Nathan Harrison will miss the 2023 Isle of Man TT as a consequence of injuries sustained in an accident on the North West 200, his Honda Racing UK team has confirmed.
Harrison was due to make his first appearance on the Manx island as a factory Honda Racing rider for the first time alongside 23-time TT winner John McGuinness having starred as a rookie in last year’s event.
However, an accident during the first Superstock race at the NW200 - during which Harrison was knocked unconscious - led to a broken right collarbone, hairline fracture to his left radius and a concussion.
With surgery unable to take place until Wednesday 18th May to repair his collarbone, it was decided that there was not enough recovery time for him to take his place on the starting order for the TT, which starts on 29th May.
“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!”
Honda has confirmed it will go ahead with just a single entry for McGuinness, who will ride the firm’s Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in the Superbike/Senior TT and Superstock TT classes.
“Nathan and I have talked through this decision together to make sure that we are in agreement,” said Honda Racing UK boss Havier Beltran.
“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.”
