From Motorcycle launches to race events, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a serious toll on the motor world in general. Aside from the delay in the launch of new models, we lost some of the MotoGP races and other racing events such as Isle of Man TT. To add on to the list, Suzuka 8 Hours now joins the list.
In agreement with FIM and Eurosport Events, the Suzuka 8 hours organizer Mobilityland has decided to cancel off the event as a result of stronger restrictions on entry into Japan where international teams and riders are unable to travel to the race destination. International riders and permanent teams have always been an important part of Suzuka 8 Hours. Aside from this, as Suzuka 8 Hours has also become the grand finale of the FIM Endurance World Championship; which means with the absence of international riders, the grand finale would be just a domestic race. Therefore, Mobilityland has decided to cancel the 2020 edition.
The 43rd edition of Suzuka 8 Hours was initially postponed to November 1st from July; however, it has now been officially cancelled due to the global health crisis.
“We had been preparing for the ‘Coca-Cola” Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race’ to be held on November 1st together with all of the fans and stakeholders involved in this race event but with anguish, we find no alternative but to make the decision to cancel it in consideration of the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan and overseas and the fact that there is no prospect of deregulation of immigration restrictions on visitors from abroad at this stage in Japan.
“Once again, we extend our apologies and regrets to all the fans who were looking forward to attending the Suzuka 8 Hours; which had been postponed from the originally scheduled date in July to November. We also extend our sincere regrets to all of the other stakeholders involved in this race event and we ask for everyone’s kind understanding and cooperation going forward.
“In closing, let us say that we are determined to make preparations so that the 2021 Suzuka 8 Hours event will be even more enjoyable for the fans than ever before.”
“We have been working hard with Mobilityland to reschedule the race from July to November; a first since 1978—and then to organize entry into Japan for international teams and riders with a special business visa. Our hopes have evaporated with immigration restrictions for foreigners. The cancellation of the 2020 Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours is not a question of spectators’ access. The decision was made not to run this iconic race as a domestic event. The Suzuka 8 Hours, the most prestigious endurance race in the world over the last 40 years; shall not run without top international riders.”
“The cancellation of the iconic race of the Suzuka 8 Hours is really very sad news, but we must accept the Japanese government’s decision that takes into account the safety measures for the health of the population. In these difficult times, I want to thank all the efforts made by our promoter Eurosport Events; the organizer Mobilityland and MFJ. All the fans can be sure we will come back in 2021 with the best race ever!”
Source: FIM EWC