Doohan and Beattie start 2013 Phillip Island MotoGP countdown

Team mates in Honda's 1993 factory team, Doohan and Beattie took celebrity guests on high speed two-seater rides around the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. This year's Australian MotoGP Ambassador, Helena Vestergaard, was joined by a raft of Australian celebrities for the two-seater laps.

The event marked six weeks to go until the 2013 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island this coming October 18-20.

Team Honda Racing was the backbone of the event, providing two Honda CBR1000RRs that have been modified to be used as two-seater machines.

Speaking after the event, Honda Motorcycles National Marketing and Racing Manager Glyn Griffiths was thrilled with the enthusiasm of participants; "To have Australia's world famous riders down at Phillip Island showing non-motorcyclists a glimpse of the thrill of racing is really great.

"For Honda, to see the excitement of people at the end of the ride is what it is all about, racing and Honda's history of racing is an important part of the company's make-up and this event combines it all perfectly."

With just one month to go before the MotoGP reaches Phillip Island, very limited tickets remain for Honda's VIP marquee. Buy online: www.hondamotorcycles.com.au

Mick Doohan is world renowned for achieving five 500cc MotoGP World Championships between 1994 and 1998. Having been awarded several honours in his career from Order of Australia in 1996, to being placed in the Australian Sports Hall of Fame three times, Doohan is one of Australia's most famous sportsmen.

Daryl Beattie's international career also spanned the 1990s and saw him race against riders like Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner. In 1992 he won the Suzuka 8 Hour with Wayne Gardner, in 1993 achieved a promising third and 1995 a secure second in the 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix.