Isle of Man TT coming soon

The Isle of Man TT is one of the world's most challenging and prestigious motorcycle road races. It covers a massive 59 kilometre road circuit that makes Germany's famed Nurburgring look quaint.

For 2010 the event begins on May 29 just off the west coast of Britain on the Isle of Man, and it's expected to be a huge event this year, not just because the electric bikes are expected to better their times.

Today the small island's government honoured Mitsuo Ito, the winner of the 1963 TT (Tourist Trophy) race, by releasing a very special 50 pence coin, and parties that follow could go all night long...

Ito-san is the only remaining Japanese winner of the TT still alive, who raced his 50cc Suzuki to victory almost fifty years ago. The commemorative coin will feature the image of Ito-san and his 50cc Suzuki race bike in action (second image).

Coincidentally, 2010 also marks Suzuki's 50th year of International racing, which all started on the Isle of Man. For 2010 the Isle of Man TT is expected to be a fortnight of celebrations for Suzuki, as Mr Ito will be at the event along with several other famous Suzuki riders, including fellow 1960s racer Frank Perris.

Yasuharu Osawa, the managing director for Suzuki GB, had this to say: "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."

The special coin will be available to purchase on the Isle of Man during the TT fortnight, and for coin collectors who can't get to the UK, they can check out Iom Stamps.com, or go directly to the coin manufacturer Pobjoy.com.

Isle of Man TT History:
The first Isle of Man race was help in 1907, and between 1949 and 1976 the Isle of Man race was part of the FIM's MotoGP world championship.  

The Isle of Man 'mountain course' track is known as a dangerous circuit, with its narrow lanes, stone walls and extreme speeds making navigation of the 59 kilometre loop difficult.

Countless racers have died on the course; between 1907 and 2009 more than 220 riders have lost their lives during official racing and practice. For many, the track's notoriety only increases the desire to conquer the mountain.