Ahead of many others, TSR had already begun developing and entering original prototype machines in the World Grand Prix Championship. At the same time, under the slogan: “Defeat HRC! Defeat the Factory Teams!”
TSR continued competing in the Suzuka 8 Hours using its own highly modified XX-Formula specification machine, the AC-90M, based on the Honda CBR954RR.
From 2003 onward, F.C.C. TSR ZIP-FM778 showcased impressive speed with the powerful rider pairing of Shinichi Ito and Takeshi Tsujimura, achieving consecutive pole positions at the Suzuka 8 Hours. Although the team secured a podium finish in 3rd place during its first season in 2003, it was unable to achieve the desired results over the following two years. Even after the debut of the fully redesigned 1,000cc inline-four Honda CBR1000RR in 2004 — developed in line with Superbike World Championship regulations — TSR continued pursuing its goals using the highly modifiable XX-Formula specification machine.
In 2003, TSR challenged the race with the original AC92M machine (XX-Formula specification), based on the Honda CBR954RR.
In 2006, for Honda to achieve its 10th consecutive victory, there was only one path for TSR — defeat Honda Racing Corporation.
The 2006 Suzuka 8 Hours became the final year in which teams could compete under XX-Formula regulations, after the four factory manufacturers agreed to enter the race using JSB1000-spec machines moving forward.For TSR, 2006 represented the greatest opportunity to achieve its ultimate goal. Having already secured pole position for three consecutive years since 2003, the team once again claimed pole in 2006, extending the record to four straight years. Before the race, TSR openly declared its determination: “We will take the team’s first victory — and we will deliver Honda’s 10th consecutive Suzuka 8 Hours win ourselves!”
When the race finally began, Shinichi Ito, serving as the starting rider, seized the lead in the early stages and handed the machine over to Takeshi Tsujimura. From that moment onward, the team never surrendered first place. With a flawless performance, the #778 F.C.C. TSR ZIP-FM Racing Team claimed its first-ever victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours. For TSR, it was the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream in the team’s 19th year of competition.
The flawless rider exchanges that helped deliver a perfect race.
In the end, Takeshi Tsujimura took the checkered flag after taking over from Shinichi Ito, then celebrated with the victory lap.
After achieving its first victory at the Suzuka 8 Hours, the team went on to win the race consecutively again in 2011 and 2012. Then, beginning in 2016, TSR became a full-time competitor in the FIM Endurance World Championship series. (Honorifics omitted in the original text.)
A firm handshake exchanged with the chief mechanic after the finish.
Even at the time, it was barely allowed — and honestly still quite borderline… the race number decal.
