SHIZUOKA, May 09 (News On Japan) –
During the second spherical of the Super GT at Fuji Speedway on May 4th, Tsuchiya Takeshi, director of the “Hoppy Team Tsuchiya,” set a easy but profound aim earlier than the employees: “First and foremost, our goal is to take the chequered flag. That’s my primary goal, to do it in front of everyone here.”
About six weeks previous to this present day, on March twenty fourth, the crew was at Fuji Speedway for the pre-season official take a look at. The crew’s automotive, nonetheless not absolutely painted, was wrapped in a stark black physique. Despite the pouring rain, Tsuchiya watched over the black automotive finishing laps like a father or mother watching over a toddler. “This really feels like the first real shake-down. Being here, able to do this, feels incredibly fortunate,” he stated.
In the frantic rush to develop and arrange the automotive simply earlier than the season opener, being on the monitor felt like a blessing. Aiming for victory but setting the first aim of merely taking the chequered flag highlights the trials the crew has confronted.
Located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, “Hoppy Team Tsuchiya’s” base, Tsuchiya Engineering, was based in 1971 by Tsuchiya Takeshi’s father, Haruo. It has been a small city manufacturing unit crew, often known as a “fighting privateer,” constructing automobiles independently of main automotive producers and profitable races with craftsman abilities and ingenuity for over 50 years.
Taking over the crew based by his father, the second-generation director, Tsuchiya Takeshi, has continued the legacy. The crew’s automotive, nicknamed “Hopi-ko” after the principle sponsor’s identify, has been a beloved determine amongst followers.
However, on August sixth final 12 months, in the course of the fourth spherical of the Super GT at Fuji Speedway, Tsuchiya witnessed a sight he wished he hadn’t: “On August 6th, it’s etched in my mind – during the middle of the race, an exhaust problem led to the car catching fire and burning completely. It was like a nightmare.”
The automotive was engulfed in flames and smoke, fully burned down. The crew was compelled to withdraw from racing for the remainder of the season as there have been no funds left to organize a brand new automotive.
Was this the restrict for a privateer crew?
What saved Tsuchiya from this darkish time was the voice of followers hoping for “Hopi-ko’s” revival. “On social media, so many fans were saying ‘don’t give up.’ Being so wanted by so many people, the only thing I can do is to move forward.”
Spurred by followers, Tsuchiya launched the “Hopi-ko Revival Project.” Approximately 30 million yen in help was gathered from enthusiastic followers and stakeholders.
By September, there was a glimpse of sunshine for the crew. “First, we’ll respond to everyone’s feelings. We’ll revive this car and get it back on the race track.”
The revival of Hopi-ko and its return to racing had been largely as a result of youthful members of Tsuchiya Engineering, inheriting the craftsman spirit, who rebuilt about 90% of the automotive based mostly on the miraculously remaining foremost body.
The “fighting privateer,” Team Tsuchiya, had its each day routine again.
This journey introduced the crew to the preliminary shakedown simply earlier than the season opener on March twenty fourth.
Then, on April 14th, on the Super GT 2024 season opener at Okayama International Circuit, Hopi-ko appeared absolutely painted from its plain black physique.
The automotive completed 14th on this race, marking a profitable return to racing. The crew was rejuvenated, and Tsuchiya’s spirits had been excessive.
“Instead of feeling sentimental about the comeback race, there was none of that. I just wanted to race, honestly. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this much love for racing, all thanks to Hopi-ko and everyone’s support.”
On the day of the Super GT’s second spherical, final August, Hopi-ko had burned down at Fuji Speedway, the place Tsuchiya now confronted the ultimate race.
His ideas had been clear: “Just take the chequered flag. Coming back here, the biggest hurdle is to take the chequered flag, which we couldn’t last year.”
Facing the house straight, within the grandstand straight in entrance of the crew’s pit, many followers gathered, sharing their feelings for Hopi-ko.
“Firstly, thank you for coming back. Just finishing the race safely and seeing Hopi-ko healthy again makes us happy,” shared a fan from the stands.
Minako Ishiwatari, co-team proprietor, additionally shared her deep emotions whereas caressing Hopi-ko, “It’s really good. Truly, thanks to everyone, Hopi-ko could come back.”
With all these sentiments, Hopi-ko raced via Fuji’s course, aiming for the chequered flag that was unattainable that day.
The remaining was a three-hour race, handed amongst three drivers, and eight months after the nightmare, Hopi-ko splendidly took the chequered flag, reaching the crew’s aim.
Tsuchiya rushed to the pit wall, waving to the followers within the stands, “Finishing a race might seem quite normal, but it’s really a joy.”
“After that incident here at Fuji, we’ve managed to give a little back to everyone. I want to race in a way that makes everyone even happier.”
On the sticker plastered on the prime of the entrance window learn, “Racing again with you!”
Now, it is Hopi-ko pushing everybody ahead. “It feels like Hopi-ko is kicking our backsides, telling us ‘you all need to work harder.’ We really have to try.”
Looking ahead to the Super GT’s third-round remaining on June 2nd, Tsuchiya was additionally going through ahead.
Source: FNN