Cotswolds Sport
Andrews becomes a legend on new team
7:00pm Thursday 9th February 2012
RACE ace Simon Andrews is in a four-strong rider line-up for the Honda TT Legends team.
They are preparing for an important second year of competition in the FIM Endurance World Championship and various road events.
The Honda Motor Europe outfit will launch their assault on the world’s toughest contests aboard the 2012 version of the 20-year-old CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Andrews joins 17-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, Cameron Donald and British Superstock star Gary Johnson.
The Evesham rider was the 2011 fastest TT newcomer and will make up a two-man team with McGuinness at this year’s event and the Northwest 200.
Andrews, 27, said: “I am genuinely excited about the year ahead. To be asked to join the Honda TT Legends team is a real honour and I can’t wait for the season to get started.
“I have done a couple of endurance races — one being the Le Mans 24-hour — so I do know what to expect but I’m sure the full championship will be a real challenge.
“I’m a rider who does better with miles under my belt, so the endurance side of things will without doubt help with the road racing.
“To be riding alongside the legend that is John McGuinness at the Isle of Man TT is big business and I’m hoping he’ll have one or two pointers for me. There is no better person to learn from.”
Andrews is stepping up his training as he continues to recover from a horrific crash at Snetterton in June last year which left him with a badly broken leg.
He has also signed a deal to compete in the British Superbike Championship with PR Kawasaki.
Honda team manager Neil Tuxworth said: “We went into the 2011 EWC as a novice team and it was very much a development year — not just for the riders but for the whole crew.
“Honda were keen to showcase the Fireblade in a different environment to that of short circuit racing — the festival- type atmosphere enjoyed by thousands of fans at the Isle of Man TT and the 24- hour endurance races has to be experienced to be believed!.
“We had a good first year, but now the focus is on improvement with the ultimate goal being the podium.
“We have the 2012 Combined ABS-equipped Fireblade, two riders with a year of EWC under their belts and two new, enthusiastic riders who can’t wait to get stuck in so we’re very positive about the season ahead.
“When it to comes to the TT, what better line-up than the fastest man around the course and the 2011 fastest newcomer?
It’s going to be an exciting year.”