Honda Racing has today confirmed a fresh new line-up for the 2020 Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Glen Irwin will team-up with brother Andrew in the BSB class, with road racing star Davey Todd partnering Tom Neave in the National Superstock 1000 Championship onboard the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade.
With his brother on-board, Andrew will be looking to continue his good form after a successful first-full year in the British Championship. The 25-year-old secured his first BSB win at Thruxton and completed the year in eighth place after just missing out on a Showdown spot.
On the other side of the garage, Superstock 1000 contender Tom, will be looking for further podiums and wins in 2020 after his season was cruelly ended at the penultimate round at Donington Park where he fell and fractured his left foot, wrapping up the season in seventh position.
Andrew Irwin:
"Reflecting back on 2019 I think it was a really positive year. There were some negatives and a few things to learn from, but I know the areas I need to work on, and I really think for 2020 I can be a real Showdown fighter. Having Glenn as my teammate will be a really good thing, he’s a best friend as much as he is my brother and I think it’s good to have a strong teammate – the first rule of racing is to beat your teammate and of course, I will want to do that! I’m looking forward to it and think it will be a good atmosphere and we’ll work well together. Signing for Honda again was easy as I knew what I wanted and for me there wasn’t another option, I know everyone in the team and believe in the people around me. I’d like to thank Harv and Honda Racing for the opportunity and hopefully I can repay them!"
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. I’ve had Andrew as a teammate before, but this time it’s different as I guess I am the new guy! We are best friends and I think this is key as we’ll work together, share information and we won’t keep anything from each other, which is important as our task is to develop the new Fireblade."
Tom Neave:
"To sign with Honda for a second year, is really a dream come true. This year has been a steep learning curve in my first full season in the Superstock 1000 class, but I have really enjoyed it, and it was just a shame for it to end early with a crash. The 2020 Fireblade is exciting and I can’t wait to get the winter out the way and get testing in the New Year. Looking back to when I started racing, to where I am now I feel so proud with how far I have come, I’m going to make the most of this amazing opportunity and hope I can do everyone at Honda, and those who support me proud."
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. 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!"
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.
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. Andrew and Tom made so much progress last year, I think knowing what they know now will be a massive help when we get started."
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!"
Check out the 2020 Bennetts BSB dates here.
