BRADFORD motorsport ace Dean Harrison was left satisfied with his efforts at the famous Isle of Man TT last week, and is already determined to make up the “speed deficit” to star duo Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop next year.

It was a strong set of results out on the road for DAO Racing Kawasaki’s Harrison, who managed five third-place finishes in his first five races.

He saved the best until his sixth and last race, coming second, ahead of Dunlop but behind Hickman, in the blue-riband Senior TT on Saturday.

The Bradfordian won the Senior TT in 2019, but that never looked likely on this occasion, as Lincolnshire racer Hickman won by a 20-second margin.

Hickman and his Northern Irish rival Dunlop took all eight solo victories over the last week of racing in the Isle of Man, and were the top two in all five of the races where Harrison came third.

The Bradford star told the T&A yesterday: “It was tough all the time last week, because we had a bit of a speed deficit to Peter and Michael.

“It was frustrating but that’s just the way it goes.

“We know what to do for 2024 now as a team, and that’s the plan, to try and make up the deficit next year.

“We’re back in British Superbike Championship action this weekend at Knockhill, so we’ll see there if we can produce a bit more speed from the machine.”

It was Harrison’s only real complaint from a strong two weeks in the Isle of Man, with five days of qualifying followed by six days of racing.

The Bradfordian said: “All in all, it wasn’t bad.

“It was a shame not to get a win, but it was good to get that many podiums, have strong pace, and be fighting at the front all fortnight, both in qualifying and in the races.

“It was really good to finish ahead of Michael in the Senior TT too, as I’d been third for a lot of the week, so really I was just trying to place again.

“Of course I wanted to win, but I’m happy with how I did.”

Harrison had no complaints regarding matters off the track either, saying: “The weather was lovely and the crowds were so big and inspiring.

“It was good that everyone turned out like they did and the whole event was brilliant really.”

Asked about switching from road racing in the Isle of Man to zooming around the track at Knockhill in the space of a few days, the Bradford star said: “This weekend’s going to be tough.

“You’re going from basically the biggest track around at the Isle of Man to one of the smallest you can get at Knockhill.

“That’s just the nature of racing though, so you have to get on with it.”

It will not be long before Harrison is back on the road either.

He confirmed: “I’ll be racing at the Southern 100 (also in the Isle of Man) next month and I’m up at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough soon.

“With me competing in the British Superbikes Championship too, there’s plenty for me to do in the next few months.”