![The victorious Yamaha Racing Team](https://speedcafe.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screen-Shot-2015-07-26-at-20.50.55-344x231.png)
Yamaha ended a 19-year drought with victory in the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hours motorcycle endurance race.
Britain’s Bradley Smith took the chequered flag after 204 laps for the factory Yamaha squad, which included fellow MotoGP star Pol Espargaro and Japanese rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga.
The TSR Honda squad led by Australian Josh Hook, Kyle Smith and Dominique Aegerter were more than minute behind in second spot, having diced for the lead during the race.
“It was a hard race but to come away with second position is awesome,” said 22-year-old Hook from Taree.
“Everyone at the team has been working really well, I’m stoked to finish second, I’m over the moon.”
![Taree](https://speedcafe.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screen-Shot-2015-07-26-at-20.52.57-344x249.png)
Team Kagayama’s Suzuki ensured three different manufacturers occupied the podium, with Yukio Kagayama, Ryuichi Kiyonari and Noriyuki Haga finishing a lap down in third.
It proved to be an eventful run to victory for the Yamaha Racing Team after losing their pole position advantage at the start due to a slow getaway from Nakasuga.
Australian two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner, on his competitive return to motorcycle racing since retiring in 2012, emerged in the lead in the early stages for Musashi Harc Pro Honda.
Stoner was later diagnosed with a fractured Tibia and broken Scapula.
The accident ultimately handed the works Yamaha squad the lead after overcoming the TSR Honda crew.
Aided by stints from Smith and Espargaro, the Yamaha team built up a healthy lead although the complexion of the race soon changed.
The squad’s third rider Nakasuga incurred a 30 second penalty for overtaking under yellow flags which saw the TSR Honda inherit the lead.
Despite the penalty, Yamaha fought back once again to surge back in front after two strong stints from Espargaro and Smith.
A late Safety Car period put the race victory in doubt but Smith made no mistakes in the final 10 minutes to claim the manufacturer’s first win at the event since 1996.
The Suzuki Endurance Team of Vincent Philippe, Anthony Delhalle and Etienne Masson came through to finish fourth despite a late pit stop.
Former Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters helped the Yoshimura Suzuki team to fifth spot just three laps adrift of the winners.