Honda Partners with Isle of Man TT Races
Just over a month ahead of the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fueled by Monster Energy, the organizers have revealed the official motorcycle partner – Honda.
Honda has an extended history with the Isle of Man TT, which began in 1954 when founder Soichiro Honda said the company will “participate in the TT Races” and he would “pour in all of my energy and creative powers to win.” Honda entered in 1959, earned its first race in 1962, and went on to claim over 250 TTs to date.
The latest was the 2016 IOMTT Senior TT, which also earned John McGuinness his 23rd TT win – three shy of the record held by the late Honda competitor Joey Dunlop.
During the partnership, the “Traveling Marshals” will use Honda CBR1000RR SP Firblades – just like the one McGuinness will race. These Traveling Marshals – first used in 1935 – are positioned around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course for immediate assistance. The IOM TT says that all of the bikes carry medical equipment that can assist in managing a casualty. They also carry out duties such as course inspection, observe machines on the course for visible faults and review and report any course incidents.
The Traveling Marshals are required to have race experience at the Mountain Course – either at the TT or the Manx Grand Prix. The current team has eight Manx Grand Prix wins and a TT podium between them and all of them are first aid trained to a high level and play a vital role in the Isle of Man TT races safety programme, which relies on fast responses, the TT reports..
Nick Campolucci (Head of Motorcycles at Honda) says: “Honda’s Racing history is inextricably linked with the Isle of Man TT Races and we are delighted to extend and increase our partnership with the TT Races and the Isle of Man. Our success around one of the world’s most demanding circuits continues with the current generation Fireblade and it’s fitting that the bikes help the traveling marshals in their essential work, as well as taking a starring role in the racing.”
David Cretney (Isle of Man Government representative for Tourism and Motorsport) says: “There is a great bond between Honda and the TT Races, the Isle of Man and its people. It is a great reflection on the current strength of the TT that a company as prestigious as Honda hascome on board as an official partner and its support is a vital part of delivering the TT experience and running the races.”
