New 50p coin celebrates 50 years of Suzuki in racing
Wednesday 21 April 2010
TT
As Suzuki prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its entry into international racing, the Japanese motorcycle giant has been honoured with a special coin.
At the 2010 Isle of Man TT, Suzuki will mark a half century since it first started racing on the world stage. A series of special events, including a parade lap featuring World Superbike star Leon Haslam and British Superbike rider Yukio Kagayama, have already been announced to mark the anniversary.
However, the celebrates have already started with the minting of a very special coin. The 50 pence coin honours Mitsuo Ito, who rode a Suzuki to victory in the 1963 50cc TT.
He is the only Japanese TT winner, and the coin features Ito-san on his 50cc Suzuki during the 1963 race.
Yasuharu Osawa, managing director for Suzuki GB PLC, said:
“We are delighted to accept this special honour on behalf of Mr Ito. He was incredibly touched when we contacted him to tell him the news and is looking forward to receiving the very first coin at his home in Hamamatsu, Japan very shortly.”
A visitor to the Island most recently in 2007 for the festival’s centenary celebrations, where he was reunited with the bike he took to victory, Mr Ito will join the 50 year celebrations on the Isle of Man again this year as he is reunited with fellow 1960s Suzuki racer Frank Perris.
Striking the very first coin at Pobjoy mint in Surrey was current Relentless Suzuki by TAS racer Bruce Anstey, joined by Suzuki GB managing director Yasuharu Osawa.
As well as being available for purchase in the Isle of Man during TT fortnight, the coin can also be purchased from the Isle of Man Post Office or directly from the coin manufacturer Pobjoy.