Suzuka 8 Hour Endurance Race Puts On Good Show
August 1, 2008
Competitors from around the world showed up in full force to compete in the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour race, part of the World Endurance Championship and one of the highlights of the Japanese bike racing calendar.
World Superbikes riders Carlos Checa and Ryuichi Kiyonari eventually won the gruelling endurance race, teaming up on their CBR1000RR Fireblade for the DREAM Honda Racing team.
The win wasn’t made easy however, as heavy rain, a pit-lane speeding penalty and a break problem made the pair have to work hard all the way to the end of the race. The hard work paid off obviusly, as they finished the race a whole lap ahead of their nearest competitors.
Former double British Superbike champion Kiyonari said: “I was really nervous during the last hour watching Carlos riding. The front brake problem was already there during my last stint. I was scared to watch sparks fly when Carlos braked! The bike performed excellently and also looked fantastic in the new HRC paint scheme and I’m so happy that we won.”
Carlos added: “Usually, when you have a big margin like today, you can relax more, but I had no front brake during my last stint so I was really nervous. I’m so happy to have won.”
It was also a successful day for British riders, as Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam put in impressive performances.
All riders will now be returning home in preparation for their respective championships, the first of which will be the World Superbikes Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.
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