Honda Racing UK reveals its 2025 rider line-up
Words and images courtesy Honda UK
In a line-up of familiar faces, Honda Racing UK is delighted to reveal the riders campaigning for the manufacturer throughout the 2025 season in British Championship racing. They will also participate in the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT races.
In the Bennetts British Superbike series, Tommy Bridewell continues for a second year determined to go one better next season.
He aims to become a two-time BSB champion. His remarkable 2024 campaign was punctuated with three wins and a further sixteen podiums.
He finished second in the championship standings, just a single point away from consecutive titles on alternate manufacturers.
Tommy Bridewell said:
“I am incredibly excited to continue with Honda for another season. In our first year together, we achieved a huge amount of success and proved so many people wrong. This was especially after spending five years with another manufacturer. Starting the year with a brand-new package for the team and me was challenging. Ultimately, we finished second in the championship by a single point. However, the difference in the level of the package from round one compared to round eleven was huge. We’ve had our learning year if you like. Now it’s time to put in place all of the things we’ve learnt and deliver on that potential. Our target is the same. To win the championship and become a two-time BSB champion.”
Joining him aboard a Honda Racing UK Fireblade once more is Northern Irishman Andrew Irwin. He is set to embark on his fifth season with the team (2019-2020, 2023-2025).
A previous winner aboard Honda machinery, he made a welcome return to the podium on multiple occasions last year. He targets even more in 2025.
“I can’t wait to get started in 2025,” said Irwin. “I am thankful to Harv and Neil Fletcher for giving me this opportunity to continue into my third consecutive year with the team. It’s time for me to show them why I am here in the team and repay the faith they have shown in me. The Fireblade development, particularly towards the end of the year, came on massively. Therefore, the package is now very competitive. We always have a really good off-season and we have lots of testing planned. I can’t wait to get going and I’m excited for the year ahead.
Returning to race once more in the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT Races, Dean Harrison is eager to build on an excellent debut year racing the Fireblade and CBR600RR on the roads.
Podiums aboard Superbike, Superstock & Supersport machinery in his first year of racing for Honda laid the solid foundations on which to build in 2025. Dean will also supplement his road racing activities. He will race in the British Supersport category.
Harrison commented:
“I am so excited to go again next year. Having learnt all of the lessons we learnt this year on the roads and the short circuits, I enjoy riding the CBR600RR so much. To continue in Supersport is really positive. We showed some really good pace on that bike. I want to continue building on that good form. I also get to work with the same crew as this year across all of my racing next season which helps a lot with consistency. You see how hard they work and it’s such a motivator for me. We have a year of development under our belt with all of the bikes. I am looking forward to getting on with the job and trying to win.”
Lining up alongside him in the iconic colours of Honda once more to compete solely in the ‘big bike’ classes is road racing royalty, John McGuinness MBE. His popular return to the podium at this year’s NW200 was a clear standout from his thirty-fourth season of motorcycle racing. With season thirty-five now confirmed, he and Honda look set to continue making history together for another year.
“There is nothing that makes me prouder than putting on my Honda top, riding for this team and representing the brand,” said McGuinness. “To be there in the thick of it contributing what I can to the team and having a good go of it myself, it honestly means the world. To get the opportunity to continue doing that for another year, I couldn’t be happier. I rode hard this year. You could say we managed to capitalise on a few scenarios to stand back on the box again. They don’t come in Christmas crackers, and you have to earn them. It was amazing really, and very humbling to get such a reaction. I always knew I was capable of another podium, but when it came, it was so sweet. I’m just super proud and excited to get going with the testing and get stuck in come the season start.
And finally, fresh from his 2024 British Supersport Championship triumph, Jack Kennedy is confirmed as a Honda Racing UK rider in 2025. A decision is pending on the championship in which he will race. He is set to test 2025 Supersport & Superbike machinery at the end of November before making an informed decision on his future. An announcement will be made in due course.
Kennedy said: “I feel in a unique position following the fantastic year that we have had. I have the opportunity to carry out a private test before making an informed decision on what I want to do next year. It’s not often you get the chance to test ride the bike before you commit to racing it the following season! The team is making this possible. We worked so well together this year so thank you to them. Remaining as a Honda Racing UK rider was the priority. I am excited to test before making my final decision on the 2025 season ahead.”
Team Manager Havier Beltran added: “2024 represented a fundamental shift for Honda as we returned to the fight at the front and showcased our true racing potential. We celebrated hard-earned success. Tommy performed exceptionally in his first year with us. Whilst he ultimately came second in the championship, he showcased exactly why he is a British champion with his remarkable consistency and dogged determination.
“There is absolutely no reason why he cannot fight again to become a champion for Honda in 2025. Andrew stepped back onto the podium in 2024. His return to front-running form has been great to witness. His speed and potential have always been there. I am confident with a positive off-season he can hit the ground running in the spring.
“Dean’s performance on two brand-new motorcycles this year on the roads was hugely impressive. The podiums he achieved were a just reward for the dedication he displayed. I am also confident that a switch to Supersport will enable Dean to build on the front-running pace he showcased towards the latter end of the 24 season.
“John and Honda have such a rich and fruitful history. Retaining him for another year, particularly after an emotional return to the podium at this year’s North West, was an easy decision to make. John brings so much experience with him to the team.
“Jack’s 2024 season was nothing short of outstanding. His performances on the 600 warrant serious consideration as to his future. As such, we have decided to complete a private test on both Superbike and Supersport machinery before deciding on his future. This gives Jack and us the best opportunity to confirm our plans.”
All five 2025 riders will be in attendance at Motorcycle Live, on 17th November, marking their first public appearance as 2025 team members.