The Last Chicane: Photos From The 2016 Suzuka 8 Hours

The final corner of any track carries a special emotional meaning for a racer. On many circuits, a racer knows that leading out of the final corner usually means victory. For endurance racers, they know that the final corner means the end of their stint or the end of a long, hard race.

Niccolo Canepa aboard the GMT94 Yamaha YZF-R1.

At Suzuka, the final chicane represents the end of a long, challenging lap. The 8 Hours machines slow to about 35 miles an hour and then the rider hammers the throttle, plunging downhill and accelerating to nearly 120 miles an hour in the final right-hand sweeper that leads onto the start/finish straight. It is a spot where photographers can catch the bikes and riders at full lean and relatively slow speeds, leading to amazing photos.

To purchase a copy of the "Suzuka 8 Hours 2016" book, click on the box to your right.

Akira Yanagawa on the Team Green Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Kazuhiro Kojima on the Japan Post-Honda Kumamoto Racing CBR1000RR.

 

Makoto Inagaki on the Akeno Speed: WJR Yamaha YZF-R1 Superstock machine.