HONDA RACING SIGN IRWIN & TODD FOR TT 2020
Honda (UK) has confirmed a return to the Isle of Man TT Races as the Honda Racing team with a new rider line-up of Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd, who will contest the RST Superbike and Senior TT Races and RL360 Superstock TT classes aboard the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Glenn will also represent Honda Racing in the British Superbike Championship, joining his brother Andrew, while Davey will contest the National Superstock 1000 Championship, as the Louth-based team look to secure both titles.
Although a newcomer to the Isle of Man TT Races, Glenn Irwin is certainly no stranger to the road racing scene where he’s had a string of successes at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland. Having made his debut in in 2015, the Carrickfergus man took his maiden victory in the final Superbike race two years later. He went one better in 2018 to secure both Superbike wins, and again in 2019 he won and came second in the feature races.
Glenn had a mixed season in the 2019 British Superbike Championship, but in 2018 he finished third in the championship and took his debut BSB win at the final round. Throughout that year he enjoyed regular visits to the podium securing five second place finishes and one third place.
A relative newcomer to road racing, Davey Todd has continued to impress since embarking on his first full road-race campaign in 2018. A year earlier he made his debut at the Ulster Grand Prix, where he placed second in the Dundrod 150 National race. Consistency was key at the North West 200 where he was crowned top newcomer, but it was at the TT where the 24-year-old really made his mark, lapping the Mountain Circuit at 127.890mph and becoming the second fastest newcomer in the history of the event.
In his second year in road racing, Davey secured his maiden North West 200 win in the Supersport class and also came third in the Superstock race. Meanwhile at the TT he continued to learn the circuit and completed race week with five top-ten finishes. Away from road racing he has enjoyed time in the National Superstock 600 Championship, finishing sixth overall in 2016.
2020 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting year for the Honda Racing team, with a fresh rider line-up, Honda (UK) taking back responsibility for the road racing campaign and the arrival of the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, there’s a lot to be excited about. The team will take delivery of the new Fireblade at the end of the year, with a full test schedule set to take place early in the New Year.
Glenn Irwin: "I guess it’s natural to be excited to join Honda, but I really am! I got a taste for the team at the end of this season with Andrew and got to see the structure and the atmosphere in the garage, it’s an experienced team and to be associated with a brand like Honda, is a dream come true.”
He continued: “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.”
Davey Todd: “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. 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!
Havier Beltran, Honda Racing Team Manager: "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.”
Neil Fletcher, Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK: “Racing is in the blood at Honda, so we’re delighted to be expanding our motorsport activities under Honda (UK). Armed with a new rider line-up and of course the all new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the team will be looking to have a great year in both the circuit and road racing programme. I can’t wait to see how our racing campaign unfolds, bring on 2020.”
Tickets for the 2020 Isle of Man TT Races are now on sale via the Official TT website - iomttraces.com.
These include Official Grandstand Tickets, Race Day Hospitality Packages in the TT Mercury Club, Official Fan Events including the new TT Fan Pass and TT MotoGP Lunch, plus Official Entertainment Events. Stay up to date with all the latest TT news by subscribing to the Official Isle of Man TT Races Newsletter.
