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Learn about the 8 Hours Endurance Race

I want to talk about the 8 Hours Endurance Race!
Roundtable Discussion

Let's Talk About the 8-Hour Endurance Race! Roundtable Discussion

Easy Guide to the 8-Hour Endurance Race
What is the appeal of the 8-hour race?
Has your image of the 8-hour race changed?

AMBASSADOR

8-Hour Endurance Young Ambassador

Taisei
Ichika
Leon
Minori

Insider of Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka 8 Hours Event Producer

SUZUKA CIRCUIT
Mr. Yoshioka
A motorcycle enthusiast who watched the full Suzuka 8 Hours last year as well.
This time, I participated as a guide at Suzuka Circuit.

Koharu Kuroe

Today is the day of the "8 Hours Tryout" to compete for the right to participate in the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Meanwhile, the four people participating as ambassadors visited Suzuka Circuit.
The person inside Suzuka Circuit, which hosts the Suzuka 8 Hours, welcomed us.
The thrill of racing, and the thoughts and passion behind it—
The more you learn, the deeper you get hooked. The profound world of the 8-hour endurance race.

What is the 8-Hour Endurance Race? A Simple Explanation!

What is the 8 Hours Endurance Race?

Easy Explanation!

Suzuka Circuit Mr. Yoshioka

The summer of my third year in high school,
I was captivated by the 8-hour endurance race I encountered with a zero-yen pass.
Before I knew it, I had become one of the organizers.

The official name is "Suzuka 8 hours." It is a competition to see how many laps can be completed on two wheels (motorcycles) within 8 hours.
A traditional road race that started in 1978 and will celebrate its 46th edition in 2024.
Held in midsummer, it is called the "Midsummer Motorcycle Festival."
The standard is a team of 3 members, aiming to complete the race by rotating Riders approximately every hour.
Top Riders and manufacturers from around the world participate.
Ages 16 to 23 can watch the Suzuka 8 Hours and enjoy attractions for up to 3 days free with the "ZERO Yen Pass"! This year it will be held on August 3.

What is the charm of the 8-hour endurance race?

POINT.01

Start・Goal's Excitement

Suzuka Circuit Mr. Yoshioka: "As the start time of 11:30 approaches, the entire venue suddenly falls silent. Then comes the countdown, and at the moment it hits zero, the Riders rush to their bikes and all the engines roar at once. That moment gives you goosebumps."

At 11:30, at the start signal, the Riders rush to their bikes all at once, get on, and the race begins.
From here, the grueling 8-hour battle begins.

Taisei: I’m going to watch the Suzuka 8 Hours this year, so I’ll definitely watch the start! It seems that 56,000 people will visit over the three days, so I’ll do my best to secure a good spot! Go Suzuka!

Koharu Kuroe: The sense of unity among the spectators is truly amazing, and honestly, it makes me want to cry.
It feels like watching an incredibly moving drama.

Suzuka Circuit Mr. Yoshioka: Applaud the Rider who returns after reaching the goal, regardless of friend or foe. Everyone feels like "You made it back well." That moment truly brings tears to your eyes.

When the race ends, spectacular fireworks light up the night sky over Suzuka. The drivers who completed the race and the spectators watching come together as one, and the venue is filled with emotion and a sense of accomplishment.
◈ The passionate day spent together remains in our hearts as the best moment.

Minori: I understand. I almost cried just watching the footage. Seeing them run carrying the feelings of so many people, it’s the kind of moving moment that makes you want to say "thank you."

Leon: When I imagined this scene, I almost started to cry. I definitely want to experience this atmosphere in person.

POINT.02

Summer Festival<spna id="3">-like</spna>8-Hour Endurance Race

Suzuka Circuit Mr. Yoshioka: There is a pool, a festival, and an amusement park.
It's an annual tradition that people who come thinking "It's only about racing" are surprised and say, "There's actually everything here!" (laughs)

Ichika: The feeling of everyone getting excited together... really, it's like a summer festival! This is addictive!

POINT.03

Ages 16 to 23<spna id="3">people,</spna>
Races and Attractions too
pool and festival are "all free"

Suzuka Circuit Mr. Yoshioka: If you are between 16 and 23 years old, you can enjoy all three days completely free.
You can enjoy not only races but also attractions, the pool, and festivals—all available to experience! No knowledge or preparation needed.
It's okay if racing isn't your goal. Surely, something will change once you come and see.

Taisei: Enjoy the festival for free!? Wouldn't it be great if the zero-yen pass became more popular?
Invite your friends and want to go together! Go~ Suzuka!

Koharu Kuroe: It's totally okay if you don't know anything about racing! In fact, that might make the experience even more moving. Just watching it can bring you to tears...

Gourmet, souvenirs are also one of the attractions.
Mr. Yoshioka, Koharu Kuroe's favorite is here!

[8-Hour Endurance Meal] Authentic Sichuan Spicy Numbing Cuisine
[As a souvenir] SUZUKA CIRCUIT's classic souvenir "Tire Tread Dried Squid"

Has your image of the 8-hour race changed?

Has the image of the 8-hour Endurance Race
changed?

Taisei

I actually heard the sound of the bikes on site, felt the intensity firsthand, and my heart was moved. I learned that each team has its own story, and before watching the 8-hour endurance race, I wanted to know the background as well. There were thrilling moments like battles at the corners; at first, I was a bit scared, but now I am filled with excitement. I want to make this event even more exciting.

Minori

I knew nothing about racing, but I was overwhelmed by the intensity at the venue. I was deeply moved by the Riders, who ran with all their might carrying the hopes of many people, and also touched by the serious expressions of the supporters. I wanted to share this beyond-imagination excitement with more people.

Leon

Through today's talks and experiences, it was strongly conveyed that the people involved approach the race with such seriousness and dedication that it's no exaggeration to say they are putting their lives on the line. Watching the race in person, I was deeply moved by their passion. I felt so inspired that I believe everyone should see and experience the 8-hour endurance race live.

Ichika

At first, I thought the sound of the motorcycles was "noisy," but as I listened to the stories, I felt the depth and weight of the experiences behind them. From start to finish, everyone, including the spectators, comes together and gets excited—I was very moved watching that footage. I think if you see it live, you can truly understand that "immersive" feeling. I definitely want to go see it.

From everyone's impressions, did even a little of the charm of the 8-hour endurance race come through?
◈ But, it can't end just by "hearing about it" yet...!
Next up is the "Experience" project!
Want to see more behind the scenes of the race? Want to enter the race pit!
Experience that excitement firsthand.
Please look forward to it!