Late-Lap Mayhem Hands Nakamura HoloGT3 Title as Domaschnev Secures Zako Crown at Suzuka Finale 500

Suzuka, 3 August 2025 – In a thrilling climax to the 2024/25 Hololive GT3 Japan Series, the Suzuka Finale 500 crowned its Zako champion on Saturday morning before the Tsuyo title was decided Sunday, as 36-car fields battled through the infamous S-curves and Degner Esses.

Saturday’s Zako race saw Lexus machinery dominate the podium, with Lexi Boan’s Shirogane Noel #08 Lexus taking an emotional win, Noel's first in three years in Hololive GT3 with her returning driver Lexi Boan ahead of Aki Rosenthal’s Vladislav Domaschnev #19 and Yuzuki Choco’s Raijin Kacyznski #74. Shawn Goh (Ichijou Ririka) and Callum Gibbens (Roboco) retired, while championship pacesetter Masa Raido (Todoroki Hajime) spun off at the S-curves on Lap 3 and collided with Jake Goodwin (Ookami Mio), both ending their championship aspirations early after promising seasons. Hoshizono Ryo (Nakiri Ayame) crossed the line first but handed the win to Boan after a 30 second penalty was applied after his own collision with Jeff Rohan (Tokoyami Towa) forced a DNF. Domaschnev's consistency through four rounds, especially back-to-back 2nd place finishes to seal off the season secured him the Zako crown by a slender 10-point margin over Boan.

Sunday’s Tsuyo showdown was equally dramatic. Rim Elgore’s Oozora Subaru #48 Lexus led byt he checkered flag when the final-lap melee at Degner saw Saerin (Otonose Kanade) and Jake Martinez (Hiodoshi Ao) collide while vying for second, gifting Airi Nakamura’s Akai Haato #81 Honda the decisive title-sealing podium. Martinez and Saerin’s crash allowed Chaka Labradores (Natsuiro Matsuri) and Nakamura to inherit P2 and P3, as the latter's P3 finish sealed her championship with 530 points—70 clear of Martinez.

As the Suzuka sun sets on a season of high-stakes battles, it was a day to remember for not just Lexus and Honda and Domaschnev and Nakamura, but for Hololive JP Gen 1 who had three of the four members taste the podium with two becoming champions. While Shirakami Fubuki driver Sammy Ake is the one who missed out on the big prizes, there is no doubt that since this is a win for the Gen, it may matter not.

With that in mind, while no new announcements are made on the new season yet, stay tuned for more announcements from the ARO regarding Hololive GT3.