want to be thought of as just a roads guy.
The 2020 Fireblade looks incredible and after seeing it I am more excited that I was before – if that’s even possible!
I also want to thank Havier and Honda Racing for giving me this opportunity on the roads and also in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, having that belief in me really means a lot and I can’t wait to get started!”
Words by Stevie Rial
