Tsugio Matsuda to Retire from SUPER GT: A Legacy of Excellence
Tsugio Matsuda, the most successful driver in the Autobacs SUPER GT Series’ history, has announced his retirement from the series at the conclusion of the current season. The 46-year-old, who boasts a remarkable 26-year career, will compete in other motorsport series moving forward.
Matsuda, a two-time GT500 Drivers’ Champion, is set to retire alongside fellow veterans Hiroaki Ishiura and Takuya Izawa, marking the end of an era in the GT500 class. The trio will make their final appearances at the Motegi GT 300km Race: Grand Final on November 1-2.
Throughout his tenure, Matsuda secured 25 career GT500 class victories, establishing himself as the all-time wins leader in the series. His remarkable statistics include 51 podium finishes and a total of 1,267 championship points. Last month, he extended his record by claiming victory at Sportsland Sugo.
Reflecting on his decision, Matsuda stated, “Achieving my 25th career win at round six in Sugo made me feel that I still had more to give. However, I decided that stepping away upon achieving my goals would be true to who I am.” He emphasized the joy of mentoring his young teammate, Teppei Natori, noting, “It filled me with a mix of emotions—joy, as well as a sense of passing the baton to the next generation.”
Matsuda’s illustrious career began in 2000 with a privateer McLaren F1 GTR before transitioning through Honda’s ranks, where he initially found success. However, dissatisfaction with his position led him to Nissan in 2006, where he enjoyed two decades of triumphs, including back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015 alongside Ronnie Quintarelli.
Outside SUPER GT, Matsuda is an accomplished international competitor, winning the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2014 and participating in prestigious events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Yutaka Sanada, President of Nissan Motorsports & Customising (NMC), praised Matsuda’s impact: “He has made significant contributions over the past 20 years to the development of GT500-class vehicles and tyres, while captivating fans and all of us with his exceptional driving skills.”
Matsuda’s legacy in motorsport remains unparalleled as he prepares for a new chapter beyond SUPER GT, confirming, “Tsugio Matsuda, the race driver, will keep racing.”
