How many jobs does Akio Toyoda have? He’s already chairman of Toyota, a semi-pro race car driver, and president of the Japan Sumo Association. Now he’s adding another feather in his cap, chairman of the Automobile Business and Culture Association of Japan. For years the trade organization has operated without much fanfare, but now that Morizo’s in charge he wants to make some changes. One of his objectives is to shine a spotlight on Japan’s motorsports. So for his first official task as chairman Toyoda presented awards to four “Iron Men” of SuperGT.
The four drivers honored by Toyoda have each competed in 150 or more JGTC or SuperGT races. The most prolific of these drivers is Yuji Tachikawa, who began his JGTC career in 1996 and is a three-time champion. The Toyota factory driver has completed over 200 races, mainly with the Cerumo team’s Supras, Soarers, and Lexuses.
Tsugio Matsuda has driven in over 150 races with several different teams and manufacturers since 1998. Most notably, he was at the helm of the Motul Autech R35 GT-R during back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. Matsuda broke the GT500 class record for most race wins in 2016. Each of the four drivers was given a traditional Malaysian plate presented at Sepang Circuit.
Hiroaki Ishiura began his SuperGT career in 2006 and logged a GT300 class championship with the famous Toy Story Racing Toyota MR-S in 2007. The Disney-sponsored car was decked out in a Buzz Lightyear-themed livery. Ishiura has also logged over 150 races.
Two-time SuperGT champ Kazuya Oshima was Ishiura’s co-driver during the 2007 season when they took it all in the Buzz Lightyear MR-S. Oshima went to on repeat the feat in 2019, but this time in the Wako’s Oil Lexus LC500 in the GT500 class. Oshima also began his SuperGT career in 2006 and has over 150 races under his belt.
“Thank you to Tachikawa, Matsuda, Ishiura and Oshima for sharing the stories of 650 races. I hope you will pass them on to the next generation,” Toyoda said. “I made this plaque to represent the feelings of all of you fans.” In his greeting statement to the ABAJ, Toyoda said that he wants to “Make cars a part of Japanese culture.”
