SUPER GT Motegi Race Report: Dominance and Title Shifts
Mobility Resort Motegi, Japan — The #12 TRS Impul Nissan Z NISMO GT500, driven by Kazuki Hiramine and Bertrand Baguette, secured a decisive victory in the first leg of the Autobacs SUPER GT Series’ double-header finale. Starting from sixth, the duo executed a strategic race, with Hiramine taking command during the second stint and ultimately crossing the finish line 20.461 seconds ahead of the competition.
Hiramine’s aggressive racing saw him overtake the #64 Modulo Honda Prelude-GT, piloted by Riki Okusa, with just 15 laps remaining, a move that proved to be pivotal. This win marks Team Impul’s first since August 2022 and alleviates potential concerns regarding Nissan’s performance, preserving the manufacturer from a winless GT500 season for the first time since 2002.
The #14 ENEOS X Prime Toyota GR Supra, with Nirei Fukuzumi and Kazuya Oshima, clinched second place following a fierce battle with the #64 Modulo Honda and the #8 ARTA Mugen Prelude-GT, while Okusa and Igor Fraga managed to convert their pole position into a podium finish in third. This result represents Fraga’s inaugural GT500 podium.
In fourth, the #8 ARTA Mugen Prelude-GT faced minimal changes during its late pit stop, ultimately maintaining competitive track position. Fifth place was secured by the #39 Denso Kobelco SARD GR Supra, driven by Sacha Fenestraz, after a strategic fuel-only stop that enhanced their position on the track.
Despite a strong effort from the #100 Stanley Prelude-GT, finishing sixth and earning Tadasuke Makino and Naoki Yamamoto the championship lead, the #36 au TOM’S GR Supra, which finished 11th, fell behind. For the upcoming final race, the #38 KeePer Cerumo GR Supra is poised to contend for the championship, requiring a victory and pole position to remain in title contention.
In GT300, the #96 K-tunes Lexus RC F GT3 delivered yet another impressive performance, with Morio Nitta and Shinichi Takagi claiming their second consecutive victory. In a remarkable return to form, Nitta’s 250th race showcased a strong strategy and on-track prowess, finishing 11.698 seconds ahead of the competition.
The #26 Anest Iwata Gainer Nissan Fairlady Z, now featuring a new driver lineup, achieved second place after a solid comeback performance. The #666 seven x seven Porsche 911 GT3 R rounded out the podium in third, with Müller leading the charge following a tumultuous past race.
As the championship chase tightens, Nitta and Takagi’s recent success puts them just eight points shy of the standings leaders. The forthcoming race on Sunday promises to be critical for multiple contenders, particularly for Nitta as he aims for a record-breaking fourth GT300 championship in his final race.
The decisive finale begins Sunday at 2:00 p.m. JST / 12:00 a.m. ET.
