Preview: Tokachi Speedway to Play Host to FHolo's Tsuyo/Zako Opener

Tokachi, Sarabetsu, 5 July — The Formula Hololive Japan season reaches a critical juncture this weekend with the Tokachi Superprix (SP), marking the sixth round of the season and the first round of the highly anticipated Tsuyo/Zako Cup. The weekend promises intense racing action, as the top drivers vie for glory in separate races for the Zako and Tsuyo Cups.

This Saturday's Zako Cup race will feature fierce competition among emerging talents eager to make their mark. The drivers who made the Zako Cup were unfortunate not to have been the ones challenging for the main Formula Hololive Japan title, but the Zako Cup still gives them something to fight for.

Among the notable entrants are Fabio Mendes and Mohd Shaqif Redza, both looking to redeem themselves after narrowly missing out on the Tsuyo Cup. Callum Gibbens, who showcased remarkable pace earlier in the season, will be a strong contender, while Airi Nakamura and Sean Poly aim to leverage their experience for a solid finish.

The guest ReGloss entrants for this year, including Jake Martinez, Dawn Elys, Shawn Goh, Shaneil Marcman, and Liam Kai, will add an extra layer of excitement to the race, as they have experience driving the INT cars, but time will tell on how they will adjust to the JP cars.

Meanwhile, Sunday's Tsuyo Cup race is the pinnacle event of the weekend, with the winner of the Cup being crowned the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan champion. The points reset to zero from Tokachi ensures a level playing field, making the race an all-or-nothing showdown.

The Tsuyo Cup lineup features the elite drivers who have consistently performed at the highest level this season, and as such, warrant their spots in the top 10 in each of their Split standings earlier in the season to qualify for the Tsuyo Cup. Vladislav Domaschnev and Ed Skye lead their respective splits, and as such are favorites to win the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan title. Lorenzo Ricci and Maverick Deuxieme, both seasoned competitors, will undoubtedly be in the hunt as well given how both have won at least once and are in great form.

Farah Bashirah's debut for Himemori Luna is set to be one of the most talked-about developments. Replacing Mohd Shazren Redza who racked 3 wins for Luna last year, Farah should bring a fresh perspective and immense talent to the #31 car.

Previously at Sportsland SUGO, the SUGO GP provided a dramatic conclusion to the qualifiers, with Lorenzo Ricci and Jake Goodwin emerging victorious in their respective splits. Vladislav Domaschnev and Ed Skye secured their titles, cementing their status as top contenders. Meanwhile, drivers like Fabio Mendes and Mohd Shaqif Redza faced heartbreak as they narrowly missed out on Tsuyo Cup qualification.

Ricci's strategic win, combined with Domaschnev's relentless drive, set the stage for an exciting Tsuyo Cup showdown back in Split A. In Split B, Goodwin's masterful performance to win at SUGO and Skye's consistent excellence to win the title was the name of the game in Split B's decider.

The Tokachi Superprix promises to be a weekend of high-octane action, with the Zako and Tsuyo Cup races offering distinct yet equally thrilling challenges. As the drivers gear up for the first round of the Tsuyo/Zako Cup, all eyes will be at Tokachi Speedway, with everything on the line, who will rise to the occasion and etch their name in Formula Hololive Japan history? Stay tuned this weekend.

Drivers qualified for the Tsuyo Cup:

Vladislav Domaschnev

Lorenzo Ricci

Alticer Antanarau

Ri Liu

Michael Turner

Kaminari Riba

Tyler Williams

Hoshizono Ryo

Raijin Kacyznski

Rustim Kurashio

Ed Skye

Maverick Deuxieme

Seo Byeong-Eun

Jake Goodwin

Yu Chae-Yon

Kizuhara Leo

Danilo Goyena

Daniel Barguer

Farah Bashirah (Replaces Shazren Redza)

Rim Elgore

Drivers qualified for the Zako Cup:

Fabio Mendes

Mohd Shaqif Redza

Callum Gibbens

Isekaijin Mikolev

Sean Poly

Airi Nakamura

Richie Rodd

Jeff Rohan

Krzysztof Salmonman

Ho Phu My

Alex Grant

Mohamed Khashiu

Johan Sinful

Hiyuta Asano

Jake Martinez (ReGloss entrant)

Dawn Elys (ReGloss entrant)

Shawn Goh (ReGloss entrant)

Shaneil Marcman (ReGloss entrant)

Liam Kai (ReGloss entrant)