MOTORCYCLE
25th Anniversary Hayabusa Homecoming and Pro Stock World Championship Finals a Proud Success
from U.S.A.
The legendary Hayabusa celebrated its 25th Anniversary in spectacular, all-American fashion at the In-N-Out Burger Drag Strip in Pomona, California, on 11 November 2024. Suzuki Motor USA, LLC invited Suzuki owners to be guests at the special Hayabusa Homecoming and to also enjoy the final event in this year’s NHRA Camping World Drag Race Series at the iconic track. This past summer, the 25th Anniversary model of the Ultimate Sport had been introduced in markets around the world. Now was the time for Hayabusa’s North American enthusiasts to get a closer look. Over 100 Hayabusa motorcycles were parked in Suzuki’s VIP parking lot as Hayabusa owners and fans came from as far away as Mississippi and British Columbia in Canada. On the midway, participants viewed the latest models, shared their experiences with Suzuki and basked in the race day excitement.
Suzuki Hayabusa loyalists enjoyed VIP parking within the midway
On the track, Gaige Herrera topped off an unforgettable season with a record-breaking performance earning his first career Pro Stock Motorcycle World Championship, a title the Hayabusa has won 14 times in its twenty-five year history at the quarter mile raceway. Teammate and four-time past champion, Eddie Krawiec, finished second in the all-Hayabusa final round, securing a one-two finish for the Vance and Hines Suzuki team in the overall 2023 championship standings.
Gaige Herrera (79) caps off his record-breaking rookie season with a win in the NHRA Finals
During the season Herrera qualified number one 14 times and finished in first place 11 times, both records in the class where the Hayabusa competes. At Pomona this year, wearing special 25th anniversary livery, he reset the track’s elapsed time record with a run of 6.661sec/203.33mph. Herrera’s overall won-loss record this season was 50-4, a mark that stands out among the best in NHRA history.
Gaige Herrera and team celebrate their near perfect season and World Championship podium
As participants in the Hayabusa Homecoming 25th Anniversary event, visitors could also enjoy the display and receive free entry to the races along with a meal voucher, commemorative hats, patches and stickers and also get autographs from all Pro Stock riders. Another highlight of the day was a ride by YouTuber Chris Moore aboard his custom-built turbo Hayabusa who passed the stands at a speed even slightly faster than the Pro Stock riders. All in all, it was a perfect day full of excitement as Hayabusa owners showed their Suzuki pride.
25th Anniversary Hayabusa Homecoming event stand