apr Lexus Wins Autopolis After TKRI Penalty

Super Taikyu Race Report: Final Lap Collision Alters Results at Autopolis

Autopolis, Japan – In a dramatic conclusion to the five-hour Super Taikyu Race, the #31 apr Lexus RC F GT3 clinched the ST-X class victory, marking their first win of the season. This twist came after a final-lap collision that reshuffled the podium finishes.

The race began with intense competition, as the #31 Lexus, driven by Naoya Gamou, Rikuto Kobayashi, Koki Saga, and Toyota test driver Ryuta Ukai, secured pole position by a mere 0.032 seconds over the #777 D’station Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3.

Race Progression
Starting from third on the grid, the #101 Hitotsuyama Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II assumed the lead on the first lap, holding it through the first round of pit stops despite an early drive-through penalty for Saga. The lead then switched to the #23 TKRI Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, which began from fourth, taking control with an hour and 46 minutes remaining.

However, the race took a critical turn when Okumoto, driving the #23 Mercedes, collided with the #88 Murakami Motors Mazda Roadster while vying for position late in the race. Following the incident, Okumoto received a drive-through penalty, which ultimately affected the final classification.

The #31 apr Lexus was awarded victory after the #23 TKRI Mercedes was handed a 30-second time penalty, dropping them to third place. The Lexus finished 8.4 seconds ahead, while the #101 Hitotsuyama Audi secured second.

Key Standings
The ST-X championship standings currently see TKRI leading by 17 points over apr, with seven x seven Racing in third position.

Class Highlights

ST-TCR: The #97 M&K Racing Honda Civic FL5 TCR won its class, finishing fifth overall, and maintained class dominance throughout the race. Following them were the #19 Birth Racing Project Cupra TCR and the #98 Waimarama Racing Hyundai Elantra N TCR in second and third, respectively.
ST-2: The #225 KTMS Toyota GR Yaris, driven by Riona Tomishita, Tokiya Suzuki, and Hibiki Taira, clinched its second victory of the season, overtaking the previously leading #72 Nihon Automobile College Honda Civic Type R.
ST-4: The #3 Endless Sports Toyota GR86 secured its first win of the season. Meanwhile, SHADE Racing remains poised to win the championship, with a significant points lead heading into the final race.
ST-5R: The #610 Koshido Racing Roadster took victory after the earlier incident affected Murakami Motors, who were leading the points race.
ST-5F: Team Yamato clinched their first championship title with a solid performance, highlighted by their #67 Honda Fit3 RS finishing third in class.