Suzuki Motors returns to motorcycle racing, focusing on carbon-neutral technology.
Suzuki Motors has made a remarkable comeback to motorcycle racing, aiming to accelerate the development of carbon-neutral technologies for future applications in automobiles and outboard motors. After a brief hiatus, the Japanese automaker reentered the racing world with a commitment to sustainable innovation, as demonstrated by their participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race on July 21, where they secured an impressive eighth place.
Key Highlights:
- Suzuki Motors returns to motorcycle racing, focusing on carbon-neutral technology.
- Participation in Suzuka 8 Hours marks their comeback after withdrawing in 2022.
- The team overcame challenges with less than three months of preparation.
- Sustainable fuels and eco-friendly parts were successfully tested during the race.
- The experience gained is expected to influence Suzuki’s future product development.
Suzuki Motors Return to Racing track
Suzuki Motors’ return to racing wasn’t just about competition—it was about reigniting a legacy that dates back to the 1960s when racing played a crucial role in building the brand’s global reputation. After withdrawing from MotoGP and endurance races in 2022 to focus on electric power technologies, the decision to reenter the racing arena was driven by a need to boost employee morale and a desire to leverage racing as a testbed for innovative carbon-neutral solutions.
The idea of reentering the racing world took shape in 2023, with a focus on using carbon-neutral technologies in world endurance championships. President Toshihiro Suzuki emphasized that this comeback wasn’t a one-off project but a long-term commitment to integrating lessons learned from racing into mass-production efforts. Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Executive General Manager of Motorcycle Operations, highlighted the importance of providing feedback from racing to enhance the development of everyday products.
To lead this ambitious project, Suzuki Motors appointed Shinichi Sahara, a veteran with over 25 years of experience in MotoGP and other racing ventures. The team, comprising 25 members, was a mix of seasoned racers and fresh talent selected from within the company. Their expertise spanned various departments, including design, vehicle development, production technology, and quality control—not only in motorcycles but also in automobiles and outboard motors.
The team’s mission was to integrate low-carbon, eco-friendly components such as brakes, tires, and oils while maintaining the high performance expected of racing bikes. Despite having less than three months to prepare, which was “not even half of the time necessary,” according to Sahara, the team rose to the challenge. The use of sustainable fuels, including a 40% bio-based blend, demonstrated Suzuki’s commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising performance.
The journey back to racing wasn’t without its hurdles. A significant issue discovered during road tests required the team to quickly analyze data, identify solutions, and retest under tight deadlines. This process, though challenging, provided invaluable learning experiences for the less-experienced team members, contributing to their professional growth.
As Suzuki Motors continues on this path, the lessons learned from racing are expected to drive advancements in carbon-neutral technologies for mass-produced vehicles and outboard motors. The company’s ability to maintain fuel efficiency while increasing the blend of sustainable fuels will be crucial in shaping its future multi-pathway strategy.
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