Motegi GT 300km Race Preview: Title Showdown Approaches
As the 32nd season of the Autobacs SUPER GT Series nears its finale at Mobility Resort Motegi, anticipation builds for a decisive showdown in both GT500 and GT300 classes. This iconic venue continues its tradition of hosting the season-ending Motegi GT 300km Race: Grand Final.
Championship Dynamics
With no Success Weight in effect, the 63-lap race promises an all-out contest, with six teams vying for the GT500 Championship and nine in contention for GT300. Among the GT500 contenders, TGR Team au TOM’S drivers Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita have their sights set on clinching the championship, requiring a finish of first or second. A victory would mark Tsuboi’s unprecedented third consecutive title and fourth overall, matching Ronnie Quintarelli’s record.
TGR Team Eneos ROOKIE’s Kazuya Oshima and Nirei Fukuzumi sit in second place (-6 points), needing at least a fourth-place finish to win their first GT500 title. Similarly, Team Kunimitsu’s Naoki Yamamoto and Tadasuke Makino (-8.5 points) and KeePer Cerumo’s Hiroaki Ishiura and Toshiki Oyu (-9.5 points) require podium finishes to stay in contention.
Key Drivers and Teams
The #1 au TOM’S Toyota GR Supra, noted for its champions and robust performance, is a favorite, having secured victories in the final round three of the last four years. Oshima and Fukuzumi also aim for glory, bolstered by the chance to secure an inaugural title for their team.
Hiroaki Ishiura’s final race adds to the stakes as he seeks to fulfill his championship aspirations after 18 years in the series. His teammate Oyu’s current form positions them as serious threats.
In the GT300 category, the #65 LEON Pyramid Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO, driven by Naoya Gamou and Togo Suganami, leads the charge for the title. Gamou’s seasoned performance at Motegi, including three previous wins, bolsters their chances, as they require a victory to secure the championship.
Kondo Racing’s #56 Realize/Nissan Mechanic Challenge GT-R NISMO GT3, piloted by Kohei Hirate and Joao Paulo de Oliveira, seeks to add a GT300 title to their accolades, while the #7 CarGuy MKS Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 crewed by Zak O’Sullivan and Rikuto Kobayashi is aiming for a history-making win.
Race Details
Qualifying for the Motegi GT 300km Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday at 14:00 JST, followed by the race on Sunday at 13:00 JST. The implications of this final encounter are profound, with not only championships on the line but also poignant farewells to several veteran drivers.
In summary, as the series closes another thrilling chapter, all eyes will be on Motegi, where speed, strategy, and a touch of luck will determine this season’s champions.
