My great boss Tachi called me up and asked me if i wanna join for a heli ride to the GP. I say : SURE!

Real cool views over the Tokyo city skyline and the race track! Thanks to our friend and sponsor Matsumoto Kyoshi for inviting me!

Weather
All weekend: Sunny and dry
Temperatures: 22 – 24°C (ambient) / 31 – 37°C (track)

Circuit: Autopolis (Ōita Pref., Kyushu, Japan)
Track length / race distance: 4.674km / 65Laps

Car & number: PETRONAS TOM’S SC430 / 36
Qualifying: 7th 
Race: 8th

Despite carrying a hefty weight penalty of 70kgs after the podium finish at Motegi last month, the PETRONAS Toyota Team Tom’s were able to collect three more points to add to the team’s overall haul after securing an eigth place finish at Round 8 of the Super GT championship last weekend. Taking place at the Autopolis circuit in the Ōita prefecture on the southern Island of Kyushu, the result from the penultimate round at the season has helped lift the burden of the weight handicap by 15kg for the team as it prepares for the final showdown at Fuji in early November.

Qualifying, Saturday
From the outset, the weight was a crucial factor heading into the round at Autopolis. The track layout with its up-hill sectors and gradient climbs, particularly in the final sector leading into the home straight meant that the car would ultimately be slower. However, a series of unforeseen circumstances during Saturday’s qualifying session favoured the team as they were able to qualify into the Super Lap. With German Andre Lotterer at the wheel, the PETRONAS Toyota Team Tom’s was able to get a fourth row start for Sunday’s race after qualifying 7th fastest.

Raceday, Sunday 
With clear weather dominating the proceedings on Sunday, the German retained his position as the team’s starting driver for the race. Maintaining his seventh position start, a two-stop strategy saw Lotterer drive two stints back-to-back. Taking over from the German for the final stint was his Japanese teammate Juichi Wakisaka. Although both drivers were unable to challenge the front runners, the team instead opted a points-finish strategy. Though Wakisaka originally took the PETRONAS Tom’s SC430 car to the finish line in 9th, the revision of the results following post-race penalties by the stewards meant the team were awarded with 8th.
Juichi Wakisaka (JPN)
“Although we came into the round with a huge disadvantage carrying 70kgs, our style always remains the same, which is to fight for the championship. Obviously, we knew we could not fight at the front so we opted for the strategy to score as many points we could and this was the right approach. Andre produced another fantastic drive this weekend to maintain our position in the first two stints of the race, which I was able to maintain during the final stint. The team did a superb job again with the pit stops, which were also crucial. Now we are a bit lighter going into the final round at Fuji, so we will continue to fight!”

Andre Lotterer 

Andre Lotterer (DEU)
“From an observers point of view, it is probably hard to imagine what carrying a 70kg weight penalty means in a race like this. It is incredibly hard, especially at a circuit like Autopolis, which its twisty uphill sections. However, despite this, we were able to produce a good and more importantly, a points-finish result. Despite what was a difficult situation for us, we didn’t lose all hope and as a result everyone did a really great job this weekend and I am happy that we managed to get some valuable points from this round. Now we head to Fuji with a 55kg penalty, but we will definitely do everything to fight for the championship.”
Masanori Sekiya, Team Director
“This was another better-than-expected result at the Autopolis round. Heading into the round, we knew that it was not going to be easy trying to challenge the other teams with the carrying the 70kgs weight penalty. So, coming away with points from this round is a great result. Both the drivers and the entire crew did a fantastic job this weekend! Now as we look ahead to the round in Fuji next month, we know it will be another tough race but we are looking forward to the challenge as everyone is geared up to fight for the championship.”

My good friend & partner EIJI has been helping cement a collaboration inbetween me and giant brand…world famous eyewear brand DITA!!

This picture was taken at his brand new select shop in Naka Meguro, MEMENTO. Its very nice and has special goods from Brazil and unique inhouse designed items amongst well selected brands.

www.mementomori.jp

rocking the fresh A.L Model Samples…