A New Chapter Begins at Tokachi as Japan's Best Split into Tsuyo and Zako Battles

arabetsu, 8 August — The dust has barely settled from the dramatic Epilogue 600 at Mandalika, but HoloProto's domestic campaign wastes no time turning the page. This weekend, Tokachi Speedway hosts the Tokachi 400, opening the four-round 2026 HoloProto Japan Tsuyo Series and Japan Zako Series. Saturday belongs to the Zako field, while Sunday's spotlight shifts to the elite Tsuyo contenders, with both endurance races scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. JST.

Unlike the qualifying season where every point determined promotion or survival, Tokachi represents a clean slate. The standings have been reset, the pressure has changed, and every driver now races against rivals of similar calibre. For the first time this year, the championship is now about being the best in these four races in a race to become champion.

The Tsuyo Series arrives with a grid filled with familiar stars. Omaru Polka's No.46 driven by Maverick Deuxieme enters Hokkaido carrying the confidence of topping Japan Split A, while Houshou Marine's No.6 driven by Lorenzo Ricci leads the charge from Split B after a superb qualifying campaign. Both drivers have demonstrated different paths to success—Deuxieme through remarkable consistency, Ricci through outright pace—and Tokachi offers the first opportunity to discover which approach translates into championship momentum.

Close behind stand Nakiri Ayame's No.18 driven by Hoshizono Ryo and Shirogane Noel's No.08 driven by Lexi Boan, both determined to convert impressive qualifying campaigns into title challenges. Ayame's Nakirigumi supporters will expect another composed performance after finishing atop the World Split A standings, while Noel's Shirogane Knights have every reason to believe their representative can challenge for victory immediately.

The Tsuyo field is stacked well beyond its headline acts. Momosuzu Nene's No.77 driven by Mohamed Shaqif Redza, Tokoyami Towa's No.10 driven by Jake Martinez, Hoshimachi Suisei's No.41 driven by Daniel Barguer, Himemori Luna's No.31 driven by Hanami Kiriko, Sakura Miko's No.35 driven by Isekaijin Mikolev, Ookami Mio's No.30 driven by Jake Goodwin and Usada Pekora's No.11 now piloted by Eri Shinozaki all arrive believing the title is within reach. Several of those names endured turbulent qualifying campaigns, making Tokachi an opportunity to begin writing a very different story.

The Zako Series may carry a different label, but few within the paddock expect the racing to be any less intense. Pride remains on the line, and for many drivers this championship offers the chance to rebuild confidence before the following season.

Leading that field are experienced competitors including Inugami Korone's No.56 driven by Ozne Wizard, Aki Rosenthal's No.19 driven by Vladislav Domaschnev, Nekomata Okayu's No.5 driven by Alticer Antanarau and Otonose Kanade's No.59 Ligier JSP217 driven by Saerin. For the DEV-class entries, the lighter Ligier JSP217 continues to provide a fascinating contrast against the Oreca machinery that fills the rest of the grid, with strategy and traffic management expected to play an even greater role around Tokachi's flowing layout.

Other names hoping to make an immediate statement include Takane Lui's No.61 driven by Jace Kinsai, Yuzuki Choco's No.74 driven by Raijin Kaczynski, Koganei Niko's No.29 Ligier driven by Seo Byeong-eun, Isaki Riona's No.68 driven by Dag Patterson and Ichijou Ririka's No.66 driven by Shawn Goh. Several of these competitors narrowly missed Tsuyo qualification, ensuring the Zako championship carries an added sense of unfinished business.

Tokachi Speedway has often rewarded precision over aggression. Its medium speed corners punish tyre abuse, while overtaking opportunities remain limited enough that pit strategy, fuel management and clean execution over 400 kilometres frequently prove more valuable than outright speed. Teams know that a championship cannot be won during the opening round, but it can certainly be put on the back foot.

Saturday's Japan Zako Series race will reveal who is prepared to begin their redemption story, while Sunday's Japan Tsuyo Series promises the first showdown among the country's strongest competitors. After months of qualifying drama, the chase for Japan's highest domestic honours finally begins in earnest on the plains of Hokkaido.