Haruki Noguchi, a podium finisher at the Suzuka 8 Hours, tragically lost his life at the age of 22. The accident occurred during the fourth lap of Sunday’s second Superbike race at the Indonesian circuit, Turn 10, resulting in the suspension and ultimate cancellation of the race.
Following immediate medical attention at the track’s medical center, Noguchi was rushed to Nusa Tenggara Barat hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday night.
His death comes shortly after his third-place finish in the Suzuka 8 Hours, racing alongside SDG Honda team members Teppei Nagoe and Naomichi Uramoto, filling in for the injured Yuki Kunii. The team’s standing was later elevated to second place after the disqualification of the Toho Racing team.
Photo credit: Kusudo Aki, #73 SDG Racing Honda
Since finishing as the runner-up in the Asia Talent Cup to Deniz Oncu in 2017, Noguchi’s career took a remarkable trajectory. He repeated his second-place finish the next year, this time to Billy van Eerde. In 2019, he achieved third place in the Red Bull Rookies Cup, trailing Carlos Tatay and Pedro Acosta.
In 2020, Noguchi returned to Japan to race in the Superstock 600 category of the All-Japan Superbike series and clinched the title in 2021. Moving to Superbikes in 2022 with the HARC Pro-run SDG team, he finished second overall and continued with the team for the 2023 season.
At the time of his passing, Noguchi was ranked second in the championship, behind BMW rider Markus Reiterberger, and had secured victories in the first two races at Buriram.
Kotaro Honda, HARC Pro’s team director, expressed his disbelief and sorrow over the tragic loss, reflecting on the recent honor of sharing the Suzuka 8 Hours podium with Noguchi. He lamented the loss of a young talent with boundless potential, whom he believed could have become Asia’s next great racer on the world stage.
The death is a profound loss, cutting short a promising journey. Despite the tragedy, HARC Pro plans to participate in the upcoming Japan Superbike round at Motegi, with Nagoe racing in the JSB1000 class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Haruki Noguchi
Who was Haruki Noguchi?
Haruki Noguchi was a talented motorcycle racer who had risen to prominence in various Superbike championships. He was a Suzuka 8 Hours podium finisher and had competed in series like the Asia Talent Cup, Red Bull Rookies Cup, and the All-Japan Superbike series.
What happened to Haruki Noguchi?
Haruki Noguchi was involved in a fatal crash during the fourth lap of Sunday’s second Superbike race at the Indonesian circuit. After receiving medical treatment, he was transferred to Nusa Tenggara Barat hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
How old was Noguchi when he died?
Haruki Noguchi was 22 years old when he died.
What was Noguchi’s recent achievement before his death?
Just 10 days before his death, Noguchi had finished third in the Suzuka 8 Hours with his SDG Honda team-mates. They were later promoted to second place after the disqualification of another team.
Who will replace Noguchi in the upcoming races?
The text does not specifically mention who will replace Noguchi in future races, but HARC Pro will continue to participate in the upcoming Japan Superbike round at Motegi with Nagoe in the JSB1000 class.
What was the reaction of the HARC Pro team to Noguchi’s death?
HARC Pro’s team director, Kotaro Honda, expressed disbelief and sorrow, reflecting on Noguchi’s limitless potential and regretting the tragic loss of a promising talent. He spoke of Noguchi as Asia’s next-generation hope on the world stage.
5 comments
no words, really. Just watched him win at Buriram. Never thought that itd be one of the last times seeing him race. RIP Haruki.
Can’t believe Noguchi is gone so young. He had so much potential, so sad to see him go like this. RIP.
This is just heartbreaking news. I was there at Suzuka 8 Hours, he was just amazing. We lost a real star today…
who’s gonna fill his shoes in the team. i mean, the guy was a legend in the making. such a tragic end to a great career.
What a tragic loss for the racing community; I remembr watching him in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. Amazing talent gone too soon…