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Talking about the 8 Hours Endurance Race!
Roundtable Discussion

Talking About the 8 Hours Endurance! Roundtable Discussion

Simple Explanation of the 8 Hours Endurance Race
What Makes the 8 Hours Endurance Race Attractive?
Has Your Image of the 8 Hours Endurance Race Changed?

AMBASSADOR

8 Hours Endurance Race Youth Ambassadors

Taisei
Ichika
Reon
Minori

An Insider at SUZUKA CIRCUIT
Event Producer of the Suzuka 8 Hours

SUZUKA CIRCUIT
Mr. Yoshioka
A motorcycle enthusiast who watched the full Suzuka 8 Hours last year.
Participating this time as a commentator for SUZUKA CIRCUIT.

Ms. Koharu Kuroe

Today is the day of the "8 Hours Tryout," where participants compete for the right to enter the Suzuka 8 Hours.
Meanwhile, the four people participating as ambassadors visited SUZUKA CIRCUIT.
They were greeted by the insiders of SUZUKA CIRCUIT, the host of the Suzuka 8 Hours.
The appeal of the race, and the thoughts and passion behind it—
the more you learn, the deeper you get hooked. The Suzuka 8 Hours, its profound world.

What is the 8-hour Endurance Race?

A Simple 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 part of the organizing team.

The official name is the "Suzuka 8 hours." It is a competition to see how many laps can be completed on two wheels (motorcycles) within 8 hours.
Started in 1978, this traditional road race will hold its 46th event in 2024.
Held in the height of summer, it is called the "Midsummer Motorcycle Festival."
The standard is a team of three riders, who take turns approximately every hour aiming to finish the race.
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 three days free with the "ZERO Yen Pass"! This year’s event is held on August 3.

What Makes the 8 Hours Endurance Race Attractive?

What’s the Appeal of the 8 Hours?

POINT.01

The Thrill of the Start and Finish

SUZUKA CIRCUIT Mr. Yoshioka: “As 11:30 a.m., the start time, approaches, the entire venue suddenly falls silent. Then comes the countdown, and at the zero moment, the Riders rush to their bikes and the engines roar all at once. That moment gives you goosebumps.”

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

Taisei: I'm going to watch the Suzuka 8 Hours this year, so I definitely want to see the start! Apparently, 56,000 people come over the three days, so I'll do my best to secure a good spot! Go Suzuka!

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

SUZUKA CIRCUIT Mr. Yoshioka: Riders returning to the finish line receive applause from everyone, regardless of friend or foe. Everyone thinks, "You made it back safely." That moment really brings tears to your eyes.

When the race ends, spectacular fireworks light up the Suzuka night sky. The riders who have completed the race and the spectators watching over them become 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 hopes and feelings of so many people gives you this kind of emotion that makes you want to say, “Thank you.”

Reon: Just imagining this scene really almost brought me to tears. I definitely want to experience this atmosphere in person.

POINT.02

An 8-hour Endurance Race<spna id="3"> Like a Summer Festival</spna>8-hour Endurance Race

SUZUKA CIRCUIT Mr. Yoshioka: There’s a pool, a festival, and even an amusement park.
Every year, it’s a tradition for people who come thinking “It’s just a race” to be surprised and say, “There’s everything here!” (laughs)

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

POINT.03

People aged 16 to 23<spna id="3">,</spna>
Races and attractions too
Pool,Festivals—"All Free"

SUZUKA CIRCUIT Mr. Yoshioka: If you are between 16 and 23 years old, you can enjoy all three days completely free.
Not only the race, but also attractions, the pool, and the festival are all available to experience! No knowledge or preparation needed.
It’s okay if the race isn’t your main goal. Surely, something will change once you come and see for yourself.

Taisei: You can even enjoy the festival for free!? Wouldn't it be amazing if the zero-cost pass became more popular?
You'll want to invite your friends and go together! Go Suzuka!

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

Gourmet food and souvenirs are also part of the appeal.
Here are the favorites of Mr. Yoshioka and Koharu Kuroe!

[8-hour race food] Authentic Sichuan spicy numbing cuisine
[As a souvenir] SUZUKA CIRCUIT’s classic souvenir "Tire Tread Dried Squid"

Has Your Image of the 8 Hours Endurance Race Changed?

Has the image of the 8-hour race changed?

Taisei

Hearing the sound of the bikes on site and feeling the intensity firsthand made my heart tremble. I learned that each team has its own story, and before watching the 8-hour endurance race, I wanted to know more about their backgrounds. There were thrilling moments like the battles at the corners, and although I was initially scared, now I’m filled with excitement. I want to help make this event even more lively.

Minori

I didn’t know anything about racing, but I was overwhelmed by the intensity when I was there in person. I was deeply moved by the Riders giving their all while carrying the hopes of many people, and also touched by the serious expressions of the supporters. I want to share this emotion, which exceeded my expectations, with even more people.

Reon

Through today’s talks and experiences, I strongly felt that the people involved approach the race with genuine passion—so much so that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they’re putting their lives on the line. Watching the race in person, I was deeply moved by that intensity. I was so touched that I felt I absolutely have to 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 more, I began to feel the stories and the weight of the effort behind it. From start to finish, everyone, including the spectators, comes together and gets excited—I was deeply moved watching that footage. I think if you see it live, you’ll truly understand that “immersive” feeling. I definitely want to go see it.

From everyone's impressions, did even a little of the 8-hour endurance race's appeal come through?
◈ But this can't just end with “hearing about it”...!
Next time is finally the “Experience It” project!
Don't you want to see more behind the scenes of the race? Want to go inside the race pit!
We will actually experience that excitement firsthand.
Please look forward to it!