Neil Hodgson signs for Honda in AMA

Neil Hodgson has signed to ride for Honda America in AMA in 2008, ruling himself out of a return to World Superbike with Ten Kate Honda.

Hodgson is believed to have signed a two year deal to race in America onboard the all new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade with an official announcement expected later this week.

The news Neil Hodgson will be in America for the next two years has come as a blow to British fans who were hoping he would make his long awaited return to the World Superbike championship.

MCN understands Neil Hodgson was a serious contender to get James Toseland’s Ten Kate Honda ride and met twice with team bosses at Brands Hatch earlier this month to discuss a possible deal.

But with Ten Kate still considering their options Neil Hodgson didn’t want to wait.

This year Hodgson has been forced to sit out of racing after he was unable to secure a competitive ride and the 33-year-old Brit was adamant he didn’t want that to happen to him again next year.

Neil Hodgson’s last full-time ride was in America onboard the Parts Unlimited Ducati in 2006, giving him experience of the tracks and the competition.

Hodgson is currently unable to comment on the deal, but is in America this week when the signing is expected to be officially announced.