TT Suzuki racer honoured with special coin

The Isle of Man government has honoured 1963 50cc TT winner and Suzuki rider Mitsuo Ito, by announcing the release of a special 50 pence coin into circulation on the Isle of Man for the forthcoming 2010 Isle of Man TT races.

With Mr Ito remaining the only Japanese winner of the TT to this day, the special coin will feature the image of Ito-san and his 50cc Suzuki racer in action at the 1963 event.

With 2010 marking Suzuki’s 50th year of International racing – all starting on the Isle of Man, this year’s festival looks set to become a fortnight of celebrations for the Japanese manufacturer, with Mr Ito in attendance along with a selection of Suzuki riders from years gone by during race week.

Mr Yasuharu Osawa, managing director for Suzuki GB PLC, commented, “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 60’s 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 on the Isle of Man during the TT fortnight, the coin can also be purchased from the main island Post Office, via iomstamps.com, or alternatively, directly from the coin manufacturer Pobjoy - pobjoy.com/ukworld.