Bradford race ace Dean Harrison is ending his successful seven-year partnership with DAO Racing Kawasaki, feeling decisions had become too ‘political’ within the team.

He confirmed he has a deal for 2024 with a new outfit, but is sworn to secrecy on their identity for the time being.

The 34-year-old claimed 12 Isle of Man TT podiums during his time at Kawasaki but claimed: “A lot of it (me leaving) was down to political decisions within the team.

“I was going to stay, but there were just bits and pieces I wasn’t happy with and I got offered a ride elsewhere that was too good to turn down.

“I’ve just got to keep the name of team quiet for now until it’s officially announced.”

Harrison added: “I’m looking forward to a new start, a new challenge and with it being a different team, I’m excited.

“It’s sad in other ways, leaving Kawasaki after so long, but all good things have to come to an end.”

Harrison has headed off to the Manx Grand Prix to round off his August, with the Bradford rider prioritising that to miss the British Superbikes Championship event at Cadwell Park next weekend, the first round he will be absent for all season.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dean Harrison loves road racing, and that is partly behind his decision to compete at the Manx Grand Prix over the next week instead of at Cadwell Park next weekend.Dean Harrison loves road racing, and that is partly behind his decision to compete at the Manx Grand Prix over the next week instead of at Cadwell Park next weekend. (Image: Derek Wilson Photography.)

It should have been the Ulster GP this weekend, but due to funding struggles and the pandemic, that has been cancelled for a fourth year in a row.

Harrison said: “I don’t know what’s going on with the Ulster Grand Prix any more, but I thought it’d be off and I’d anticipated not going.

“But I chose to do the Manx over Cadwell Park because road racing’s what I do.

“There’s a few people within the Kawasaki team who are a bit sore about my decision to leave, and they’ve got a stand in rider for Cadwell Park on my usual bike, which is fair enough.

“I thought I’d do the Manx instead and there are good riders here like Michael Dunlop, but finishing in the top three would be a good week.

“The main bike I’m on is a Ducati 916, which is a bit of an unknown round here but it’s something a bit different.

“I’ll also get to ride a classic 500cc Manx Norton, which will be great.”