Sugo hosts TCR Japan’s season opener

TCR Japan's second season begins this weekend at Sportsland Sugo. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in several revisions of the calendar, but also in a drop of the entries compared to last year. In fact, only ten drivers have entered for the first event.
The field is led by the reigning champion of the Saturday Series, Takeshi Matsumoto, who returns at the wheel of his Volkswagen Golf GTI run by the RT-Team Wakayama. Another serious contender for the title is Takuro Shinohara who scored two race wins in 2019 with the Team Hitotsuyama Audi RS 3 LMS; Shinohara was also the fastest driver in the official test that was held at Fuji Speedway at the end of March.
Amongst the newcomers are Mineki Okura in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce entered by M-Prototyping Team Stile Corse, BRP's Kengo Ichijo who will drive the first CUPRA ever to race in TCR Japan, and Rio Shimono, the first lady driver to join the championship. She will race a Honda Civic Type R for Drago Racing.
Just like in its maiden season, TCR Japan will award five titles: for professional drivers and amateurs (the Bronze Trophy) in both Saturday and Sunday series, plus the overall for the entrants.

Picture: TCR Japan