Super Taikyu Race Weekend Preview: Autopolis Set for Five-Hour Enduro
This weekend, the Super Taikyu Series returns to the Autopolis International Racing Course, featuring 48 entries for the five-hour endurance race. The event will take place on Sunday and promises a competitive field, showcasing a mix of GT3 and exhibition entries.
Key Competitors and Recent Form
The spotlight in the ST-X class (GT3) is on the #777 D’station Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3, which secured victory at the recent Sugo Super Taikyu 4-Hour Race. Drivers Satoshi Hoshino, Yuta Kamimura, and Tomonobu Fujii look to extend their momentum against formidable challengers, including championship leaders TKRI with their #23 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, the #31 apr Lexus RC F GT3, and the returning #101 Hitotsuyama Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II.
Notably absent from the ST-X lineup are the #666 seven x seven Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R, previously a championship leader, and the #33 Craft-Bamboo Racing Mercedes-AMG, which has withdrawn from consecutive events.
Class Structure and Notable Entries
In the ST-Z (GT4) category, no vehicles will participate this weekend, leaving six cars from the ST-Q exhibition class. Last time out, the #98 Waimarama Racing Hyundai Elantra N TCR [driven by Ryusuke Masumoto, Katsumasa Chiyo, and Lee Jung Woo] claimed the top spot, currently leading the standings by nine points over the #19 Birth Racing Project Cupra TCR.
A highlight of the ST-Q is the debut of Team HRC’s Honda Civic Type R HRC Concept, designed for future TCR homologation and featuring a striking works livery. The car will be piloted by Honda GT500 driver Hiroki Otsu, academy member Yuto Nomura, and 2021 Kyojo Cup champion Shion Tsujimoto.
Other Classes and Performances to Watch
In ST-2, the #72 Nihon Automobile College Honda Civic Type R is on a two-race winning streak, commanding a 22-point lead in the standings. The ST-3 and ST-4 categories return with four and eight entries, respectively, where teams like Tracy Sports with Delta and SHADE Racing boast competitive advantages.
Coverage of the race will be available live on the official Super Taikyu YouTube channel, starting at 9:50 AM JST on Sunday.
For a complete entry list and more information, visit the official Super Taikyu website.
