Honda Shows Off its Racing Skills on Wheels and Water

**toE** · 17-09-2004 12:59 AM

Honda Shows Off its Racing Skills on Wheels and Water

LONDON - Three of the world’s fastest racing stars duelled on Honda-powered racing machines in an unusual high-octane demonstration in London last weekend.

Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, multiple World Powerboat Champion Steve Curtis and British Superbike 2004 title contender Michael Rutter, met at London City Airport to put their respective machines through their paces, showcasing Honda's unique status as the power behind race successes on four wheels, two wheels and on water.

The top trio contested five 1/4 mile sprint races in the B.A.R Honda 005, the Honda Formula 4-Stroke 225hp powerboat and the HM Plant Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade.

"Why did we do this?" asked Paul Ormond, Head of Press and PR, Honda (UK). "Because we can! Honda is the world's largest engine manufacturer and only Honda has the power to demonstrate its racing credentials on four wheels, two wheels and on water. It was fantastic to see our racers come together for a great demonstration of what it means to be Honda-powered."

"To blast down the runway in an F1 car was a bit surreal, especially with the bike alongside me," said Jenson Button. "The performance of the two was pretty similar to be honest, but Michael can do better wheelies than I can!"

"It wasn't much of a contest," laughed Steve Curtis, "but it was great fun. The boat was built with one-design powerboat racing in mind rather than competition against Formula 1 cars and British Superbike motorcycles and it shows! However, as I told Jenson and Michael, I'm the only person who has space for my friends in the back!"

"It was a really good day and underlines the breadth of Honda's racing and engineering activities," commented Michael Rutter. "Steve and Jenson are top stars in their sports and it was interesting to get a closer look and understanding of their machinery. I'd rather stick to my bike though!"

Britain’s Channel 5 motoring programme 'Fifth Gear' filmed the event and will screen the results in their upcoming series, broadcast in October.

SPECIFICATIONS

Lucky Strike B.A.R. Honda 005 Formula One Race Car

Construction Carbon fibre
Length (mm) 4675
Width (mm) 1800
Height (mm) 950
Dry weight (kg) 530 (est)
Engine type Honda RA003E
Engine layout 90° V10
Engine displacement (cc) 3,000
Power (kW) 670 +
Top speed (km/h) 350
Maximum revs. (rpm) Over 18,500
Ignition PGM-FI
Fuel capacity (litres) 150
Fuel consumption (l per 100km) 235 (est)
RRP ($AUD) $12,700,000 (est)

HM Plant 4-Stroke 225hp Powerboat

Construction Carbon fibre
Length (mm) 8153
Width (mm) 1830
Height (mm) 1220
Dry weight (kg) 1100
Engine type Honda BF225
Engine layout 60° V6
Engine displacement (cc)3,471
Power (kW) 160
Top speed (km/h) 120
Maximum revs. (rpm) 6000
Ignition PGM-FI
Fuel capacity (litres) 170
Fuel consumption (l per 100km) 58
RRP ($AUD) $ $127,390.00(est)

Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade

Construction Aluminium beam
Length (mm) 2025
Width (mm) 720
Height (mm) 1120
Dry weight (kg) 161
Engine type Honda CBR1000RR
Engine layout SOHC Inline 4-cylinder
Engine displacement (cc) 1000
Power (kW) 150 +
Top speed (km/h) 300 +
Maximum revs. (rpm) 13,600
Ignition HRC
Fuel capacity (litres) 24
Fuel consumption (l per 100km) 15
RRP ($AUD) $2,547,800.00 (est)

Images taken from here

26 August 2004

(Source)