In the qualifying rounds for the F1 Rubber Class, in which Team Yokomo participated, Hirosaka clocked the top time, edging out Yoshioka by 0.7 seconds, with Akira Morita taking 3rd place. In the final, Yoshioka's machine dropped back shortly after the start due to a gear backlash issue, turning the race into a head-to-head battle between Hirosaka and Morita. Hirosaka crossed the finish line first with a 0.5-second lead, followed by Morita in 2nd and Yoshioka in 3rd.
The Touring Car class, the other category entered by Team Yokomo, had 24 participants, the largest field among the five classes. The top 8 qualifiers advanced directly to the A-Main final, and with two additional spots awarded to winners moving up from the C and B mains, the 10-car knockout format generated exceptional excitement.
In the qualifying for this class, Hirosaka was the only driver to break into 29 laps in the first round, setting the top time at 5 minutes and 10 seconds. In the second round, young Team Yokomo driver Bando rose to the top with a time of 29 laps in 5 minutes and 9 seconds, securing 1st and 2nd positions for Bando and Hirosaka respectively. Tomita qualified 3rd. The final began with Hirosaka chasing pole-sitter Bando, but a solo mistake dropped Hirosaka back to 4th. While Tomita and Atsushi Yamaguchi pursued Bando, Bando increased his pace and established a commanding lead. Hirosaka overtook Yamaguchi for 3rd and was closing in on Tomita when the 5-minute mark was called, with Bando finishing in 1st, followed by Tomita in 2nd and Hirosaka in 3rd.
In his closing remarks, circuit owner President Tani said, "At Champ, we will be hosting even more races next year! Please come back again."
We will be holding the Yokomo Cup again next year, so we hope you will participate!