Honda (UK) confirms British Superbike commitment for 2009

Honda (UK) is pleased to confirm its continued commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 with the HM Plant Honda team on the CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Building on their long term relationship since 2004, Honda (UK) Racing and HM Plant will be looking to continue their successful partnership and performance for the sixth consecutive year, in what is considered the strongest domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, commented, “I’m very happy to confirm Honda’s commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 and also the team’s continued relationship with HM Plant. The British Superbike Championship is very strong and the high standard of rider talent and racing can be seen at every round. This was further highlighted by the excellent and highly competitive performances of the British riders, including HM Plant Honda riders Leon and Cal, who took part in the recent UK round of the World Superbike Championship. The team is still very much focused on the final two rounds of this season however, before turning its full attentions to preparations for the 2009 championship.”

HM Plant Chairman, John Jones, said, “We have been delighted with our relationship with Honda and the exposure achieved from the HM Plant Honda team partnership over the last five years and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.”

Honda (UK) Racing has a long and successful history in both British and World motorcycle racing championships, taking the World Superbike Championship title in 1997, 2000 and 2002 before wrapping up the British Superbike title in 2006 and 2007 as HM Plant Honda with Ryuichi Kiyonari. The team has also won many other events, including British Supersport titles with Karl Harris and many North West 200 and Isle of Man races, most notably with TT legend John McGuinness.

The British Superbike Championship is the most hard-fought domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world, attracting sponsors and riders from across the globe. The championship’s profile has risen over the last few seasons as television ratings and ‘live’ attendances at the track have increased.

Currently in the British Superbike Championship, HM Plant Honda riders Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow are in second and fourth places respectively with just two rounds remaining. Team-mate Steve Brogan is leading the National Superstock 1000 Championship and sits in fifth in the British Supersport Championship.

Details of the HM Plant Honda riders and class entries for 2009 are still to be finalised, but for further information about Honda (UK) Racing and the HM Plant Honda team, please visit honda-racing.co.uk.