DAO Racing and rider Dean Harrison are set to return to the roads this week as the squad heads to the Southern 100 Road Races.

After two years out, the event roars back into action on Monday over the 4.25-mile Billown Course on the outskirts of Castletown, Isle of Man.

This will mark the first time the team has competed under the DAO Racing banner, with Harrison back on Kawasaki machinery as he battles to reclaim his crown.

As the third most successful solo rider in the event’s history, Harrison arrives as reigning Solo champion, with 24 race wins and three consecutive titles – 2017, 18 and 19 – to his name.

“I like the Southern, it’s a great little event and of course, it’s another road race which is what I really enjoy,” he said. “Like everything else, it’s been away for a couple of years and I’ve quite missed it if I’m honest.

“I have won the last three times here so obviously that does give you a bit extra confidence coming in but you can’t get complacent about it, you don’t know who else is going to come back fast and we won’t get a better idea until we get out for the first time.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and having a roar around and see what happens.”

Team Manager Jonny Bagnall added: “As a roads team, the Southern 100 is an event we’ve always contested and it’s one we all enjoy, particularly Dean who always goes well there.

“Yes, we’re coming in as current champions, Dean has won the last three on the bounce on our bike and I suppose we come in as favourites but you can’t guarantee anything, particularly when it comes to road racing.

“Dean loves it there, but he’ll go out and ride anywhere and just get on with it, that’s the kind of rider he is. He’s looking forward to it and the team is fired up so I’m hopeful we can a good, safe four days and hopefully add to the silverware collection.”

The Southern 100 gets underway with practice on Monday and Tuesday. Racing begins on Tuesday evening and continues throughout Wednesday and Thursday.