Okayama Storylines: GAMERS Drivers Ake and Wizard Look To Defend Their Leads, Martinez's New Chapter For Towa

Okayama, October 18 - The 2025 HoloType Japan Series heads west to the tight, technical corners of Okayama International Circuit for the Okayama 200 Minute races, Round 8 of the national calendar and Round 3 of the Japan Tsuyo/Zako Phase. As the championship enters its final stretch, two stories dominate headlines: a major driver change within the Tokoyami Towa camp, and the intensifying title fights across both Tsuyo and Zako divisions.

After the emotional graduation of Hiodoshi Ao, her former driver Jake Martinez will make his debut under the Tokoyami Towa banner this weekend. The move follows Towa’s recent restructuring within the ARO framework, with Jeff Rohan stepping back into a reserve role. Martinez, who delivered strong but bittersweet performances under Ao’s blue colors, now faces the challenge of adapting quickly to the more uniform Oreca 07, and with not much time to boot.

At the sharp end of the Tsuyo division, Sammy Ake representing Shirakami Fubuki from Hololive Gen 1 and GAMERS remains in firm control of the standings after another consistent points finish at Fuji. Driving the #22 machine, Ake’s measured approach has proven unstoppable so far. But pressure is mounting from Ed Skye, driver for Kazama Iroha, whose car has shown blistering pace since the Suzuka washout. Skye trails Ake by less than thirty points and is widely regarded as the man most likely to spoil Ake and Fubuki’s quiet domination.

Airi Nakamura, representing Akai Haato, is another to watch. She returns to Okayama with momentum after a runner-up finish in the Fuji 100 Minutes. Nakamura’s relentless pace and aggressive strategy could prove vital as she aims to take the lead away from Ake and co.

Meanwhile, the Zako field has been equally unpredictable. Ozne Wizard, driving for GAMERS' Inugami Korone continues to lead the division after strong showings in Yeongnam despite his tough race at Suzuka. But with Seo Byeong-eun (Koganei Niko) and Rey Mark Rosales (Shiranui Flare) both within striking distance, the championship could pivot on this weekend’s strategies, where pit execution and tire management will play larger roles than outright speed.

As for the venue itself, Okayama presents a technical challenge on the HoloType Japan calendar. Its narrow racing line, variable grip, as well as tight and twisty corners leave little margin for error across this contest. The weather forecast points to overcast but dry conditions—ideal for strategy battles that could reshape the standings ahead of November’s penultimate round at Mandalika.

For some teams, this weekend is more than a points opportunity. It’s a statement. For Jake Martinez, it’s the start of a new chapter in purple. For Ake and Skye in the Tsuyo, and Wizard, Rosales and Seo in the Zako, it’s another in a season-long duel for supremacy. And for everyone else, Okayama offers a rare chance to strike before the curtain falls on Japan’s most intense HoloType phase yet.