OFF the back of strong performances in both the big-bike (1,000cc) and Supersport classes, Honda Motorcycles UK has been handed the 2023 Isle of Man TT Manufacturers Award.
The prize was first handed to Honda in 1959, the very first year that a Honda team, and its riders Junzo Suzuki and Giichi Suzuki, made the nearly 6,000-mile journey to this speck of land in the Irish Sea. 64 years later and the winged marque has done it again, although this time with considerably more Honda-branded bikes featuring in the top ten.
Honda wins 2023 Isle of Man TT Manufacturer’s Award
Heading into this year’s event saw eight of the top-20 seeded starters in the big-bike classes riding Honda machinery, both the CBR1000RR-R and Micheal Rutter aboard his beautiful (and now sadly retired from Isle of Man TT competition) RCV213V-S. Further down the classes, the CBR600RR took four places in the Supersport class, with Davey Todd being the standout performer with a best finish of fourth in the second Supersport race.
Speaking about the award, Havier Beltran, Honda Racing UK Team Manager, said:
‘This year’s Isle of Man TT races has delivered on all accounts. We have had some of the best weather that the island has to offer and we have seen some sensational racing. Riders and teams up and down the field have all committed themselves to this sport and spent hours upon hours preparing themselves and their machines for this event. Receiving this award goes a long way to reward all of the hard work and effort that this team, and all other teams running a Honda Fireblade, dedicate in order to compete in this event.’
Neil Fletcher - Head of Motorcycles, Honda UK said:
‘Honda has a rich and colourful history with the Isle of Man TT races, so to collect the Manufacturer Award is an absolute honour. Honda has been coming to race on the Island since 1959 and the very fabric of this event is woven into its DNA. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and want to congratulate every member of each Honda team for their hard work and dedication. It is fitting that in 1959 when Honda first made the monumental journey to this island in the Irish Sea to race for the first time, they were awarded this very same award. Now, some 64 years later we are here doing just the same.’
