 |
|
|
 |
|
The sky was clear up to the preliminary rounds. The rain started pouring
at dawn, becoming harder and harder. It was the large Typhoon Number 10
that directly hit the Honshu area. The extra momentum of the big 1000 cc
machine caused itself to glide over the surface of water. Even the best
riders of the world were forceless facing the typhoon. The Yoshimura machine
fell disgracefully at the straight course in front of the grandstand. The
rider was last year's champion, David Aldana. After falling, Aldana kept
in the race although he could not bring out the full power of Yoshimura.
Six hours after start, the race obtained the checker as the typhoon was
now close by Suzuka. The top finishers were the test riders from the four
domestic manufacturers. Those with experience in the rain, were the winners.
However, Yoshimura, with Aldana and Wes Cooley, did finish the race in sixth
place.
There was tragic news before the season. At the Suzuki Ryuyo test course,
Shohei Kato fell during set up and died. Overcoming the sad news, the Yoshimura
machine appeared in renewed style. The name was Yoshimura Testarossa Italia;
the color was pink and white. Riders also wore pink racing suits to convey
a new image. In spite of all that, they could not overpower the typhoon.
Finishing in sixth place possibly could have not been achieved if it were
not Yoshimura.
|
 |
 |
|
|
