Club Next & Moto Bum secure Dunlop Independent Trophy victory

• Suzuka 8 hours played host to the final round of the 2018-19 FIM Endurance World Championship.
• Dunlop support independent teams with the conclusion of 4th year of Independent Trophy.
• SERT Suzuki overall championship hopes denied by engine failure.

The final round of the 4th Dunlop Independent Trophy (DIT) season was won by the number 88 Club Next & Moto Bum team. Racing in the Suzuka 8 Hours, the Japanese team utilised the Dunlop tyres to show strong consistent pace and minimal degradation.

Riding the Honda CBR 1000 RRSP bike, Nakamura Yutaka, Katahira Ryosuke and Ohnuki Kimihiko produced a brilliant display to dominate the Suzuka 8 hours in the DIT.

Roland Wozniak, International Event Manager, Dunlop Motorsport, explains the importance of the Dunlop Independent Trophy, “The top three teams in the Dunlop Independent Trophy at the Suzuka 8 Hours were all Japanese Teams. The Japanese teams have seen the benefits of the DIT and the support Dunlop can provide for the privateer teams."

The DIT provides support to the privateer teams with financial incentives and Dunlop’s tyre technology. With a total amount of €120,000 in prize money awarded over the 2018-19 season, privateer teams can compete with manufacturers.

The Dunlop Independent Trophy podium places were rounded out by E P S Racing GarageL8 TT45 and HKC & IMT Racing Kuno Kogyo, finishing second and third respectively.

Dunlop show strong Suzuka performance

The Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) produced a strong display to challenge for the FIM EWC Teams Championship. Throughout the gruelling season, SERT were able to push the championship to the final laps of the final race but their challenge was thwarted by an engine failure which put paid to nearly 8 hours of racing by Vincent Philippe, Etienne Masson and Gregg Black.

Dunlop have helped SERT to consistently challenge for podiums and victories throughout the season even at some of the most challenging races on the motorcycle calendar.

“The quality and the performance of the tyres were very good, all the European teams were very happy with the tyres. Suzuki suffered a stroke of bad luck but were well on their way to championship success.” Wozniak added.