Expanded Use of Tras Natural Fiber Bodywork — Team SUZUKI CN Challenge 2026 Suzuka 8 Hours Entry
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
Team SUZUKI CN Challenge will once again compete in the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship "Coca-Cola" Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race (47th edition).
The team’s race machine continues to feature Tras-made natural fiber composite bodywork, a hallmark of the project since its debut in 2023. For 2026, the seat cowl has also been newly manufactured using natural fiber materials. The design intentionally leaves the natural color of the fiber visible across a wide area of the bodywork, creating an even stronger visual impact and underscoring the team’s sustainability commitment.
Tras utilizes Bcomp’s natural fiber prepreg, which has been continuously improved through close collaboration between the two companies. The prepreg manufacturing process also incorporates advanced technology from SGL Carbon. As a leader in circular economy materials, we are proud to contribute to Team SUZUKI CN Challenge’s ongoing pursuit of sustainability.
Official Announcement from Suzuki Motor Corporation:
Suzuki Motor Corporation will compete in the Experimental Class of the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship "Coca-Cola" Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race (47th edition), to be held from July 3 (Fri) to July 5 (Sun) at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture, under the name Team SUZUKI CN Challenge.
Composed of Suzuki employees, Team SUZUKI CN Challenge will once again include new members selected through internal recruitment. The team aims to further advance the reduction of environmental impact while achieving a high level of riding performance. By expanding the use of sustainable items, the team will take on the challenge of the demanding 8-hour endurance race. The knowledge gained will be fed back into future product development.
In addition, since the team includes newly recruited members, they will also participate in the All Japan Road Race Championship this year — as they did last year — to develop the necessary racing skills and deepen vehicle development.
Sustainable Items Planned for Use:
Fuel | TotalEnergies Excellium Racing 100 (100% sustainable* fuel) |
Tires | Bridgestone tires with further improved ratios of recycled and renewable resources |
Oil | MOTUL bio-based base oil |
Fairings&Bodywork | Tras Bcomp® (front and rear fenders, side cowls, seat cowl) Eco non-woven carbon (fuel tank cover) |
Front Brake | Sunstar Engineering non-heat-treated steel disc Sunstar Engineering / Tokai Carbon low-dust brake pads |
Battery | ELIIY Power in-vehicle LFP battery and pit power supply battery |
Exhaust System | Nippon Steel / Yoshimura Japan environmentally conscious titanium TranTixxii®-Eco material |
Drive Chain | RK Japan chain using carbon-black-free seal material |
Uniform | RS TAICHI team polo shirts made from 100% recycled fabric |
Notes ※ Excellium Racing 100 is a 100% sustainable product certified under the mass balance system by an EU-approved certification body.
※ “Bcomp” is a registered trademark of Bcomp Ltd. (Switzerland). ※ “TranTixxii” is a registered trademark of Nippon Steel Corporation.
Official Information: https://www.suzuki.co.jp/release/b/2026/0327/
