By Various roads scene insiders no.1 rider of TT 2026, Honda Racing UK’s Dean Harrison through every practice session, qualifying session, race astride ‘hybrid’ CBR1000RR-R Superbike (SBK fairing/Superstock specification), CBR600RR metal was at the peak of his powers.
Such was the now seven times TT winner, thirty-nine times TT podium finisher’s form, he almost ended the meeting with a new record lap-speed, before the Milwaukee Senior race was red flagged.
Ultimately, declared Senior race victor for the second time (Honda’s first blue-riband race triumph in eleven years), Harrison stated post the end of a tumultuous TT 2026 campaign:
“I’m absolutely ecstatic, I am over the moon for me and for the team effort. To win not one but both the big bike races is something else.
Unfortunately, we did not get to have a proper go in the superstock race where we felt strong, but that is racing, that’s the weather and that’s what makes the Isle of Man TT races as unique as they are.
It’s not easy to earn the label as the toughest race in the world but that’s what this is and that means sometimes the weather takes over.
The anticipation builds around a mixed schedule, the anxiety to go creeps in and the whole tension of the event is part of what makes it so special to race here and to win here.”
Harrison continued:
“To-be-sat here holding one of the oldest trophies in motorsport on behalf of the team is an incredible feeling after such a testing week.
When I think back to the winter and how I was working with the team to turn the idea of a hybrid superbike into reality, I feel pride and relief that the idea worked, and I was able to deliver.
It’s a testament to the strength of the Honda Fireblade in standard trim and it gives us something really useful to build off going forward.
I knew I was going to be fast; I was confident I could deliver and I did exactly that. We will keep the ball rolling and add to our successes.”
Quotes courtesy of Honda Racing UK press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
