World superbike rider Nicky Hayden will be competing in the legendary Suzuka Eight Hour race this year with the factory-backed MuSASHi RT HARC-Pro team replacing Casey Stoner in the squad, who moved to Ducati.
The MotoGP legend and WSBK Rookie will be joined by Suzuka specialist Takumi Takahashi and Honda Ten Kate's Dutch protege Michael Van Der Mark, who took two consecutive victories in 2013 and 2014 before being beaten by the Yamaha squad featuring Tech3 Yamaha duo Bradley Smith, Pol Espargaro and Yamaha's Katsuyuki Nakasuga onboard the all new YZF-R1 last year.
Nicky Hayden Quoted:
The tricky layout of the legendary Suzuka circuit will test the limits of both riders and teams, with the teams having to setup a bike which is more comfortable and neutral for the three riders who will be pushing the bike for the win. Hayden's compatriot and World Supersport rider PJ Jacobsen will also be in the mix, him joining the F.C.C. TSR squad for the 8 hour endurance race.
By: Suraj
*** Hayden on the CBR 1000RR Superbike
The MotoGP legend and WSBK Rookie will be joined by Suzuka specialist Takumi Takahashi and Honda Ten Kate's Dutch protege Michael Van Der Mark, who took two consecutive victories in 2013 and 2014 before being beaten by the Yamaha squad featuring Tech3 Yamaha duo Bradley Smith, Pol Espargaro and Yamaha's Katsuyuki Nakasuga onboard the all new YZF-R1 last year.
Nicky Hayden Quoted:
For me it is a great honour to go and compete in a race such as Suzuka 8 hours with long history and very different type of race with running start,Pit stops and working with teammates to find the right setup for all us!
With the long summer break we have, I am happy to have a chance to stay on the bike and stay sharp. Will be a long tough challenge with many good teams but would be great to win and add the trophy to my collection.Added the 2006 MotoGP World Champion.
The tricky layout of the legendary Suzuka circuit will test the limits of both riders and teams, with the teams having to setup a bike which is more comfortable and neutral for the three riders who will be pushing the bike for the win. Hayden's compatriot and World Supersport rider PJ Jacobsen will also be in the mix, him joining the F.C.C. TSR squad for the 8 hour endurance race.
By: Suraj