Akio Toyoda to lead new Super Taikyu organization

After stepping down as President and CEO of the Toyota Motor Company, Akio Toyoda is about to lead the organizing body of a popular endurance racing series in Japan.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda will lead the new Super Taikyu Mirai Organization beginning in June, in a move that aims to increase the involvement of manufacturers in developing their zero and net-zero emission technologies through endurance racing while remaining as an attractive series for grassroots racing.

The addition of the word “Mirai” (future) to the company name signifies working together towards a new future. Also, the letter “M” honors the memory of Super Taikyu’s first chairman Mitsuru Kuwayama. His widow Harumi, who took over operations of Super Taikyu in 2013, will continue to serve on board as the Vice President of the newly-formed STMO.

The Super Taikyu series is one of Japan’s longest running motorsports events, both literally and figuratively. Its owes its longevity through its format, as it is an endurance racing series made for both professional and amateur race drivers.

Throughout the years, racing vehicles under the GT3, GT4, and TCR cars have competed in the series. More importantly, Super Taikyu also welcomes minimally-modified production vehicles for grassroots racing.

But in recent years, manufacturers like Toyota, Subaru, Honda, and Mazda have entered Super Taikyu in the ST-Q class, where they are testing the viability of net-zero and zero-emissions motorsports through the use of hydrogen fuel cells and carbon-neutral fuels.

Perhaps, the more welcoming news is that the Super Taikyu series under Toyoda’s leadership aims to race outside Japan – particularly in Asia.

“It is conceivable that Super Taikyu races could be held overseas. On the other hand, we want to make this a series that will make car enthusiasts from throughout Asia think, ‘I want to race in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series!’ Wouldn’t that be a good idea? It’s something we’ve been talking about” said Akio Toyoda.