Harrison and McGuinness to lead Honda Racing’s Challenge at 2026 North West 200

HONDA Racing will return to the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 on May 4-9 with Dean Harrison and John McGuinness leading the way.
Harrison enjoyed a superb run of results with the squad on the north coast last May, notching up runner-up finishes in the Milwaukee and Merrow Hotel Superbike races and the Amici Ristorante and CP Hire Superstock events plus yet another runner-up result in the Tides Restaurant Supersport race. Two Superstock TT wins followed a few weeks later at the Isle of Man TT.
‘I’m excited to stay with Honda for another year and keep building on all of the hard work we have already done.’
Harrison explained as the team announced the Bradford rider would make the shift from the Supersport class to the National Superstock series in the 2026 British championship series.
“Winning at the TT again is an obvious highlight from this year and to step back onto the top step of the podium as a factory Honda rider just shows what we are capable of when we put all of the pieces together.
We’ve been fast everywhere we’ve raced this year, at the North West we were right at the sharp end and in Supersport I’ve been close to or sometimes even quicker than my teammate ( Jack Kennedy), and we know how fast he is!
“I always get excited about going racing so knowing we have another packed year ahead of us is a great feeling going into the winter.”
Veteran John McGuinness will join Harrison once again on Honda machinery at the NW200. A consistent top ten finisher at the 2025 event, the Morecambe man is set to celebrate the incredible milestone of 100 NW200 starts during 2026 race week.
“I’ve been on a journey that has not stopped giving; it’s been like Christmas day over and over again!” McGuinness smiled.
“The position I am in is so unique, to be able to keep on going, keep on doing the speeds we are doing and to keep getting the chance to go and ride my bike, it’s unique, and I couldn’t be prouder to keep on going and be a part of this team.
“We got on the podium at the North West in ‘24 and a podium again at the TT would be the cherry on top of the cake.
“I’m so proud to be a part of it still, to put on my Honda top and represent the brand.
“It comes with some expectation, you know, when you creep up to the start line on a factory Honda there are some eyes on you, and all that effort and all that budget that goes into it, but I still feel strong and I will fight to the end when I’m on the bike.
“I’ve spent over three decades on bikes, from two strokes to four strokes, bikes have changed so much and things move on, and I’ve moved with it. I love that.
“I love the bikes, a bike to me isn't a tool, a brickie has tools - a trowel and hod, but to me the motorcycle isn’t just a tool to do a job, it’s so much more than that.”
“Honda Racing has maintained a long and constant presence on the north coast for many years and everyone at the Briggs Equipment North West 200 is delighted that this longstanding relationship will continue in 2026.” NW200 race director, Mervyn Whyte, said.
“In Dean and John, Honda has two of road racing’s leading and most popular competitors and the fans will be delighted to have the opportunity to cheer both of them on once again come May.’