Enthusiasts Fuel the Call for Change in the World of Motorsports
As Japan celebrates the 50th anniversary of formula racing, the country's most prestigious auto racing series, the Japanese Super Formula Championship, is undergoing significant changes. The series, organised by Japan Race Promotion (JRP), has been facing a challenge in capturing the public's attention, with spectator attendance lagging behind compared to other racing events.
In the pre-COVID 19 season of 2019, Super GT attracted around 50,000 spectators per race, while Super Formula drew only about 30,000. This trend has been a cause for concern, with key figures in the automotive industry expressing their dissatisfaction. Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota and Toyota's motorsport division GAZOO Racing, was one such individual.
Toyoda attended a Super Formula race in August 2020, marking a turning point for the series. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of excitement in the races and called for reforms. In response, he proposed a meeting with Yoshihisa Ueno, the President of JRP, to offer his feedback and suggestions for increasing spectator interest.
Ueno saw the meeting with Toyoda as a catalyst for change. Under the banner of Super Formula NEXT50 (SF NEXT50), reforms to the series kicked off last October. One of the key changes has been the adoption of special rules for Super Formula races in 2020, including no in-race refueling and no tire-change requirements.
However, these changes have not been without controversy. Critics argue that they have resulted in races with little drama and positions hardly changing from start to finish. Akio Toyoda himself acknowledged this issue and reached out to Takahiro Hachigo, then CEO of Honda Motor, to collaborate on making Super Formula races more exciting.
Despite the challenges, Super Formula has played a crucial role in improving the driving skills of participants. Many of these drivers have gone on to achieve success in other racing events, including TGR members who have won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The automotive industry in Japan employs 5.5 million individuals, including those who foster car culture through motorsports. With the reforms underway, there is hope that Super Formula will regain its position as a key player in Japanese motorsports and once again capture the public's imagination.
In conclusion, the Japanese Super Formula Championship is undergoing significant changes as it seeks to regain its popularity and maintain its position as the country's fastest and most prestigious racing series. With the support of key figures in the automotive industry and a renewed focus on providing exciting and engaging races, the future looks promising for Super Formula.
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