Unlike last year’s four-rider lineup, the Honda TT Legends team will only field three riders in the 2013 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) – 19-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, Michael Rutter and Simon Andrews.
This announcement arrived after the fourth Honda TT Legends rider, Cameron Donald, decided to step down from riding in the EWC, which begins with the Bol d ‘Or 24-hour race on April 20-21.
Donald, who has been with Honda TT Legends EWC team since its inaugural season in 2011, said he stepped down to spend more time with his family in Australia. He will still compete in the Northwest 200 and Isle of Man TT, but with Wilson Craig Honda (CBR1000RR, CBR600RR).
Cameron Donald says: “This was not an easy decision for me and I will miss the team hugely. We’ve had some great times over the past two years and the experience of endurance racing is one I’ll never forget, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t suit me to be away from Australia for such a long period of time. I’d like to thank Honda and the team for the opportunity.”
Neil Tuxworth says: “We’re very disappointed that Cameron will not be a part of the EWC team this year as he has done an excellent job over the past two years. He expressed a wish to spend more time at home in Australia, which meant he was unable to commit to the program of testing and racing required and therefore we have mutually agreed for him to stand down. We wish him all the best for the NW200 and TT and look forward to seeing him at those events.”
As for the 2013 Isle of Man TT and Northwest 200, the Honda TT Legends lineup remains the same – McGuinnes, Rutter and Michael Dunlop. The three will be contesting in the superbike classes at both events.