BSB star wins '05 Suzuka

British Superbike star Ryuichi Kiyonair has won the Suzuka 8 Hour race riding the No.7 Seven Stars Honda Fireblade alongside team-mate Tohru Ukawa. The pair survived the rain, thunder and lightning which englufed the track during the third hour to eventually take the chequered flag.

In second place finished the No.11 Seven Stars Honda of WSB star Chris Vermeulen and WSS star Katsuaki Fujiwara. In third was the HARC Pro Honda of Aoki and Yasuda.

Britian’s Yamaha Phase One team of Australian riders Warwick Nowland, Damien Cudling and Paul Young finished in 18th place with the Shell Endurance Academy bike ending in 28th position.

But it was tragedy for the MCN-backed, all-British Diablo 666 Kawasaki team. Despite a power boost from some MCN stickers, the team were suffering a power deficit compared the factory machinery and had qualified in 61st position. Despite starting so low down on the grid, the team of Gary Mason, James Hutchins and Steve Mizera started to claw back ground, particularly following the wet weather.

By the 6th hour, the team were up to 21st position, having passed a total of 40 bikes. Unfortunately it was to end badly as James Hutchins highsided at post eight, with damage including a collapsed wheel, which occurred when it punched through the radiator and into the engine. Fortunately Hutchins himself was not badly hurt, but it was impossible to get the bike back to the pits for repairs.

“We were running so well and up to 21st after that stint in the rain. To do that from 61st is a big achievement at Suzuka,” said Gary Mason. “Maybe we could have been in the top fifteen at the end. I feel for James but I suppose that’s the risk you take when you’re pushing hard in those kind of conditions. All I know is I want to come back next year.

Top placed British finisher was Leon Camier, who took the flag in 15th palce with Naoki Matsudo on the Moriwaki FireBlade. And the lone female entry, Samuela De Nardi, finished 43rd with Aprilia Motociclismo team-mates Aliverti and Veghini..