CarGuy MKS Racing Reveals 2026 Driver Line-Up Following Strong Debut Season
CarGuy MKS Racing, a collaborative effort between Takeshi Kimura’s CarGuy Racing team and Misato Haga’s MKS Racing, has officially announced its driver line-up for the 2026 Autobacs SUPER GT Series GT300 class. The team capitalized on a successful inaugural season, highlighted by a victory at Suzuka Circuit last August and a third-place finish in the standings for rookie drivers Zak O’Sullivan and Rikuto Kobayashi.
In December, Kiyoshi Umegaki, a notable prospect from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Driver Challenge, was confirmed as a full-time driver for the upcoming season. At just 18 years old and the reigning FIA Formula Regional Japanese Champion, Umegaki is set to be the youngest competitor in the series, succeeding Kobayashi, who has been elevated to GT500 with TGR Team KeePer Cerumo.
O’Sullivan will return alongside Umegaki, balancing responsibilities in the SUPER GT with a concurrent campaign in the 2026 Super Formula Championship for Team Impul.
Additionally, CarGuy MKS has recruited Reimei Ito, the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Japan Champion, as its third driver. Ito, at 25, reunites with team principal Haga, who previously facilitated his entry into the SUPER GT series three years ago with Yogibo Racing.
The driver selection process included a rigorous shootout at Petronas Sepang International Circuit, featuring notable competitors such as two-time GT500 Champion Kohei Hirate and reigning SRO Japan Cup GT3 Champion Shintaro Kawabata, among others.
This strategic driver line-up aims to build on last year’s momentum, with the team poised for a competitive 2026 season.
