Deano delivers for Honda Racing UK
In picture-perfect conditions, and easily the best of the event so far, Dean Harrison delivered podium glory for Honda Racing UK in the opening Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 with an exceptional ride to third.
The opening race of TT fortnight marked Dean’s first outing on the Mountain Course in Honda colours whilst simultaneously signalling a welcome return of the factory-owned team to the Supersport class, their first entry since 2019. Revelling in the glorious conditions as he lined up on the startline, Dean joked with the team that he would ‘have a go’ in the race ahead. And have a go he most certainly did.
With a tap on the shoulder to start the race, Dean Harrison rocketed away from the startline with the bit between his teeth. Leading on the timing screens throughout lap one and catching both Paul Jordan and Jamie Coward on the road ahead of him, Dean utilised the slipstream of the riders ahead to dramatic effect and from a standing start lapped at a mighty quick 128.037 mph average speed.
His second lap of the 37.73 mile course was a more scrappy affair though as he passed and was then re-passed by Jamie Coward multiple times in a battle more akin to short circuit racing. Dean, maximising the strengths of his CBR600RR, was able to use his strong corner speed to great effect. Despite his heroics, by Ballaugh it was now Michael Dunlop who led on the timing screen.
As he flew into pitlane Dean was now third, five seconds behind Dunlop out front and just seven tenths behind Davey Todd. Knowing that his Metzeler tyre was good for four laps it was simply a quick top-up of fuel, a visor and screen clean and Dean was away once more.
Now in the business end of the race and with no one near on the road, Dean’s third lap of the race was a rather lonely affair, albeit a cheeky glimpse to the helicopter camera as he flew over the mountain caught the attention of everyone watching the live TV feed.
Chequered flag waving and in a solid third place, Dean flew past the finish line and secured his debut Honda TT podium finish, his twenty-seventh in total.
The team will be back in action tomorrow with all three riders competing in the RST Superbike Race.
#5 Dean Harrison
I think we’ve exceeded our expectations to tell the truth. It was a bit of a challenging practice week, but I definitely feel a bit better now and I think that this was exactly the lift that I needed and a sign of what is to come. The Honda CBR600RR has such good handling that you have to rely on corner speed almost everywhere. I spent a long time battling with Coward on the road and the difference in corner speed was massive, he has more grunt though so it was hard to overtake him as I couldn’t slipstream. Middle of the corner though, I could carry so much more speed. I was leading for a bit which I was surprised about to tell the truth and 128 mph from a standing start isn’t bad to be fair! I didn’t think that I was going to go that quick to tell the truth but in all honesty, the potential of the bike is really high, we just have to maximise our strengths. Lots of people didn’t have me down for a result but it just goes to show you can never count your chickens in this game!Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 - 3rd
