The 1959 Isle of Man TT Honda racing team before its world championship debut which was to become such an important chapter in the company’s history.

Soichiro Honda’s vision for engineering excellence was all about racing.

He knew that without competition advances could not be made and so he built his strategy to make Honda a world powerhouse, around the race track.

But he wanted his workforce to buy into that concept and so in March 1954, six years after the Honda Motor Company was incorporated, he drew up The Declaration and told everyone who proudly wore the company overalls of the exciting new project.

In this historic statement of intent the company founder spelt out the importance of racing to improve their products and keep pace with developments around the world.

“Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed of winning a world championship with a machine off my own design.

“However, before becoming a world champion, the company must be on a firm footing and must have precision manufacturing equipment and superior designs.

“Until now, we have focused our efforts on providing high-quality machines for the domestic market, leaving us no time to pursue motorcycle racing.

“However, recent reports from the international motorcycle race in Sao Paulo have provided me with detailed information on Europe and America. And while I thought I was keeping abreast of conditions around the world, I know realise I have been concentrating too much on Japan while the world around us advances with tremendous speed.

“Nevertheless, my confidence in our ability to win remains as strong as ever. The fighting spirit that is part of my nature will not allow me to continue as before.

“We now have a production system in which I have absolute confidence. The time is now. I hereby state my intention to enter the Isle of Man TT races.”