New rules mean new machines and a new dimension at this year’s Manx Grand Prix and with the four-lap RST Classic Superbike race now open to pre-1997 models, Ashcourt Racing have taken full advantage as they field regular rider Lee Johnston on their 750cc RC45 Honda. After brief outings on the Phil Reed-owned machine at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough last year and more recently at Blyton Airfield, Johnston got his first taste of the ex-V&M Racing bike around the 37.73-mile Mountain Course during Sunday’s opening qualifying session. “It’s going to be a bit of a learning year for both myself and the team,” the 2019 Supersport TT race winner said. “But we aim to give as good account of ourselves as possible before returning stronger in 2023. The RC45 is a phenomenal bit of a kit and has a great track record at the TT so I’m keen to see what we can do.” Introduced in 1994, as a replacement for the ground-breaking RC30, the RC45 Honda dominated the big bike races at the TT between 1994 and 1998, winning every single Formula One and Senior race. Steve Hislop got the ball rolling with a Formula One-Senior double on his Castrol Honda RC45 in 1994, his final year of racing on the island, with fellow team members Phillip McCallen and Joey Dunlop sharing the victories a year later. McCallen then took all four races in 1996 and 1997 for Honda Britain before Ian Simpson did the double in 1998, the latter achieved on a full factory version of the RC45 as Honda flew in two of the special machines for Simpson and team-mate Michael Rutter as part of Honda’s 50th year celebrations. The changing of rules at the TT saw 1000cc machines introduced for 1999 and the RC45’s dominance was brought to an end as Honda focused their efforts on their new Fireblade but whilst the winning spell was short, the machine certainly made its mark around the Mountain Course with Johnston and Ashcourt Racing now aiming to do the same at the Manx GP. With more machines being added to the field, including both the RC45 and the 750cc GSXR Suzuki SRAD, the Classic Superbike will once again be one of the most popular races at this year’s event.
The golden age of Honda inventiveness. I believe it was, arguably, the best era of motorcycle technical evolution so far. Sure production, WSBK, and MotoGP machines of today are spaceships compared to those machines, but man, what an amazing time it was. There is no denying the speed of technological change during that time and still some of the most visually appealing designs ever brought to life. It's cool that people still see the value in putting them on track.
I know it was the replacement for the RC30, but the RC30 was one of the best looking bikes of all time.
They’re back, from the BBC NI website “ Rider Nathan Harrison will return to the Isle of Man's Mountain Course later this month for the Manx Grand Prix after recovering from injury. The Manxman was forced to withdraw from this year's TT races in June after breaking his collarbone in a crash at the North West 200. The 25-year-old will ride a Honda RC45 in the Classic Superbike race for Ashcourt Racing. He is set to ride the machinery in place of the injured Lee Johnston. Johnston, from Fermanagh in Northern Ireland but now based in Huddersfield, is still recovering from multiple injuries he suffered in a separate crash at the North West 200 in May. Harrison finished second on the podium in his maiden outing in the race last year, setting a fastest lap of the race at 126.326mph on his Greenall Racing Kawasaki ZX7R. The 2019 Manx Grand Prix Junior and Senior race winner said he was "gutted for Lee" but was "getting them ready for you next year". He said: "I've had a very tough year to date, but Lee and the team have gave me a great focus again and put a smile on my face. "Had a very successful last couple of days riding this beauty at Cadwell Park with the team and can't wait to see what we can do in a couple of weeks." Commenting on social media Johnston said: "Wish it was me but honestly couldn't be happier for Nathan to get to ride these beautiful Ashcourt Racing RC45s." Qualifying for this year's Manx Grand Prix begins on 20 August on the 37.37-mile Mountain Course, with racing in the centenary of the event due to take place from 25-28 August.
The RC45 came in a respectable 5th with Nathan Harrison onboard, the only other Honda was an RC30 that came in 32nd
That is pretty cool. These "older" machines continue to show just how good the Honda's were for their time. Even today, they are still the benchmark.
