Honda to Participate in the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed






Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it will participate in the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed, to be held in Goodwood, West Sussex, England from Friday July 7 to Sunday July 9, 2006. Since 1993 when Lord March first opened up his grand estate to motorsports fans, Goodwood has been one of the world's greatest historic motorsports events. The title of this year's event is "A Century of Grand Prix".

Honda began participating in the event at the invitation of Lord March, and last year in its seventh year of participation became the first Japanese manufacturer to act as the event's main sponsor. This year again, Honda will enter drivers and riders on famous cars and bikes both classic and modern in the time trials to be carried out on the 1.16-mile hill climb.

Following is a summary of the riders, drivers, and machines that Honda will be entering in the time trials.



Riders (in alphabetical order)

Casey Stoner
Born October 16, 1985 in Australia.
Entered Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix in 2001, and was ranked 2nd in the 2005 season with five wins in the 250cc class. In 2006 entered MotoGP racing with Honda LCR - currently ranked 6th. Became the second-youngest rider in history to earn the pole position in the Dakar GP, the second race since his debut, and racked up a 2nd-place finish in the Turkish GP. Currently in the spotlight as one of the sport's most promising young riders.

James Toseland
Born October 5, 1980 in England
Originally a trials competitor, started road racing at the age of 12. Ranks third overall in the 1997 British Supersport Championship, moving up to the World Supersport Championship the next year and the World Superbike Championship in 2002. Joined the Winston Ten Kate Honda team in 2006, taking the victory in the season opener. Is ranked 4th in the championship standings.

Jim Redman
Born November 8, 1931 in England.
After first riding Honda in the 1960 Dutch TT Race, Redman played a central role on the Honda team until his retirement seven years later. Won six world championships (the most by any Honda rider), including the 250cc & 350cc class in 1962, the 250cc & 350cc class in 1963, the 350cc class in 1964, and the 350cc class in 1965, with 46 wins in all. He was also the rider who recorded Honda's first win in the 500cc class - an historic event for the company - on May 22, 1966 in the second race of the season at the West German GP.

Luigi Taveri
Born September 19, 1929 in Switzerland.
Was active in every world championship motorcycle racing class from 50cc to 500cc during his 13-year racing career, even participating as a passenger in the sidecar class. Moved to Honda in 1961, taking the world championship in the 125cc class in 1962, 1964, and 1966.

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