Honda’s Factory Team takes the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race Victory.
In a thrilling display of skill, determination, and teamwork, Honda factory team Team HRC with Japan Post emerged victorious in the 44th FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. Held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit in Mie, the race saw Team HRC clinch their second consecutive and impressive 29th overall Suzuka 8 Hours victory. Riding the Japan Post sponsored CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the trio of Takumi Takahashi, Tetsuta Nagashima, and Xavi Vierge showcased exceptional performance, making history and leaving an indelible mark on the motorsports world.
Honda’s Dominance on the Track
The Honda factory team’s triumph at the Suzuka 8 Hours race marked a monumental achievement in the world of endurance racing. The team’s victory aboard the high-performance CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP underscored the prowess of Honda’s engineering and innovation. This momentous win solidified Honda’s reputation as a dominant force on the track, with their 29th Suzuka 8 Hours victory serving as a testament to their commitment to excellence.
The Winning Lineup
Takumi Takahashi, Tetsuta Nagashima, and Xavi Vierge formed an exceptional trio that led Team HRC with Japan Post to victory. Takahashi’s fifth Suzuka 8 Hours win not only demonstrated his exceptional skill but also tied him with the all-time record for most victories in the race by a rider. Nagashima’s consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours title was a showcase of his consistency and determination, while Vierge’s debut victory added a new chapter to his racing career. Together, these riders exemplified the perfect blend of experience, talent, and ambition.
A Trail of Records
The path to victory for Team HRC with Japan Post was marked by records and milestones. Tetsuta Nagashima set the fastest lap time of 2 minutes and 5.722 seconds during the qualifying sessions, paving the way for their dominant performance. The team’s exceptional average lap time secured their place in the Top 10 Trial, and Nagashima’s lightning-fast lap of 2 minutes and 5.329 seconds during the trial earned them their second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours pole position.
Race Day Glory
As the race kicked off on August 6th, the Honda factory team demonstrated unwavering determination and precision. Despite an initial loss of the lead, starting rider Takumi Takahashi quickly regained his position and widened the gap between the team and their competitors. Subsequent riders Tetsuta Nagashima and Xavi Vierge maintained remarkable consistency and speed, outperforming all other teams and extending their lead. At 7:30 pm, the triumphant roar of engines marked Team HRC with Japan Post’s crossing of the finish line after completing 216 laps, achieving Honda’s second consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours pole-to-win.
Honoring Triumph with Gratitude
Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the riders, team staff, and all involved parties. He acknowledged the pressure of defending the Suzuka 8 Hours title and commended everyone for their remarkable victory. Watanabe expressed gratitude to Japan Post Co., Ltd. and other sponsors who contributed to their success. He reaffirmed Honda’s commitment to exceeding expectations and expressed anticipation for the continued support of motorsports fans and Honda enthusiasts.
