Australian motorbike star to compete in Japan

Gold Coast resident and motorbike road racer Jake Dolan, 18, will take part in Japan's biggest motorbike race, the Suzuka 8 Hours. Dolan is one of Australia's most high-profile young riders. His record-breaking performance in 2007's 24 Hour Scooter Race smashed the previous best distance by 1187 km, rewriting the Guinness Book of World Records. Dolan said: "It's my dream to compete overseas. The 8 Hours is a tough race, but I'll do my best and show that I have what it takes to one day be world champion."
This year's race will be the 31st Suzuka 8 Hours since its inception in 1978, and will be held on the Suzuka Circuit in Japan as the third of six challenges in the World Endurance Championship. Competitors must race continually around a 5.8 km circuit and compete for the most distance ridden within eight hours. Past Australian riders such as Mick Doohan have competed successfully in the event.