Amor replaces Plater for TT

Honda has announced that Keith Amor will replace Steve Plater in the HM Plant Honda team for the Isle of Man TT.

Plater suffered a broken arm in a fall during the North West 200 which has ruled him out of the event, with the team calling up Amor to partner John McGuinness.

As well as competing on the #5 bike in both the Superbike and Senior TT races, Amor will also compete in the Supersport races on a privately entered CBR600RR.

"It's all a bit surreal but I feel incredibly proud and privileged to have been asked by the HM Plant Honda team to ride for them at the TT and also, stand in for such an incredible rider as Steve," he said. "When the team called me I was more surprised than anything and it goes to show how you can never predict anything and how life and fortune can change so quickly. Two weekends ago I was stuck in Italy due to cancelled flights and wasn't sure I was even going to able to make it to the NW200 to compete, and now I have one of the most sought after rides in the paddock!

"I couldn't be happier and I'm excited to be going to the TT with such a successful and professional team as HM Plant Honda. It's obviously not the ideal way I would have wanted to get this ride as Steve is a good friend of mine and I'd rather he was not injured and able to complete, but I want to thank the team and Honda for showing this faith in me, which I aim to try and repay by just doing my best and trying to secure some strong results. The HM Plant Honda Fireblade is arguably the best bike out there and I'm really looking forward to getting out in practice, just enjoying myself and also riding the best I can for myself, Honda, the team, their sponsors and the fans."

Although disappointed to be forced to miss the event while he recovers from his injuries, Plater said he was confident that Amor would be a more than able replacement.

"My plan is to be at the TT with the team and I'll be helping out in any way I can, but also want to spend time with race goers in the paddock, maybe be of some benefit with the television commentary and also take part in our 'off-track' activities for the team, our sponsors and Honda," he said. "For sure I'm still gutted to not be able to compete, but I'm pleased it's Keith who'll be taking my place as he's a great rider and good guy and I am sure will do the ride justice.

"Keith and I started at the TT at the same time in 2007 and he's been knocking at the door behind me and going from strength to strength so I'm sure with the best team in the paddock in HM Plant Honda and, on the best bike with the Fireblade Superbike machine that he'll be able to progress even more and pull in some good results for himself and the team."