On May 7th, the final day of Golden Week, we held our second Yokomo Grand Prix of the year at Yatabe Arena. The course layout for this event was run in the opposite direction with only slight adjustments to the pylon positions, resulting in a high-grip surface that caused high-siding from the early stages of the race.
Starting with this event, Yokomo has introduced a new 2WD touring car category: the "YD-2TC Class." This class has a tire speed regulation of 5400 rpm or less. At Yatabe Arena, this speed range falls between the GT Stock and GT Open classes, providing a moderate pace that makes it an accessible and enjoyable category for touring car enthusiasts. On November 5th, we will hold the "2WD Touring Car All-Japan Championship," a one-make race for the YD-2TC, held concurrently with our annual "GT All-Japan Championship." With qualifiers for the championship already confirmed at nine locations nationwide, this category is currently drawing a lot of attention.
Additionally, starting from the next Yokomo Grand Prix, we will introduce the "YD-2TC Scale Car Class," which is also recommended for beginners. If you are interested, please feel free to join us!
Concours d'Elegance TN Award
Concours d'Elegance Yokomo Award
■ Super Scale SS48 Class Final Results
In the final, pole-starter TruthFive crashed on the first lap and dropped to the back of the pack, but then staged a fierce recovery to join the battle for the lead between Mu- and MR110. As MR110 and TruthFive traded positions, Mu- managed to pull away and cross the finish line first!
1st Place: Mu- 15L 4:04.964
2nd Place: MR110 15L 4:06.067
3rd Place: TruthFive 15L 4:11.359
(TQ: TruthFive)
■ YD-2TC Class Final Results
The start of the race saw the field run in grid order. Suzuki closely marked pole-starter Murai, with Rosugiwaku following behind. Two minutes in, Suzuki began to close the gap on Murai while setting his best lap times. With one minute remaining, Suzuki had narrowed the lead to 0.3 seconds, but Murai maintained a clean run to hold his lead and finish first!
1st Place: Kazuma Murai 14L 4:14.213
2nd Place: Akira Suzuki 14L 4:14.847
3rd Place: Rosugiwaku 14L 4:16.065
(TQ: Kazuma Murai)
■ GT Stock Class Final Results
The A-Main for each GT class is an 8-minute endurance race. Starting from 4th, Nobunen fell back right after the start. Katsu-Radi No. 1 pulled ahead. Kuro and Kyaro-san engaged in a fierce battle for 2nd place; Kuro emerged victorious and began closing in on Katsu-Radi No. 1, but could not catch him, leaving Katsu-Radi No. 1 to take the win!
1st Place: Katsu-Radi No. 1 25L 8:12.476
2nd Place: Kuro 25L 8:16.260
3rd Place: Kyaro-san 24L 8:08.494
(TQ: Katsu-Radi No. 1)
■ GT Open Class Final Results
The final started cleanly with 11 cars. As per the grid, Suzuki, Takejiro, and Mukku finished the first lap in that order. Takejiro and Mukku collided, causing both to fall back. During this, 5th-starter Tamotsu moved up to 2nd, while Suzuki entered a solo lead. As Tamotsu and Katsu-Radi No. 1 battled for 2nd, Mukku joined the fray after setting the fastest lap, resulting in a three-car tail-to-nose battle. Late in the race, Mukku moved up to 2nd place. The battle for 3rd went down to the wire, with Tamotsu taking the spot. Suzuki secured a pole-to-finish victory.
1st Place: Satoshi Suzuki 28L 8:03.352
2nd Place: Mukku 28L 8:09.769
3rd Place: Tamotsu 28L 8:13.181
(TQ: Satoshi Suzuki)
■ Touring Class Final Results
The race started cleanly without any crashes, with the top three drivers pulling away. Rosugiwaku chased pole-starter Kattobi Momotaro. Although Rosugiwaku dropped back after a solo mistake, he later set his best lap time and closed in on the lead once more. However, he came up just short, and Kattobi Momotaro held on to cross the finish line first!
1st Place: Kattobi Momotaro 16L 4:03.995
2nd Place: Rosugiwaku 16L 4:05.141
3rd Place: Rirarirarirarirarirakkuma 16L 4:08.661
(TQ: Kattobi Momotaro)
■ Formula Sports Class Final Results
Iizuka, who started from 4th, took the lead early in the race. Kame-Kichi and Mendy gave chase, but Iizuka, who ran consistently and error-free throughout, was the only one to reach 14 laps and secure the victory!
1st Place: Nozomu Iizuka 14L 4:16.660
2nd Place: Kame-Kichi 13L 4:01.482
3rd Place: Mendy 13L 4:05.359
(TQ: Mendy)
■ 12 Stock Class Final Results
From the beginning of the race, there was a heated battle between pole-starter Mukku and 2nd-starter Kitagawa. Kitagawa seized the lead after capitalizing on a slight error by Mukku one minute into the race. Three minutes in, it was Mukku's turn to capitalize on a slight mistake by Kitagawa to reclaim the lead, then gradually pull away from the field to win by 3 seconds!
1st Place: Mukku 34L 8:03.085
2nd Place: Naoya Kitagawa 34L 8:06.540
3rd Place: Katsumi Yokoo 33L 8:05.007
(TQ: Mukku)
The next Round 33 will be held on Sunday, August 13th. We look forward to seeing many participants!