26 July 2008
Round 3 – Suzuka 8hrs, Japan

Diablo 666 have completed the most prestigious endurance race in the world in 19th place overall, this being the Teams best result ever at the World’s premier motorcycle race and surpassing last years 21st overall position result.

The authorities this year have changed the rules and the hordes of regular Japanese superbikes would now qualify for points in the World Endurance Championship. This would make coming away with Championship points from Japan even more difficult.

With 80 + entrants trying to qualify for just a place on the starting grid, Diablo 666 qualified 52nd on the grid with Gary Mason fastest of the Diablo 666 trio of riders which again included James Hutchins and Alex Cudlin.

The entry list sounded like a who’s who of World and BSB stars, Rea, Kiyonari, Checa, Haslam, Crutchlow and Kagayama and our lads would be racing against these guys!

During the warm up in race trim Diablo 666 were 31st quickest with Bolliger Kawasaki in 21st.

Gary Mason started the race and brilliantly after the first hour Diablo 666 were running in 30th place, an excellent start or what!

As the race wore on Diablo 666 slowly but surely climbed their way through the field having to deal with the elements and driving rain making track conditions treacherous. It was whilst during this wet part of the race that Diablo 666’s sister team, Bolliger Kawasaki crashed with Davide Morillion on board. Unfortunately during the fifth hour the Team would have to withdraw from the race with the crash causing the bike to overheat.

At the end of 8 hours the Team crossed the line in 19th place, a truly fantastic result considering the entry list and although out of the points a memorable result all the same competing with the worlds best endurance teams. Diablo 666 finished 7th out of the 18 permanent teams that made the trip to Japan.

Team principle Miles Hutchins was delighted, “What an incredible result for the Team, once again we have proved we can run with the world’s best, I am so proud of the efforts of all of the Team and of course the riders”.

The race was won by the works No 11 HRC Dream Honda ridden by Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa beating last year’s winners, the No. 12 Yoshimura Suzuki ridden by Yukio Kagayama and Akiyoshi.

The Team are now making the long trip home and will be back on track racing at the 8hrs at Oschersleben in Germany on August 9th in just two weeks time!

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