Noguchi was seriously injured in an accident during round four of the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia on 13 August. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Noguchi passed away on 16 August. He was 22.

Earlier this month, Noguchi finished second in the EWC-counting 44th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Race along with his SDG Honda Racing team-mates Naomichi Uramoto and Teppei Nagoe. 

Following that success, Noguchi, who rode three stints, said: “I joined the team during race week, and with the help of Nagoe and Uramoto, was able to race in my first Suzuka 8 Hours. I was able to gain some places in the rain. It was a very good experience. I’m grateful to my team and team-mates.”

With the support of SDG (Showa Denki Group), the Japanese rider became the All-Japan Road Racing Championship ST600 class winner in 2021 before he finished runner-up in the Asia Superbike 1000 section of the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) in 2022 courtesy of several wins.

He was second in the provisional 2023 ARRC rankings after winning the opening two races of the season at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand.

Noguchi’s parents issued the following statement: “Haruki started riding a motorcycle at the age of five and has given us a lot of excitement and joy. We would like to express our gratitude to many friends, teams and everyone who supported Haruki.”

A statement from FIM Asia read: “The FIM Asia President and its Board of Directors, Two Wheels Motor Racing, and the FIM Asia Road Racing family extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Haruki Noguchi.”

The FIM Endurance World Championship community is deeply saddened by the passing of Haruki Noguchi and is thinking of all those who knew and loved this talented rider.