Sunstar Group, a leading manufacturer in the automotive parts sector, has proudly announced its ongoing collaboration with Team Suzuki CN Challenge for the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race, slated for July 3rd to July 5th, 2026. This partnership is notable as it marks the third consecutive year that Sunstar's innovative brake discs and pads have been chosen for the team's high-performance racing bike, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
In this year’s race, Sunstar has further refined its brake pad technology, enhancing both braking performance and control beyond last year's models. The highlight of Sunstar's products is their environmentally friendly brake discs and pads designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions during manufacturing. By eliminating the heat treatment process traditionally employed in brake disc production, Sunstar has succeeded in cutting CO2 emissions by approximately 50%. Additionally, the new brake discs feature innovative dimpled surfaces, which enhance brake pad cleaning efficiency while maintaining excellent crack resistance.
The Team Suzuki CN Challenge initiative by Suzuki focuses on achieving carbon neutrality and reducing environmental impact by incorporating sustainable materials across various components of the motorcycle, including fuel, tires, oil, and aerodynamic body parts. Starting from 2024, they have committed to competing with an environmentally-conscious motorcycle that embodies these advanced technologies.
As part of this collaboration, Sunstar has embraced an innovative approach by ceasing heat treatment in the manufacturing of their brake discs, ensuring that the brake pads developed alongside them rival the performance of existing products while achieving a 15% reduction in dust production, thus contributing to a cleaner racing environment.
Since its inception in motorcycle disc brake manufacturing in 1961, Sunstar has achieved a leading market share, supplying OEM components to numerous motorcycle manufacturers worldwide. Their expertise extends to race-specific brake solutions, which are utilized by top teams in international competitions, contributing to their success on the track. Popularized lines such as the Type-OMEGA racing brake discs showcase Sunstar's commitment to quality and performance, especially among motorsport enthusiasts.
Moreover, Sunstar's broader sustainability goals align with a vision for carbon neutrality and a circular economy, focusing on reducing environmental impact across all business activities. The technologies developed through these racing collaborations not only serve immediate racing needs but are also aimed at future applications in mass production vehicles, underscoring Sunstar’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable manufacturing practices.
As part of its commitment to the racing community, Sunstar also supports motorbike racing through various sponsorship and technical support initiatives, bringing cutting-edge technologies from the racetrack directly to consumers. Sunstar's comprehensive approach to sustainability is reflected not only in their racing involvement but also in their consumer product offerings ranging from oral care to health and beauty products. Their legacy, rooted in bicycle parts and evolving through diverse markets, demonstrates a versatile adaptability in meeting consumer needs while maintaining a firm commitment to sustainability.
For more information about Sunstar’s racing support and their extensive product catalog, you can visit their dedicated pages:
The Sunstar Group continues to lead by example, championing sustainability in all its endeavors. Through their forward-thinking practices, Sunstar not only aims to enhance racing technologies but also aspires to set new standards in environmental responsibility across their entire range of products.