Car Lovers Ignite Passions to Reform Racing

"These races mean a great deal to drivers and are captivating in their own right. Drivers are excited to race in these cars." Ueno hardly had time to let the praise sink in before the harsher truth was pointed out: "But that enjoyment isn't reaching spectators."

This is understandable, given that the pandemic did not allow a large number of spectators. On top of that, special rules barring in-race refueling and eliminating tire-change requirements were adopted to reduce the number of mechanics and other pit personnel. As a result, races were drained of all drama, with positions hardly changing from start to finish.

"The whole thing was like watching a parade procession," said Akio. "There's nothing to excite the fans."

As Ueno recalls, "that race was the turning point because it sparked these reforms."

Soon after, Akio, as the head of Toyota, contacted Takahiro Hachigo, then CEO of Honda Motor, which also supplies Super Formula race engines. "Super Formula is important for the automotive industry," he said. "Let's work together to make these races more exciting."

So began the road to reform.