From a press release:

HONDA HEADS BACK TO MAGIC ISLAND

Honda has confirmed its plans to contest the 2002 Isle of Man TT races, returning to the island after a two-year break due to the cancellation of the 2001 event.

Honda will field a full team of works machinery and riders in every solo class and in the two sidecar races during the festival. Racing gets under way on the 37.73-mile Mountain circuit on Saturday June 1 with the six-lap Formula One TT.

“Quite simply, Honda loves racing. We race more products in more events worldwide than anybody else and it all started on the Isle of Man,” said Honda UK general manager Mark Davies.

He continued: “For us the Island is part of our heritage and with 113 TT wins we have no intention of stopping yet. As long as there’s an annual Isle of Man Tourist Trophy festival Honda will be there.

“Honda¹s history goes back to Soichiro Honda¹s first visit in 1954, we have as much enthusiasm for the TT races now as Mr. Honda did then.”

Davies is also aware of the meaning of the 2002 TT, the first without the late record TT winner Joey Dunlop.

“I’m sure there will be poignant moments during the course of this year’s event, the words Joey and TT can never be separated. Honda’s first TT for more than 20 years without Joey cannot go unnoticed. We hope everyone will be able to celebrate his 26 TT memorable victories in some way.”

Honda will race fully race-prepared versions of it’s new 954cc Fireblade in the prestigious Formula One and Senior races with riders Adrian Archibald and John McGuinness.

Manxman Dave Molyneux will race a CBR600F Sport-engined sidecar while riders for the other races during the 2002 TT festival are still to be confirmed. Practice gets under way on Saturday May 25.

“We’ve also one or two treats in store for the TT fans with Superbike champion Colin Edwards coming over to join us,” added Davies. “In all, we’d like to make the 2002 TT one to remember, and help people forget the disappointment of last year’s event being cancelled.”

Former World champion Edwards commented: “The TT is an event I’ve known about since I was a child. I’ve been close to going there in the past and I can’t wait to visit the Island this year.”

2002 Isle of Man TT race schedule:

Saturday. June 1
Formula 1 (Superbike), 6 laps
Sidecar Race, 3 laps

Monday, June 3
Lightweight (400)/Ultra-Lightweight (125), 4 laps
Production (700 – 1010), 3 laps

Wednesday, June 5
Junior TT (Supersport 600), 4 laps
Sidecar Race, 3 laps

Friday, June 7
Production TT (600cc), 3 laps
Senior TT (Superbike), 6 laps