Performing consistently on a under-powered bike in his first year, he finished 7th overall for the season, earning him the much sort after MotoGP Rookie of the Year. With expectations high for 2003, Daijiro suffered a heavy crash on the third lap in the season opener at Suzuka, passing away 2 weeks later in hospital. With a friendly personality and much natural potential, his fan base was trully international, with approximately 9,000 fans gathering from all over the world to attend a special memorial held at Honda headquarters in Japan. Since his death, the Daijiro name has lived on in motorsports with the holding of the annual Daijiro Cup in Japan, a mini bike race held especially for kids, and the naming of Viale Daijiro Kato, a street that leads to the entrance of Misano Circuit in Italy.

About the Model
*Fully assembled and 1/12 scale model of the No.74 bike ridden by Daijiro Kato in his final MotoGP race.
*Model includes 1/12 scale helmet with colorful markings and intricate design reproduced in exceptional detail.
*Professionally finished cobalt blue body and fluorescent yellow markings makes for a most impressive display piece.
*Die-cast wheels add extra weight to model for increased realism.
*Side cowling and under cowl can be easily detached, allowing display of accurately recreated V5 engine
*Overall length: 172mm