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Suzuki to Compete in the 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours and the All Japan Road Race Championship with “Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE”

Suzuki Motor Corporation (hereinafter, “Suzuki”) will compete in the Experimental Class of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship “Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race (47th edition), to be held from July 3 (Friday) to July 5 (Sunday) at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, Japan, under the name Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE.

Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE, composed of Suzuki employees, is once again joined by newly selected members through internal recruitment. The team will take on the challenge of the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race, aiming to achieve a high-level balance between further reducing environmental impact and improving on-track performance, while expanding the application of sustainable items. Suzuki will apply the knowledge gained through racing as technical feedback for future product development.

In addition, as the team includes newly recruited members, Suzuki will continue to compete in the All Japan Road Race Championship to support members in acquiring the skills required for racing and to further advance motorcycle development.

Comment from Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President

Over the past two years, the Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE has successfully completed the Suzuka 8 Hours with the strong support of fans and partner companies. Through these efforts, we have obtained valuable data and insights for product development, while also sharing the moment of excitement with fans and all those involved.

This year again, with a team composed entirely of Suzuki employees except for the riders, we will take on the challenge of the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race. Through this challenge, we aim to verify and demonstrate the durability and reliability required for the future practical application of our technologies, while sharing even greater excitement with more people and translating it into motivation for creating better products.

Comment from Takashi Ise, Managing Officer and Executive General Manager, Motorcycle Operations

Last year at the Suzuka 8 Hours, Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE unfortunately experienced a crash. However, by working together as one team, we repaired the machine and returned to the track, after which we were able to lap at times comparable to the front runners. This experience has become an invaluable asset for both the team and Suzuki.

This year again, we will further expand the use of sustainable items and pursue technological development with a strong focus on both sustainability and performance, while communicating Suzuki’s strong determination to the world.

<Race Machine 2026 Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE GSX-R1000R>

Featuring a newly developed engine and chassis components

Sustainable Items to Be Used

• * Excellium Racing 100 is a 100% sustainable product certified under a mass balance system applied by an EU-approved certification body.
• * “Bcomp” is a registered trademark of Bcomp Ltd. (Switzerland).
• * “TranTixxii” is a registered trademark of Nippon Steel Corporation.

<Team Structure>

<Team SUZUKI CN CHALLENGE Website>

https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/sports/race/2026/release_0327.html