Sometimes they come back. We are talking about the legends of the Continental Circus, in this case the legendary Takazumi Katayama, World 350 cc Champion in 1977 on the two-cylinder (and a three-cylinder prototype) of the Iwata manufacturer. After having raced, and won, also in 500 competing for Yamaha and Honda, both with the NR 500 with oval pistons and the three-cylinder NS, Takazumi at 69 years of age is now going back onto the track.
“Zooming Taxi”, one of his nicknames, will compete in the “Motegi Endurance Race” next August 23 with a Honda CBR250RR.
Honda has entered five riders: in addition to Katayama, Akihiko Kiyohara, ex-Kawasaki, the Japanese champion Shoichi Tsukamoto and two young riders who, as Takazumi joked, are now faster than the legends!
The first Japanese rider to win a world championship will obviously be on the track with his iconic red and gold Shoei helmet.
Watch Katayama explain the secrets of riding the incredible Honda NR 500 oval piston bike.