Road Racing: Nathan Harrison withdraws from TT

Nathan Harrison has decided to withdraw from the 2023 Isle of Man TT.

Due to injuries sustained at this year’s North West 200, Nathan Harrison has made the decision to withdraw from the TT. Harrison was due to race in this year’s Superstock and Superbike race onboard the Honda Racing UK machine.

In the opening Superstock race at the North West 200, Harrison crashed and sustained some injuries. Harrison suffered a broken collarbone hairline, a fracture to his left radius, and he was knocked unconscious. Due to a concussion, surgery could not safely take place until Wednesday, 18^th May. 

In 2022, Harrison would race onboard the Steam packet Honda Fireblade that finished 10th place at last year’s TT with a fastest lap of 128.087 mph. Harrison would also finish third at the Southern 100 and a top 10 finish at the North West 200.

With Harrison withdrawing from the event, it means Honda Racing UK will compete with a single-rider entry, entering with John McGuinness. The 23-time Isle of Man TT winner continues a great relationship with Honda in 2023.

Harrison said: “I am obviously absolutely gutted to be missing my first race for Honda Racing UK at the TT, but in reality, this is the best decision for my health and safety, and for my future career. If I rushed things then raced and caused further damage or went slow and finished outside of the top 15 I wouldn’t be doing myself justice. 

“I want to race at the TT 100% fit and healthy and achieve the results that I know I am capable of. Thank you to Honda for the opportunity and for everything they have done up to this point. 

“I look forward to continuing to build from here as the year progresses when I get back to full fitness. My TT 2024 preparations begin now! I’d also like to thank all of my sponsors, friends, family and the motorcycle community for their support.”

Havier Beltran added: “Nathan and I have talked through this decision together to make sure that we are in agreement. It is in his best interest to withdraw from this year’s Isle of Man TT races and to focus on making a full recovery from the injuries that he sustained at the North West. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Nathan for all of the hard work and dedication that he has shown up to this point. We wish him all the best with his recovery.”

Image credit: Honda Racing UK