By Honda’s powerful TT 2023 challenge grows ever stronger, following today’s news that Michael Dunlop is set to race CBR1000RR-R Fireblade machinery in the Senior, Superbike races.
Suitors wise, it’s familiar territory for 21 times TT winner Dunlop, joining forces again with the Hicken’s (Stuart/Steve) Hawk Racing outfit, who’s roads scene title sponsor is Crendon Timber Engineering.
Over the past ten years, the combination has yielded the first sub 17 minute lap of the fabled, mythical Mountain Course, five TT successes overall including Senior race victories in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Just five shy of his Uncle Joey Dunlop’s all-time TT wins record, the always fiercely determined Dunlop is optimistic that the ingredients are there for another prodigious tenure on Manx shores.
Commenting recently via the TT Races official website, he stated:
“It’s good to get my plans sorted in plenty of time this year. You only have to look at the other boys to see how important it is to be working with a team you’re familiar with and to be up to speed well before you even get to the TT.
The pace is so high right now, you’ve got to be right at the top of your game from the get go.
In truth, preparations for last year were not what they should have been. Steve and the boys came in to dig me out of a hole at the last minute but we still managed a good result.”
The 21st Century roads icon, who will also race in the Hawk Racing Honda colours at the FonaCAB/Nicholl Oils North West 200, went onto add:
“Before then [in 2019] I was still struggling quite bad with [a wrist] injury, so this year will be the first time in a long while where I’m both fully fit and I’m on a bike I’m set with.
It’s good, I’m excited for it and I think we can put on a good show.”
Quotes via TT Races official website
Photo via Hawk Racing Twitter page
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
