Shinichi Sahara has outlined what’s next for Team Suzuki CN Challenge, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s ground-breaking entry in Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship last month.
Competing in the Experimental class in the 45th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race, Team Suzuki CN Challenge’s factory-supported GSX-R1000R CN SPEC utilised 40 per cent bio-sourced sustainable ELF Moto R40 FIM fuel, plus other eco-friendly products.
They included a bio-sourced base oil from Motul, a catalytic converter developed by Yoshimura, low-dust brake pads from Sunstar Engineering, tyres from Bridgestone that use an increased ratio of recycled materials, front and rear fenders made from a natural flax fibre supplied by Bcomp, plus racing bodywork provided by JHI and utilising recycled carbon materials.
Japanese riders Sodo Hamahara and Hideyuki Ogata joined Frenchman Étienne Masson in finishing eighth overall and winning the Experimental category in round three of the 2024 EWC season, which took place from 19-21 July.
Speaking after the event, Suzuki Motorsport head Sahara said: “At the start of [race] week I thought it was amazing that we were able to make it to the [finish] without any problems, despite the unusually short preparation time. From then on, the team and riders worked perfectly, and we made it to the final day without any trouble. We not only finished the race as we had aimed, but we also finished in eighth place, so I feel a real sense of accomplishment.
“This doesn’t mean the project is over, and we still have work to do to gather data, verify sustainable items, and set our next goal, but today I really want to praise the riders for their hard work and the team for giving 100 per cent. I think this is a result of everyone’s dedication, including the fans who supported this initiative, the partner companies, and the people at each workplace who supported the team members. I hope to continue this success in the future.”
Original Source [ FIM EWC ]
