In 2026, Tomikawa finally entered an endurance race—the newly launched Super Taikyu Challenge.
My co-driver was young enough to be my son. With Ryo and Akio watching, everything went wrong. This is the story of a team that fought through adversity.
It won't go in! This is bad!
Stay tuned until the end. Toyota Times News.
We've come to Fuji Speedway. I'm joining a Team ENDLESS track day ahead of the S-Tai Challenge. The car we're driving is this Roadster. Nice to meet you.
Tomikawa entered the SC-R class, limited to Roadster NR-As. The 1.5-liter engine may be small, but it attracts some seriously fast drivers.
My first time. It's so low and feels different. It's circuit racing, so it sits lower, with the weight further back. We'll be entering 3 rounds with this car this year.
The S-Tai Challenge is a 60-minute race shared by 2 drivers. We asked STMO Vice-chair Ms. Kuwayama about its purpose.
We want more people to get involved. Thankfully, Super Taikyu has grown in stature, but that has made it harder to enter, so we created the S-Tai Challenge.
The goal was to broaden the base of motorsports.
We hope this category can serve as a first step into motorsports, and that many people will join.
The door to the Challenge is open. And Tomikawa's teammate is...
Takehiro, President Ogura's son.
He's a student at Tokyo University of Science. As a member of the automobile club, his skills are incredible. At the event that day, hosted by Bridgestone...
It's faster than in rallying, so braking will be important.
If you underestimate the braking, you'll run wide. That ultimately costs you time. Focusing on braking will lead to better lap times.
Great advice. Already a reliable teammate.
The age gap is 27. Your 5th year. You were born when I started Hodo Station.
You were born in 2003, right? I started in 2004.
Track walk is ending shortly...
They said it's over. This old guy's going to do his best!
This was my first Bridgestone POTENZA Circuit Challenge in the 86. With its figure-8 course, it was ideal for my rallying and circuit challenge. But Ryo and I both struggled badly. As for Takehiro, he looked much better than me, but according to him...
If I'd got the side turn, I'd have found my rhythm.
We're all thinking the same thing.
There were rankings, but please don't ask. A cross-generational evaluation meeting. Now back to the ENDLESS track day. This was the first and only chance to drive this car before the race. Not a single lap could be wasted, so I stayed fully focused. The Roadster has a 1500cc engine. I'd been driving my usual 2000cc 86 up to then, so I couldn't help but feel a lack of power.
Come on, Roadster! I'm flooring it!
As a result, a line of more powerful cars formed behind me. Sorry to everyone back there. I was trying. I think I was probably causing trouble. Just when I was complaining about the lack of power, Sasaki told me to ride along. And then... We were both flat out in the same places. Our top speed was the same, but our lines and throttle control were completely different.
I was trying to force sharper turns.
Brake, then ease off, smoothly turn the wheel, and the tires will grip.
If you want to be faster, pay attention. Class is in session.
Foot off the gas here. Off, then start easing in from here. Keep it smooth, and you won't slip. Foot off. Slight brake, turn again, and hit the gas.
Smoothly... Off here again, slight brake, and hit the gas.
I was amazed. The way he drove was so different. After all, Sasaki was 14 seconds a lap faster than me.
But it was so much fun! What was my speed?
Impressive! You did great. I'd love to see you on a circuit again sometime.
For most people, track driving feels intimidating. But events like this run all day, with no license required—just an entry fee. Track days are the easiest way to enjoy circuit driving.
It's a great opportunity to improve your skills. If you're interested, check out the Bridgestone ENDLESS website. It was finally time for the real thing. The first race is Motegi. And no, we weren't out for a walk. This is called a track walk, a course inspection done on foot.
Wow, Motegi's pretty bumpy. It's not just painted stripes.
You bounce like crazy, so we straddle the line with the car. Don't force it. Just pass right over it. But keep a tire on the track, or it's a violation.
So if all four go off, it's a penalty?
So, you go faster doing that?
Exactly. It's faster to use all of the track. The curb actually ends here. This is just paint.
Walking the course is important. A helpful lesson from Matsui. Back in the pits, STMO Chairman and event organizer Akio had arrived.
Go after your father's time?
I'm already planning to beat him!
I like that! Let's do our best.
Our cameras will be rolling. Say, "Watch out Dad!"
There was some fear in there.
Morizo, please give us advice.
Thank you for joining. This series was created to lower the barrier and broaden the base of motorsports. So first, drive safely. Follow the rules. You're not out there alone, so drive along with everyone. It's important to check what's behind you, and don't disrupt the race. Experience how difficult it is to finish a race, and have fun.
I say some pretty good things, right?
You always give great advice.
Partly as STMO chairperson too.
It was time for practicing on the actual race course. As we prepared, our good friend Mr. Mitsuhashi came to take photos. He's one of Japan's top photographers, capturing many iconic moments. When Mr. Mitsuhashi takes photos of you... Even rookie Tomikawa looks the part, right?
You know who's most nervous today? Team leader, Mr. Takada.
He's from Ogura Clutch. He's President Ogura's co-driver, while also handling everything for the team. Both Ryo and I trust him completely. It's a warm, close-knit team and the team coach is this man.
They're pretty capable drivers. So, get out ahead of the #36 car and follow that Roadster.
Follow and learn the racing line. That is Sasaki's instruction. In the S-Tai Challenge, aside from safety items like roll cages, parts that affect performance must generally remain stock. So, driver skill shows up in your time, and following a fast driver in the same car is an excellent way to learn. Thanks for the great photos! Up until this point, everything was going smoothly...
He went off at the first S-curve...
Yes, I'd messed up. I'd spun out at the S-curve entry and gone into the gravel area.
I messed up, I'm sorry. I messed up... I'm okay. Oh no... I can't get out of this.
I hope this doesn't cost Takehiro.
This was his first time at Motegi too. He needed practice before racing. That was my biggest concern, but...
The marshals came to rescue me.
I've already put it in neutral. Thank you. Everyone looks worried.
I somehow made it back and handed the car over.
I was worried you'd lose your chance to drive.
I was genuinely relieved. One difference between rallying and racing is driving with others. After my spin, I learned what danger really meant. Was President Ogura worried about his son racing? We asked him earlier.
It was Sasaki's idea. He suggested it after it was decided that Tomikawa would be racing, and they were trying to find the other driver. As a father, I was against it. I thought it would be dangerous. But Sasaki said it wasn't. He said if you understand the basics, it's not inherently dangerous. I thought he was right. So I said, "Go for it."
As a father of 2 sons, I understood his conflict. What about Sasaki who suggested it?
Oh, absolutely. I was very worried. As his father, President Ogura would naturally be concerned. But I've watched Takehiro improve. I know he's not the type to drive recklessly. He has a good sense of self-control, and now his skills are catching up. You can't just protect someone if you want them to grow. I want him to step up.
Drivers grow when expectations are placed on them. Meanwhile, I was reporting my spin to Akio.
I'm going to call you Spin Tomikawa.
Thank you. That actually sounds cool. At the S-curve, shifting from 4th to 3rd to 2nd, the rear just drifted.
It really is. The lap before, I felt 3rd gear didn't have enough pull.
You think 2nd is better, but it's faster to take it in 3rd. His name's decided now. Spin Tomikawa.
I've officially been named.
The day before the race was qualifying, but there was plenty to do before that.
Entry fee is ¥18,200 ($114).
Including insurance and lunch, the fee was ¥18,200. Takada casually paid in cash which seemed so generous, but...
Well, of course. Next, we borrowed timing transponders for each driver. They must be securely mounted in the car, then swapped during the driver change. We also got pit crew armbands, and for first-time teams like ours...
Then came 4 seminars throughout the day, covering the rules and how to finish the race safely.
Retirement is prohibited.
They made it fun, so the sessions flew by. In the pits, inspections were underway. The S-Tai Challenge requires stock parts, so inspections were very thorough. Next, equipment checks— to make sure our suits, helmets, HANS, and other safety gear met requirements. There was also a class on tire changing. Many mechanics are also first-time participants. Endurance racing is a team sport. Developing the whole team is one of the Challenge's goals. It was now time for qualifying. I would drive first.
