Shinohara encores in TCR Japan’s Race 2 at Okayama
TCR Japan’s second race at Okayama International Circuit was nearly a replica of yesterday’s Race 1.
Takuro Shinohara made a better start than pole sitter Takeshi Matsumoto and ran away to claim his fourth victory of the season from five events. Matsumoto followed his rival a few seconds behind and had to settle in second place once again.
‘Hirobon’ and Ryo Shimono resumed their fight for the final podium place, but this time the BRP driver was able to pass Shimono during the first lap and then defended the third position. In lap 7, Shimono was able to pass ‘Hirobon’, they ran abreast for half-a-lap swapping paints and then ‘Hirobon’ retook the position.
Mineki Okura, who had chased the fifth-placed Junichi Umemoto for most of Race 1, until he crashed after they made contact, this time managed to overtake his fellow Alfa Romeo colleague in the early stages and completed a solo flight in fifth position, while Umemoto resisted the assaults from Kenji Suzuki and ‘Mototino’ to finish sixth.
The last lap delivered a couple of thrilling moments. Shimono made a forceful move, pushed ‘Hirobon’ wide and finally moved into P3, while Suzuki made a slight mistake that enabled ‘Mototino’ to steal the seventh place.
After the race, the Stewards demoted Shimono to P7, for her contact with ‘Hirobon’.
Despite Shinohara’s victory, Matsumoto has retained the leadership in the Sunday Series, although his margin has gone down to two points only.
The next event of TCR Japan will take place at Autopolis, on November 14th/15th.
Race 2
1. Takuro Shinohara (Hitotsuyama Racing, Audi RS 3 LMS), 14 laps
2. Takeshi Matsumoto (Team Wakayama, Volkswagen Golf GTI), 5.956
3. ‘Hirobon’ (Birth Racing Project, CUPRA), 19.914
4. Mineki Okura (Team Stile Corse, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce), 25.830
5. Junichi Umemoto (55 Moto with J'S Racing, Alfa Romeo Giulietta), 39.347
Championship points – Sunday series
1. Takeshi Matsumoto 53 pts; 2. Takuro Shinohara 51; 3. ‘Hirobon’ 28
Picture: TCR Japan
