Throughout its history, the race has undergone several rule changes to align with FIM regulations, including a restriction to 750cc engines for F1 bikes. A significant shift occurred in 1993, with the race refocusing on Superbike racing due to the class’s growing popularity as a support race in previous years. The Formula One class, which at the time was the pinnacle of the race, was removed altogether. A “Naked” class, featuring motorcycles without fairings, was also included. The race is part of the FIM Endurance World Championship for motorcycles, and with the exception of 2005, due to the high importance the big four Japanese manufacturers place on the race, the governing bodies set a race date that avoids conflict with any of the other major championship races.
It is common for participating riders to have the 8 Hours race written into their contracts upon acquiring a factory ride in MotoGP or Superbike. Riders will often negotiate to have the requirement of racing future 8 Hours races removed from their contract based on their performance history in their respective class during the season. Some high-level riders choose to skip the race because it is physically draining.
Michael Doohan, for example, raced the 8 Hours early in his career but had his contractual obligations to the race there removed following his significant success in the 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle class, later known as MotoGP. Conversely, high-level Japanese riders return for the Suzuka) 8 Hours annually as it is regarded by the Japanese as one of the biggest motorsport events on the calendar in Japan. The race’s position within the FIM World Endurance Racing Championship and the availability of off-weeks in the FIM calendar contribute to its importance.
From 2003 to 2013, winners were almost exclusively Japanese, coinciding with a period when the Laguna Seca MotoGP round conflicted with the 8 Hours or occurred shortly after. Between 2002 and 2014, participation was largely limited to World Superbike stars, with only four European riders achieving victory, including a three-rider team in 2013 with a predominantly European lineup.
In 2015, Yamaha won with Bradley Smith (SBK rider), Katsuyuki Nakasuga (MotoGP rider), and Pol Espargaró (2013 Moto2 champion). That same year, Casey Stoner came out of retirement to race for Honda alongside Michael van der Mark and Takumi Takahashi, but the team was forced to retire after Stoner crashed due to a stuck throttle, resulting in a fractured tibia and shoulder. Nakasuga, alongside Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark, repeated their victory in 2016 and again in 2017, becoming the second rider to win three consecutive 8 Hours races, following Aaron Slight in the 1990s.
Gallery · 4 related images
