Dean Harrison to Leave Dao Racing

Dean Harrison to Leave Dao Racing :

Dean Harrison on the Dao Racing Kawasaki
Dean Harrison to Leave Dao Racing

Dao Racing and Dean Harrison have issued a joint statements on the end of their contract from 2024.

Good luck to Dean and Dao in whatever comes next and I look forward to seeing both back on the Isle of Man in 2024 with a new team for Dean and a new rider for Dao.


Following a memorable 8 years racing together, BSB and roads rider Dean Harrison and DAO Racing will not be moving into the 2024 season together.

Team Manager Jonny Bagnall:

‘Dean’s contract was due to end at the end of 2023 as part of his two year contract. During negotiations, we haven’t been able to agree on a suitable deal. Therefore we came to this mutual decision on both parties.’

It has been a fantastic 8 years with Dean, we’ve grown together, won together and now it has obviously come to the time for us to go our different ways.
We wish him all the best for the future.’

Dean Harrison, rider:

‘Genuinely this is a sad choice to make, that didn’t come easy. You get close to your team, care about everyone and don’t want to upset anyone.

I don’t call racing a career, I see it as a journey. You go from place to place, you have your ups and your downs, and I’m almost 35 now.

DAO Racing is one of the best teams in the paddock and in some ways I’d be silly to leave it.
I’ve been on the Kawasaki for 8 years now and what Clarissa and Sommai have done for me I’m so grateful for and the opportunities I’ve had.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of these last 8 years.’


Motorcycling Ireland New Board Announced

Motorcycling Ireland New Board Announced :

Motorcycling Ireland

Motorcycling Ireland new President Dave McCann has released a statement following the EGM which was held on 19th July 2023.


Hi all, as you may know, the MCI EGM went ahead last week, and a new Board was elected. New President Dave McCann has issued this initial statement, more to follow.

On behalf of the new board of Management of Motorcycling Ireland, I would like to thank all of our affiliated clubs for attending and voting at the EGM last Wednesday the 19th of July.

We thank you for your support and the trust you have shown in us as we move forward together to address the issue’s we all currently face as clubs, competitors, officials, marshals and supporters.

The new board in full is as follows:

President: David McCann

Vice President: Nicky Craigie

Vice President Administration/Company Secretary: Graham Sheehan

Vice President of Finance: Derek Kehoe

Vice President of Coaching/Training: Paul McLoughlin

They join the other members:

Enduro Convenor: Alan Leckie

Motocross Convenor: Ingrid McDonough

Trials Convenor: Brian McLoughlin

Road Race Convenor: Paul Power

Short Circuit Convenor: Daire Lowe

Touring Convenor: Robbie Nolan

Veteran & Vintage Convenor: Derek Dignam

Women in Motorsport Liaison: Nicole Lynch

Company Director: Rebecca Hampshire

Company Director: Frank Blackbyrne

We look forward to working together with all of the disciplines: Tarmac, Off Road, Touring and Vintage & Veteran to promote motorcycling in Ireland.

Obviously, insurance is one of our biggest issues and to that end we have already established communication with the industry and will appoint a sub-committee to manage the difficult task ahead. We will update the clubs again next weekend.

Yours in Sport

David McCann

On behalf of the Board of Management of Motorcycling Ireland