The Suzuka 8 Hours is here to stay. Endurance Moto Promoter (EMP), the new promoter of the Endurance World Championship (EWC) since 2026, and Honda Mobilityland Corporation officially announced on Saturday, July 4, an agreement to organize the Japanese event for three more years, from 2027 to 2029.
Established in 1978, the Suzuka round holds a unique place on the EWC calendar. The only race held outside of Europe, it is distinguished by its singular atmosphere, fueled by tens of thousands of fans and their iconic light sticks. The Japanese circuit also remains a historic stronghold for Japanese manufacturers – Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki – who race there on home soil. More recently, it has even attracted MotoGP riders, with two victories for Johann Zarco and appearances by Jack Miller.
Through this agreement, both parties demonstrate a common ambition: to permanently anchor the Suzuka 8 Hours in the global landscape of motorcycle sport, while developing the culture of endurance in Japan and strengthening its attractiveness internationally, between Europe and Asia.
© FIM EWC
Tsuyoshi Saito, President of Honda Mobilityland Corporation, emphasized the central role of the event: “The Suzuka 8 Hours holds a unique place in the championship. Our ambition is to capitalize on these strengths. As a benchmark circuit for Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, we want to further encourage manufacturers' involvement in endurance racing and contribute to increasing the value of the world championship.”
EMP shares this desire. Its president, Claude Michy, emphasizes the strategic importance of this partnership: “We are proud that Honda Mobilityland Corporation is part of this adventure. The goal is to enhance the visibility and appeal of the championship, while supporting its long-term development. We also want to involve all the manufacturers more closely – Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, BMW, and Aprilia – by creating a true space for collaboration. The Suzuka 8 Hours is the flagship event of the EWC and an exceptional showcase for the Japanese industry.”
Promoter of the championship since the 2026 season, EMP – an organization uniting the organizers of the various rounds alongside Motul – is thus continuing its strategy of consolidation and development. A fifth event is expected to be added to the championship calendar in subsequent seasons.
