SRO Revives Suzuka 1000 Kilometres After Five-Year Hiatus
Suzuka, Japan — With less than a month to go until the 49th Suzuka 1000 Kilometres, SRO Motorsports Group CEO Stéphane Ratel expressed pride in reviving Japan’s oldest endurance race, which had been dormant for five years due to COVID-19. The upcoming event promises a competitive field, with a 33-car entry, exceeding initial expectations.
The Suzuka 1000km marks a significant return to the SRO Intercontinental GT Challenge calendar, racing’s enduring legacy stemming from the event’s inaugural edition in 1994. Ratel emphasized Honda Mobilityland’s initial hesitance in sanctioning the event, underscoring, “We really had to convince them… financially, they were very shy on renewing the agreement.”
The challenge was compounded by the race calendar conflicts with other major championships, yet the grid’s strength includes 11 Pro category entries featuring elite drivers from WEC, IMSA, and SUPER GT, alongside notable teams like defending champions Team WRT.
“Despite facing hurdles like the absence of a prize purse and scheduling clashes, the overall Asian motorsport environment has enabled a successful return,” Ratel stated. Historical significance is a key factor drawing participants and teams. “Suzuka is one of the best tracks in the world; drivers desire to race here,” he added.
Ratel highlighted that planning for the event included navigating production logistics, now in the mid-September timeframe. Traditionally held in August, the SRO found a viable alternative, allowing for adequate transport of teams from Suzuka to the Indianapolis 8 Hours — an event that benefits from its historical racing pedigree.
The absence of numerous SUPER GT teams was noted, with Ratel citing budgetary constraints. He expressed optimism about the race’s relaunch, noting, “We want to continue growing. This event is back on the map.”
Looking ahead, SRO has confirmed that the Suzuka 1000km will return in 2026 for its 50th edition, establishing a three-year initial agreement with Honda. Ratel envisions restoring the race’s historical prominence, remarking, “It was the longest-standing and, for many years, the most important endurance race in Asia.”
As preparations continue, local fan engagement remains a priority. While a parade of cars through Suzuka city, popular in 2019, is absent from this year’s schedule, Ratel indicated there may be room for future community involvement.
The Suzuka 1000 Kilometres stands as a testament to the perseverance of motorsport’s heritage and promises to capture both the on-track competition and spectator excitement in its much-anticipated return.
