Immediately after testing at Daytona and setting the fastest lap time with Neil Hodgson aboard, American Honda has issued a press release saying it’s not going to run a team in the U.S. this year. The release stated: "The primary factor contributing to this decision is the current global economic situation and its impact on Honda."
The release went on to state that American Honda would continue to support its satellite teams, Erion Honda Racing and Corona Honda Racing. Also, "Entering the second year of our partnership with Red Bull Energy Drink, the Honda Red Bull Racing team will return for the 2009 Supercross and National Motocross season with a full roster of factory riders."
This is perhaps not such a shock as it might be, given that Honda’s head office recently announced its complete departure from Formula One car racing, effective immediately.
It does leave a couple of very talented riders hung out to dry. Neil Hodgson is signed for the season but suddenly has no ride, while veteran Canadian racer Miguel Duhamel, whose career has largely been built around American Honda, hadn’t yet signed with the team for 2009 and is now formally at loose ends. One CMG editor (who shall remain nameless, it wasn’t me) suggested that "Duhamel finally come home and open that tattoo and bong shop we’ve all heard so much about."
More likely is an increased effort by Duhamel and manager Alan Labrosse to kick-start a car racing career (Miggy’s had a couple of pretty decent showings in stock car one-offs), but the money situation is hitting there just as hard.
wherever miguel goes i’m sure that he will put all he has into it
Given this and the recent F1 pull-out, it has me wondering what motorcycle racing support will be like next season, in Canada.
I’d be pretty surprised if Hodgsen isn’t on the Corona bike since Honda will have to pay him anyway.