Helloladies and gents this is the viking telling you that today we have a great post all about the first ever motorbike races that i could find.
The first motorcycle was sold in 1894, a product of Germany, while the first race—of about 400 km—was held in France only a few years later. From 1906, Britain held the Tourist Trophy (TT) races on the Isle of Man, and the motorsport scene blossomed throughout Central Europe in pre-war days. After the Second World War, in 1949, the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme) was founded, establishing the format for road racing that is still recognizable to this day in the World GP series. The first race held under FIM rules was the Isle of Man TT event of June 1949.
Why did Soichiro Honda set his sights on the TT? The answer is simple: the Isle of Man race was the most difficult to win and had come to symbolize the very essence of the sport. Honda felt that declaring his ambition to win this demanding race would bring his company a great deal of interest, as indeed it did, from all over Japan.
Until the 1950s, the World GP races were held exclusively in Europe, and dominated by European manufacturers. The 1959 Isle of Man TT witnessed the first entry from a Japanese team in the World GP series, the four 125cc Hondas being managed by Kiyoshi Kawashima, who had the complete trust and support of Soichiro Honda. This first challenge resulted in Honda claiming 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th in the 125cc lightweight class, as well as the Manufacturers’ Team Award. At the time, against stiff opposition, this level of success was truly remarkable, prompting Honda to compete in the full GP series the following year.
Ik this is a little short but i hope you like this post and as always have a chilled day from the Viking.
The first motorcycle was sold in 1894, a product of Germany, while the first race—of about 400 km—was held in France only a few years later. From 1906, Britain held the Tourist Trophy (TT) races on the Isle of Man, and the motorsport scene blossomed throughout Central Europe in pre-war days. After the Second World War, in 1949, the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme) was founded, establishing the format for road racing that is still recognizable to this day in the World GP series. The first race held under FIM rules was the Isle of Man TT event of June 1949.
Why did Soichiro Honda set his sights on the TT? The answer is simple: the Isle of Man race was the most difficult to win and had come to symbolize the very essence of the sport. Honda felt that declaring his ambition to win this demanding race would bring his company a great deal of interest, as indeed it did, from all over Japan.
Until the 1950s, the World GP races were held exclusively in Europe, and dominated by European manufacturers. The 1959 Isle of Man TT witnessed the first entry from a Japanese team in the World GP series, the four 125cc Hondas being managed by Kiyoshi Kawashima, who had the complete trust and support of Soichiro Honda. This first challenge resulted in Honda claiming 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th in the 125cc lightweight class, as well as the Manufacturers’ Team Award. At the time, against stiff opposition, this level of success was truly remarkable, prompting Honda to compete in the full GP series the following year.
Ik this is a little short but i hope you like this post and as always have a chilled day from the Viking.
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