MCN backs Suzuka Brits

The most prestigious endurance event in the World Endurance Championship takes place this weekend, with the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance race on July 31, 2005, and one bike will be carrying MCN backing.

The all-British Diablo 666 team are currently fourth in the championship after some great results earlier in the season, and although they hadn’t planned to travel to Japan, the team felt they couldn’t afford to miss out on valuable championship points.

And we’ll be covering how they do throughout the event, with free practice beginning on Thursday, July 28. On Friday there are two timed qualifying sessions for each rider, followed by Superpole style “Attack” and “Jump Up” special stage qualifying for the fastest 20 teams. The actual race behins on Sunday morning at 11:30am local time, finishing just after nightfall at 7:30pm.

You’ll be able to spot regular riders Steve Mizera, James Hutchins and guest rider Steve Mizera, as MCN stickers are currently en route to Japan to appear on the Kawasaki ZX-10R they’ll be using.

The Suzuka entry list is packed with 80 teams, and six classes, including Superbike, SuperProduction, Superstock, Japanese Superbike, Forumla Xtreme Division 1 and Formula Xtreme Division 2. Specials already appearing include a Ducati Monster, a BMW R1100S, a hand-built Kawasaki Z1 and a unique cruiser engined special from Japanese tuning shop Over.

British fans will also be able to cheer for the Yamaha Phase One team, and the Shell Endurance Academy. All three squads are mainly staffed by volunteers and deserve your support. The Phase One team will field Paul Young, Warwick Nowland and Damien Cudlin

Other notable entries include the current championship leaders, the French Suzuki-Castrol team, and the Aprilia team, who will field Samuela De Nardi, the first European woman to take part in the event in 20 years.

Send your messages of support for Diablo 666, Phase One, and the Shell Academy by posting on the ‘Related Topics’ thread, right. We’ll pass on all your messages.