A total of five British Superbike riders are set to make the trip across the world to compete in the renowned Suzuka 8 Hours at the end of this month.
Considered one of the world's foremost motorbike races, the event has regularly attracted a high calibre of rider with the likes of
Valentino Rossi,
Colin Edwards and Noriyuki Haga all previous winners.
This year British hopes will rest with Superbike riders Cal Crutchlow, Leon Haslam, Scott Smart and Gary Mason, as well as Supersport competitors Steve Plater and Glen Richards. Suzuki rider Atsuhshi Watanabe, meanwhile, will also return to his home land to compete.
Crutchlow, who will race for the Moriwaki Honda team, and Haslam, who will assume duties about the Sakurai Honda, are expected to be amongst the favourites and they have already tested around the Suzuka circuit.
Reigning Japanese Superbike Champion Watanabe will undoubtedly be one of those favoured victory around his home circuit, the Rizla Suzuki rider taking up the Yoshimura Suzuki for this event.
Elsewhere, Kawasaki rider Smart makes his debut with the Phase One Endurance Team, where he will be joined by Supersport series leader Richards.
Other notable participants will be former winner and BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari, the Japanese rider teaming up with Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team-mate Carlos Checa. Former title contender Jonathan Rea will also be back on a Superbike for this race.
