Sunday’s action at the 1.64 mile National circuit at Silverstone was fast and frantic for the Honda Racing UK team in both the Bennetts British Superbike and Pirelli National Superstock races.
The first race of the day saw superbike riders Andrew Irwin and Tom Neave line up on the grid in 13th and 14th respectively after setting identical lap times in the first race of the weekend on Saturday. Aboard the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, both riders were able to move forward throughout the race after dropping places at the start. With their heads down they set about pushing forward and carving through the midpack before the race was red-flagged at 28 laps distance. Andrew finished in 9th position and Tom was able to equal his best ever finish in the superbike class with a strong ride to 11th place.
In the Superstock race, John McGuinness MBE and Nathan Harrison started with just one row separating them in 25th and 29th. Both riders lost positions off the start as they battled with fellow road racers Conor Cummins & Michael Dunlop. Sadly three laps into the race, Nathan pulled into the pits after encountering a technical issue, forcing his retirement from the race.
John, however, was able to keep a fast and consistent pace throughout the race, a good sign of things to come on the roads this year. He ended the race in 23rd position, two places higher than his qualifying. In both races this weekend John was able to move forward from his qualifying position, positive signs of his readiness for the TT.
Race three for the Superbikes was a frenetic affair, with four different leaders at different stages including fellow Honda Fireblade rider Danny Kent who led for five laps. Honda Racing UK rider Tom Neave was able to battle through into the points to finish 14th.
Showing strong pace throughout and running with the front group for the majority of the race Andrew Irwin ran as high as 7th before encountering a technical problem with just two laps to go.
Amongst the support classes, it was a hugely successful day of racing for fellow Fireblade riders in the Pirelli National Superstock championship as for the second race in a row the ‘Blade’ finished in the top five positions. In just his second race in the series, rider Franco Bourne secured the first victory of his maiden season ahead of new lap record holder Dan Linfoot and race one winner Alex Olsen.
The Honda Racing UK team now has just under two weeks before heading to Round 2 of the championship at Oulton Park on 29th April – 1 May.
