Team Suzuki CN Challenge – Embodying the Balance of Environment and Performance

Team Suzuki CN Challenge, which participates in the FIM Endurance World Championship "Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race" in the Experimental class, is Suzuki's challenge aimed at "accelerating technology development through race activities using sustainable fuels and parts toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society." The vehicle of this Team Suzuki CN Challenge uses a body made of natural fibers from Tras.

This year's Tras-made body parts have been upgraded in performance from the prepreg under a cooperative system with Bcomp and SGL Carbon. Additionally, they have switched from the gray-colored natural fibers that resembled the appearance of the carbon used last year to natural-colored natural fibers that make use of the original color of the natural fibers without bleaching or dyeing. The natural fiber cowl has an innovative design where the material and color of the natural fibers are visible as they are without being covered by paint, making it a sustainable vehicle that allows visual enjoyment of the natural fiber body made from flax.

Project Leader and Team Director

Shinichi Sahara

"We believe that the Suzuki CN Challenge has meaning in continuing to set higher goals for both reducing environmental impact and improving running performance. The reason for the expanded use of the Tras-made natural fiber body in the 2025 vehicle is that natural fiber bodies manufactured from Bcomp and SGL Carbon's natural fiber prepreg reportedly emit 85% less CO2 during manufacturing compared to carbon, so we wanted to connect this to further reduction of environmental impact by using it over a wider range. We also expect that with further development, it will functionally surpass CFRP.In 2025, we adopted natural-colored natural fibers without bleaching, which has also increased the visual impact. We are using natural fibers in the newly designed large winglets as well, and I think we are able to take on new challenges both in terms of image and function.The expectations for the project grow larger every year, so we want to work hard on both reducing environmental impact and improving performance to meet them. As a result, connecting this to the sustainability of motorsports is one of the purposes and goals of our activities."

Suzuki Official Global Site

Race Report and Photo Gallery: https://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/race/teamsuzukicnchallenge/2025/ Photo Credit: SUZUKI