Cal getting ready to ride the 1989 NSR500 that was ridden by the then 500cc GP world champion, Eddie Lawson. What a motorcycle!

It’s an annual get-together for Honda riders and drivers, their teams and a host of Japanese fans where modern and classic race cars and bikes get put out on track to stretch their legs – and the billy big boy treat this year went to Cal Crutchlow who got to ride Eddie Lawson’s world championship-winning NSR500 Grand Prix two-stroke.

That's Cal Crutchlow on a Honda Grom. Little bike, big rider. How trick does this look? MotoGP, here's you're Sunday evening race at every 2020 event - right here... — That’s Cal Crutchlow on a Honda Grom. Little bike, big rider. How trick does this look? MotoGP, here’s you’re Sunday evening race at every 2020 event – right here…

Grom racing

Riding the bike at the Motegi Twin Ring circuit during the celebration which also marks 60 years since Honda first entered World Championship racing, Cal also took part in a Honda Grom race, which he almost won and a go-kart all-comers challenge – which he definitely did win. More than 17,000 fans turned up to watch the fin and games for free.

Cal also had a play around in some fast karts. He was fast. Unsurprisingly.

Speaking after riding the number one plated factory Honda, Cal told MCNews.com.au: “It was incredible and a real privilege to ride an NSR.

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“I grew up watching guys race these 500s – I used to think the bikes looked spectacular and now I know they are spectacular. The bike was fantastic but I can’t imagine racing one in 1989. I’d like to say a big thank you to HRC for this opportunity, because it has been a fantastic event for the fans, but also a special one for us riders”.

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Tony Carter

Tony has been riding motorcycles for over 35 years and he's been a motorcycle writer for over 25 of those. He's ridden almost every motorcycle you can think of at most places around the world and he's partial to some racing, too. A Taurus, Tony doesn't believe in horoscopes (but then that's exactly what a Taurus would say!) but he does believe in Mandalorians and their right to earn a living.