Goodwin and Asahi Win, Goyena Claims Tsuyo Cup, and Asano Secures Zako Crown Amidst Chaos

8 December - The 2024 Formula Hololive Japan season concluded with a thrilling Finale GP at Motegi last weekend, delivering drama, surprises, and a cascade of penalties. While Jake Goodwin and Joshu Asahi claimed race victories in the Tsuyo and Zako races respectively, the championship headlines were dominated by Danilo Goyena clinching the Tsuyo Cup and Hiyuta Asano holding on to win the Zako Cup despite an early DNF.

During the concluding Zako Cup race last Saturday, driving his final race for Minato Aqua, Hiyuta Asano’s championship hopes hung by a thick thread after being rear-ended by Alex Grant on Lap 14, forcing a DNF. Despite the setback, Asano’s 632 points were untouchable after rival Sean Poly could only manage 5th place. Poly needed a podium to snatch the title but fell short, leaving Asano as the Zako Cup champion.

The race itself was a chaotic affair. Joshu Asahi stormed to victory in his debut race, even with a 15-second penalty for spinning Alex Grant. Kanade’s Saerin capitalized on the carnage, securing her first podium in second place, while Shaqif Redza delivered a strong performance for third.

Mishaps riddled the race as Mikolev failed to start his car and finished last, and Mohamed Khashiu suffered a violent rollover on Lap 2, fortunately walking away unscathed. The chaos escalated when Shawn Goh and Jake Martinez collided at Turn 3 mid-race. It alsofollowed a crash between Zeke Wimberley and Airi Nakamura at Turn 5.

Looking back at the final Zako Cuo standings, Asano stood at 632 points, while Poly made a valiant effort in catching back up, but unfortunately, 595 points was not enough to overtake Asano. Joey hung on to third with 487 points, following his 8th place finish this race.

The following Tsuyo Cup battle, which was hosted the day after the Zako Cup finale, provided equal excitement as Jake Goodwin dominated the field to take the win in the closest circuit to Ookami Mio's (virtual) hometown of Gunma, but it wasn’t enough to stop Danilo Goyena from securing the championship. Goodwin, who started from pole, faced strong competition from Ri Liu, who finished second in his final race for Sakamata Chloe. However, Goyena’s steady third-place finish was enough to clinch the title with 571 points.

Michael Turner, despite strong performances earlier in the season, couldn’t find the pace at Motegi, finishing behind Ryo after a spirited battle into the pits on Lap 30, where both crashed in pit entry. Kaminari Riba’s slim championship hopes faded as he could only manage 8th after post-race penalties.

The race saw its share of controversy. Lorenzo Ricci was penalized twice for reckless driving, rear-ending Vladislav Domaschnev at Turn 11 on Lap 21 and Alticer Antanarau on Lap 42. Tyler Williams also incurred a 30-second penalty for spinning Daniel Barguer into a DNF on Lap 2 at Turn 3.

After the tightest championship battle in Formula Hololive history came to a close, Goyena and Usada Pekora secured the Tsuyo Cup and the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan title with 571 points. Jake Goodwin and Ookami Mio made a valiant effort to keep them in the race for the Tsuyo Cup, but with 507 points, it was not enough. Misaki Sakura for Himemori Luna in her debut Formula Hololive race, replacing Farah Bashirah finished third in the Tsuyo Cup with 489 points, with a fourth place finish this race.

The Finale GP also marked an emotional farewell for Ri Liu and Hiyuta Asano, who ended their Formula Hololive careers with a stellar runner-up finish, and the Zako Cup respectively. Following this race, Sakamata Chloe and Minato Aqua’s cars will be retired from competition after this race, closing an important chapter in Hololive racing history.

As the 2024 season ends, fans can look forward to 2025 with new rivalries, fresh talents, and the enduring passion of Hololive motorsports.