What should have been a dream debut for Nathan Harrison with the Honda Racing squad at last year’s North West 200 turned into a nightmare for the young Manxman when he crashed out of the opening Superstock race.
The broken wrist and collarbone he sustained in the fall at Portrush forced the 25 year old to spend the rest of the event spectating from a wheelchair.
Harrison’s injuries also confined him to the sidelines at the Isle of Man TT and much worse was to follow when he lost his mother following her long battle with illness.
“Everything started off so good last year and all the dreams were coming true before someone came along with a bulldozer and knocked them all down.” Harrison reflects.
But the rising star of road racing is refusing to let those setbacks deter his determination to race and Honda have kept faith with the 2019 Junior and Senior Manx Grand Prix race winner, ensuring his return to this year’s Briggs Equipment North West 200 with the Louth-based squad alongside team-mates, John McGuinness and Dean Harrison.
“Life comes to test you and it makes you a better person and a better rider.” the 25 year old says.
Harrison is no stranger to adversity having previously battled his way back from a host of serious injuries sustained in a huge crash at the Jurby circuit on the Isle of Man when he was just 16. He endured over 40 hours of surgery in the operating theatre and two years in rehab before returning to competition. The Manxman has displayed similar resilience in bouncing back from last year’s setbacks.
“I want to make 2024 what 2023 should have been with Honda.” he declares.
With his injuries healed, Harrison ended last season in determined mood on track, finishing in the top seven in British Superstock competition. He now intends to benefit from time spent rubbing shoulders with Honda’s new road racing recruit, Dean Harrison and veteran John McGuinness as he settles into a team that has enjoyed a long history of between the hedges success.
“Dean will be pushing for wins this year and John is a 23 times TT winner.” Harrison says.
“Then there is me with little experience but that is where the other two can help me progress. I don’t know much about Dean yet but I have been asking John a lot of questions and I couldn’t have better experience around me.”
Set to compete in the Supersport, Superstock and Superbike classes on the 8.9 mile North West 200 course during May 6-11 race week, Harrison doesn’t shy away from proclaiming his road racing ambition.
“I want to have a long journey with Honda and I want to win with Honda.” he says.
“John and Joey Dunlop were the two riders I always looked up to when I was growing up. I watched the old Joey videos and John racing at the TT. If I can achieve just some of what they achieved then it will be a dream come true.”
