Dean Harrison: The Down-to-Earth Elite Athlete
Dean Harrison, the 2019 Senior TT winner and now a factory Honda rider, embodies the spirit of an ordinary person who happens to be an elite athlete. Our conversation, just hours after Race 1 at the Donington British Superbike round, revealed a down-to-earth individual who began by offering me a cup of tea.
Reflecting on Donington Weekend
With the 2024 Isle of Man TT mere weeks away, Harrison reflected on his Donington weekend, which had seen its share of ups and downs. Qualifying 21st and finishing Race 1 in 17th, he acknowledged that there was still work to be done to find his rhythm with the bike. > “I think there’s much more to come time-wise, and I think it’s not just the bike, I think it’s also a bit of me that needs to adapt to things a little bit better,” Harrison said.
Adapting to Honda Racing UK
Harrison’s high-profile move from DAO Racing Kawasaki to Honda Racing UK over the winter marked a significant change in his road racing endeavors. The adaptation process took time, but he feels settled in now, comfortable with the team and bike. > “I think it’d be nice to work together, like get together a little bit more and try and move the whole thing forward,” he emphasized.
Approach to Road Racing
Road racing enthusiasts might view Harrison’s participation in British Superbike as a distraction, especially between the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT. However, he approaches each weekend with the same mindset, focusing on making the most of the time spent with the bike. > “I’m a massive believer in ‘what will be will be.’ You just have to attack every weekend the same, take it all in your stride,” Harrison explained.
North West 200 Experience
At the North West 200, Harrison faced logistical issues, as Honda was forced to use Superstock-spec machines. Despite this, he had a strong week, finishing second in the Superstock race and leaving feeling positive. > “I think, as a week goes, it was really good, it was productive,” he said.
Superstock vs Superbike
Harrison delved into the differences between Superstock and Superbike machines, highlighting the increasingly fine line between the two. > “The saying is that you don’t need a Superbike, but a Superbike is the one that always wins the race,” he stated. He pointed out that while top speed is often the focal point, other factors like slipstreaming and cornering abilities come into play.
Isle of Man TT Goals
Looking ahead to the Isle of Man TT, Harrison’s goals are clear: > “To win would be a good TT, wouldn’t it? To win one would be nice. Or a few, maybe.” He’s confident in his abilities and those of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, and is determined to battle for podiums and wins on the iconic mountain course.
June 2024, Road Racing World
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