Guy Martin will join John McGuinness to compete at this year’s Isle of Man legendary race aboard Honda’s new CBR 1000 RR Fireblade SP2
Guy Martin and John McGuinness will fight in the road-racing Superbike class on the new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Superbike unveiled in late 2016 at Intermot Motorcycle Show. Martin and McGuinness will compete in the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT Street Races.
If McGuinnes is a well known Honda rider, the deal signed by Guy Martin was a surprise in the racing world since the charismatic lorry mechanic’s presence in the road racing events was questionable.
The Blade has always been a competitive bike, but the all-new CBR1000RR SP2 is aiming to regain the TT lap record stolen last year by BMW. The SP2 Is la creme de la creme when it comes to Fireblades and the spec sheet is filled with high-end parts. Only 500 units will enjoy the technology derived from Honda’s RCV213V. The debut in road racing will take place at North West 200 in May.
Guy Martin: ”Neil [Tuxworth] has been talking to me for a while about joining the team, but I had a lot of thinking to do before I committed and said yes. I spent a lot of time on my push bike to and from work, thinking about what to do. I didn’t want to grow old regretting not giving the Honda a go, and the more time passes since making the decision, the more time I’ve thought it is the right decision. We’ve got a busy testing schedule coming up and I’ve put some other stuff off to make time. John [McGuinness] is the man, I’ve got massive respect for him and I’m looking forward to racing on the Fireblade against him."
John McGuinness: “"I’m back with Honda for another year; really I’m part of the family, and I can’t wait to see what the new Fireblade SP2 can do! I know the old model like the back of my hand and have taken a lot of my TT wins with the old girl, so I can’t wait to get out on track and try the new machine out. I have a good feeling about this year and think we have a really good package to show that we mean business. I of course would like another TT win and I would quite like my lap record back! I always say when it’s broken that the lads are just borrowing it and I hope this year that this is the case. I am sad to say bye to the old Fireblade; I have a lot of history and good memories with that bike, but testing the new model can’t come soon enough and neither can the race season. I’m excited to have Guy as my new team-mate; we’ve enjoyed many a racing battle over the years and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can both do."