The inclusion of cash prizes—a rarity in the model industry—was one of the factors that energized the entire event. It was a friendly, two-day "big party" for RC racers, filled with many long-awaited reunions. However, thanks to the close-up coverage by Tokai Television, there was also a focused atmosphere at the venue, making for a very well-balanced event.
Additionally, a unique feature of this race was the awarding of cash prizes based on special numbers: the 34th place finisher (in honor of Mr. Yamamoto's jersey number), the 22nd place finisher (for Mr. Yamasaki's number), and the 77th place finisher (in honor of the late Senichi Hoshino). Prize money was also awarded to the winner of the final race in which both hosts competed. Furthermore, I was impressed by the detailed measures taken to ensure enjoyment for all participants, such as handicaps applied to car weight and body types based on each racer's track record.
Another event held outside of the race itself was the "Charity Auction and Fundraiser." The auction featured items such as Mr. Yamamoto's uniform, Mr. Yamasaki's gloves, and four racing machines donated by RC kit manufacturers. The total amount raised at the auction exceeded 600,000 yen, which was presented by Mr. Yamamoto to the Tokai Television Welfare Culture Corporation. Yokomo contributed the car used by Masami Hirosaka in this race. Thank you very much to everyone who placed a winning bid.
In the racing format, nine rounds of qualifying were held using a single-lap best-time system, with points calculated based on the best five rounds. This format corresponds to the nine innings of professional baseball and the five innings required to earn a win for a pitcher. Current All-Japan Champion Akio Sobue earned pole position by setting the top time five times, while Team Yokomo's Masami Hirosaka took second in qualifying after setting the top time in the 5th and 7th rounds. Team Yokomo’s Takashi Kato also secured third in qualifying with one top time, making it an incredibly close contest where both Team Yokomo drivers were in positions to vie for the win. Meanwhile, Masahiro Yamamoto secured a 4th-place overall position with two 2nd-place, two 3rd-place, and one 6th-place finish! To earn the 4th grid position among Japan’s top expert drivers is, in a word, "amazing."
In the first round of the A-Main Final, Sobue and Hirosaka pulled away from the start to battle for the lead, but Sobue crossed the finish line first by a narrow margin, putting him one step away from victory.
In the second round of the A-Main Final, Hirosaka caught up to Sobue, sticking close in a tail-to-nose battle that excited the crowd. However, a heartbreaking flip caused Hirosaka to drop back, confirming Sobue’s overall victory.
In the third round of the A-Main Final, Team Yokomo’s Masami Hirosaka started from the front, with teammate Takashi Kato starting in second. Normally, a driver who secures victory within the first two rounds does not compete in the third, but under Mr. Yamamoto’s special rules, Sobue started from the back. Immediately after the start, Takashi Kato took the lead and crossed the finish line in a solo run, securing the overall runner-up position. The final results saw Akio Sobue in 1st, Takashi Kato in 2nd, and Masami Hirosaka in 3rd. It was a great result with two Team Yokomo members on the podium, while promising young Team Yokomo driver Ken Bando also placed in the top 10, with three BD-8s remaining in the A-Main Final.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Masahiro Yamamoto, Mr. Takeshi Yamasaki, the staff at RC Tengoku Nagoya, and all the event organizers.
We also thank Mr. Yamasaki for participating in the race with the BD-8 2018 and for exciting the venue with his spirited driving.
We look forward to next year's event. The Yokomo team would love to participate again, so we hope to be invited back.
(YouTube video links)
Qualifying Round 1 (Team Yokomo’s Takashi Kato sets top time)
Qualifying Round 4 (Team Yokomo’s Masami Hirosaka sets top time)
Qualifying Round 7 (Team Yokomo’s Masami Hirosaka sets top time *from 4:00)
A-Main Final Round 3 (Team Yokomo’s Takashi Kato takes the lead)
Media cooperation and material provision: Deramonte Co., Ltd., RC Magazine, RC.ANDOUGA