Masa Raido and Nakamura Headline Suzuka Finale Showdowns

Mie, 25 July – This weekend’s Suzuka Finale 500 brings the curtain down on the 2024/25 Hololive GT3 Japan Series. Across two days of high-stakes racing, Saturday morning’s 4pm JST Zako encounter will crown the series’ consolation champion, while Sunday’s Tsuyo shootout, set to be hosted at 9am JST will decide the overall title.

In the Zako division, Todoroki Hajime’s BMW driven by Masa Raido arrives with a 60‑point buffer over Honda rookie Yukihara Touka (Yukihana Lamy) and Nissan ace Ho Phu‑My (Tokino Sora). Raido’s consistency—highlighted by a dominant 175‑point Sepang haul—makes him the benchmark, but Suzuka’s demanding layout looms as Touka chases redemption from her Motegi loss. Phu‑My, on the back of his 2nd place at Yeongnam, and Sepang winner AZKi’s Krzysztof Salmonman (Honda‑powered) also lie in striking range if Raido falters. Look for veteran Shawn Goh in the Aston Martin of Ichijou Ririka to inject experience, while Shirogane Noel’s Lexi Boan and Callum Gibbens in Roboco’s Lexus could pounce under pressure.

Sunday’s Tsuyo race features Airi Nakamura (Akai Haato’s Honda) leading on 380 points, 50 ahead of Ford specialist Jake Martinez (Hiodoshi Ao). Nakamura’s lights‑to‑flag Sepang win and consistency in the Tsuyo have set a high bar, but Martinez’s Yeongnam masterclass and momentum in Motegi signal a looming title fight. Danilo Goyena, in Usada Pekora’s Honda, rounds out the top three and must avoid any fuel gambles that cost him late‑race glory at Motegi. Nissan’s Mohamed Shaqif Redza (Momosuzu Nene) and Hanami Kiriko (Himemori Luna) loom as dark horses, each capable of upset pace over Suzuka’s undulating esses.

With 200 points on offer, Suzuka’s title battles hinge on strategic precision, tire endurance and mastery of the technical sections. In Zako, a clean start will be vital for Raido to avoid Lamy’s late‑charge Honda, while Phu-My must convert qualifying speed into track position. In the Tsuyo, Nakamura’s experience will be tested by Martinez’s aggression, and Goyena’s Honda must balance attack with the risk of a late stop. Both races promise full‑throttle drama as vTubers, their drivers and their machines duel for Hololive GT3 glory on Mie soil.