Honda release Hislop statement.

Honda Racing has issued a statement following the untimely death of Steve Hislop in a helicopter accident on Wednesday 30 July.

During the past 20 years Neil Tuxworth, Honda Racing's team manager, has competed against, managed and become a close friend of the current British Superbike Champion. He summed up the team's stunned reaction to the tragic news:

"On behalf of everyone at Honda, I would like to express my sincerest condolences to Steve's family and friends. While we are all shocked at the circumstances surrounding his death, everyone at Honda has great memories of one of the most talented motorcycle racers of his, or any, generation.

"As well as winning the British 250cc Championship for Honda in 1990, Steve also claimed nine of his 11 victories at the Isle of Man TT for Honda. He was one of the best riders that I have worked with on the island and one of the best all-round riders that we have produced in the UK over the past two decades.

"I think that it is also fair to say that he enjoyed a lot of success with Honda. It is such a tragedy that he has passed away in such terrible circumstances, away from racing, as he was approaching the end of this career.

"It is a truly sad day for the motorcycle industry. Steve will be sadly missed as a friend and as an exponent of the art of motorcycle racing."