Finale 500 at Suzuka: Goh Leads the Pack As Favorite, Lexus Under Fire

Suzuka, 5 October – The 2024 Hololive GT3 Japan Series is racing toward a thrilling conclusion as the highly anticipated Finale 500 at Suzuka looms. Following Honda's dominance at the Motegi 500, both the Zako and Tsuyo Series titles are still up for grabs, and the Suzuka race will crown this season's champions.

The recent races at Motegi saw a wave of Honda triumphs, with Kizuhara Leo and Krzysztof Salmonman securing victories in the Zako and Tsuyo Series, respectively. Leo, representing Murasaki Shion, capitalized on a final-lap incident to clinch his fourth career win. Salmonman, driving for AZKi, took his maiden Tsuyo win after a strategic pit-stop masterclass.

Honda's dominance, aided by ballast applied to the Lexus teams, has set the stage for the Suzuka finale, where Lexus drivers Rim Elgore, Raijin Kacyznski, and Vladislav Domaschnev will have to overcome this performance gap if they are to secure their titles.

Shawn Goh, driving for Ichijou Ririka, enters the finale as the Zako Series championship leader with 505 points, after a consistent season. His closest rival, Shaneil Marcman (Juufuutei Raden), sits 108 points behind, with the likes of Kaminari Riba (Shishiro Botan) and Johan Sinful (Natsuiro Matsuri) further back but still mathematically in contention.

After Leo’s win at Motegi and Marcman’s solid form, Suzuka will be a test of consistency, speed, and racecraft for all the title contenders. One mistake could cost Goh his lead, while Marcman has everything to gain. Zako Series Standings (Top 5):

Shawn Goh (Ichijou Ririka) – 505 points

Shaneil Marcman (Juufuutei Raden) – 397 points

Kaminari Riba (Shishiro Botan) – 322 points

Johan Sinful (Natsuiro Matsuri) – 317 points

Michael Turner (Shirogane Noel) – 230 points

In the Tsuyo Series, Rim Elgore (Oozora Subaru) has seen his once-commanding championship lead reduced to just 53 points after engine issues at Motegi forced him out of the race. Elgore’s rivals, Raijin Kacyznski (Yuzuki Choco) and Mohd Shazren Redza (Himemori Luna) driving in his final race for Himemori Luna, are now within striking distance. Both drivers will need strong performances at Suzuka, with Kacyznski trailing by 53 points and Shazren by 120 points.

The Tsuyo Series is known for its unpredictable battles, and with Honda teams gaining momentum, Lexus teams must fight hard to overcome their ballast disadvantage. As Suzuka is a track that demands precision and skill, the championship could easily shift with one bold move or costly mistake.

Tsuyo Series Standings (Top 6):

Rim Elgore (Oozora Subaru) – 400 points

Raijin Kacyznski (Yuzuki Choco) – 347 points

Mohd Shazren Redza (Himemori Luna) – 280 points

Isekaijin Mikolev (Sakura Miko) – 269 points

Vladislav Domaschnev (Aki Rosenthal) – 201 points

Krzysztof Salmonman (AZKi) – 200 points As the season finale approaches, both the Zako and Tsuyo Series championships remain on the line, with Suzuka offering the ultimate proving ground.

Will Shawn Goh maintain his lead in the Zako Series, or will Marcman mount a comeback?

Can Rim Elgore fend off the fast-closing Raijin Kacyznski and Mohd Shazren Redza in the Tsuyo Series?

The Finale 500 at Suzuka promises to deliver unforgettable action, where strategy, endurance, and skill will determine the 2024 Hololive GT3 Japan champions. Don’t miss the Suzuka showdown, live on Saturday and Sunday at 11am!