Monday 29th July 2013

Suzuka 8-Hour: PH2

Brit Leon Haslam takes victory at the legendary Japanese endurance race

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Leon Haslam has become the second Brit in as many years to win the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour race in Japan.

This event is technically part of the Endurance World Championship, but like Le Mans it has far surpassed its race series in terms of fame and regularly attracts motorbike superstars from across all series.

Winning Honda completed 214 laps

It's usually dominated by Japanese riders, so a victory for Haslam sharing his World Superbike CBR1000RR Fireblade with team mates Michael van der Mark and local ace Takumi Takahashi was an stupendous result.

He inherited the lead mid-race after last year's winners, FCC TSR Honda, crashed out. Ironically it was Haslam's WSB team mate and last year's 8-Hour winner, fellow Brit Jonathan Rea, who surrendered the lead when BSB rider Ryuichi Kiyonari hit the ground.

Haslam's win means he has gone one step higher on the 8-Hour podium than his dad, Rocket Ron, who finished second place in the 1979 race. Although that could change if the results of one team are anything to go by...

Amazingly, the Suzuki 'legends' team of Kevin Schwantz, Yukio Kagayama and Noriyuki Haga finished third. With an average age of 42 and more injuries than an A&E ward, to finish that high in such a gruelling race was a staggering accomplishment.

[V8 FOU]

Great News!! Well done Leon - beat the old chap too.
Always knew you would come good.

BTW. "More injuries than A&E...." Very funny.

[phatgixer]

Any video ?

[Johno]

Second only Brit ever in as many years to win it.

Great achievement given his injury in one of the greatest motorcycle races and the most important race for the Japanese manufacturers.

[cmlhoey]

Kevin Schwantz 3rd at 49!

[Wudee]

Believe people were very impressed with leon's teammate Van der Mark. He was quickest of the three in qualifying. Ony 20 years of age making him the youngest to win suzuka and first race on a superbike 1000cc and to finish it all, first time on bridgestones. Haslam was lucky with such a talented teammate

[coolcamaro21]

I wonder how well Kevin Schwantz would do in a World Superbike race now? I bet he could get a win or two if he made a part season return but it probably won't happen sadly.