25 Years Ago June, 1970
25 YEARS AGO JUNE, 1970
Honda and Mick Doohan are currently defending the 500cc grand prix title, but in June, 1970, we wondered if Honda would ever compete in that arena again. The company with drew from GP competition in 1968 and an article in this issue traced its history in the sport. "It established an unforgettable racing image and its position as a builder of quality products," we said.
• While names like Doohan, Lawson, Gardner and Spencer have since helped establish an ongoing era of GP glory for Honda, it was Dick Mann who rode a Honda to victory in the 1970 Daytona 200, his first win there in 15 attempts. Pole-sitter and second-place-finisher Gene Romero showed more speed on his Triumph, but an early off-track excursion dropped him from the lead pack. While the foreign-rider contingent may seem large today, the high banks have long drawn racers from around the world. In 1970,17 riders came to Daytona from other countries.
• Meanwhile, back on the street, Yamaha had just introduced the two-stroke 350cc R5, a motorcycle that would spawn a Daytona-winning racer and the still-popular RD and RZ models. We were impressed. “The R5 is sleek and most definitely a roadster, engineered for the rider who likes to straighten out a winding mountain road, or cruise effortlessly down a freeway" we said. “The R5 offers substance, as well as appearance. Within limits, it will do things most of the more expensive superbikes will do, at lesser cost but equal fun value.”
-Robert Hough
