Ricci and Goodwin Triumph, Domaschnev and Skye Confirm Titles and Other Stories of the SUGO GP

Miyagi, 23 June - The 2024 Formula Hololive Japan Qualifiers concluded with a thrilling SUGO GP at Sportsland SUGO on 15 June, where in Split B, Lorenzo Ricci claimed his second win of the season after a hard-fought battle with Split A champion for Aki Rosenthal, Vladislav Domaschnev.

Ricci, representing Houshou Marine, starting from pole, showcased his strategic prowess by taking advantage of lapped cars to overtake Domaschnev, who had initially started 9th. Domaschnev’s strong drive saw him finish in second place, consolidating his formidable presence in qualifiers.

Alticer Antanarau turned in a standout performance by securing third place from his 3rd place start. This podium finish was not only his first in ARO competitions for Nekomata Okayu but also marked Okayu's first podium since April 2022 in Hololive GT3 at Okayama.

Australians Michael Turner and Callum Gibbens finished 4th and 5th, representing Shirogane Noel and Roboco respectively. Turner's consistent performance throughout the qualifiers earned him a spot in the Tsuyo Cup, whereas Gibbens' overall campaign fell short.

Raijin Kacyznski, starting 8th, finished in 6th place, securing his place in the Tsuyo Cup. Kaminari Riba and Sean Poly finished 8th and 9th respectively. Riba's earlier win at Fuji provided a sufficient buffer for him to qualify, while Poly’s 9th place finish left him just short of contention for the Tsuyo Cup.

Rustim Kurashio (La+ Darknesss) and Hoshizono Ryo (Nakiri Ayame), who started 2nd and 4th, fell victim to a pit strategy miscalculation, resulting in 7th and 10th place finishes. Despite this, both drivers secured spots in the Tsuyo Cup, with Ryo's performance being particularly notable after replacing Geoff Clark mid-season.

Fabio Mendes and Ri Liu had contrasting outcomes. Mendes, finishing 11th, missed the Tsuyo Cup by a single point, landing at 244 points, just behind Kurashio’s 245. Meanwhile, Liu’s earlier successes ensured his place in the Tsuyo Cup despite a 12th place finish at SUGO.

Alex Grant's 13th place finish means he will compete in the Zako Cup. Salmonman, Rodd, and Johan Sinful, who finished 14th, 15th, and 16th respectively, will also participate in the Zako Cup. Sinful’s 360-degree spin between the SP corners was the race’s only incident, but he managed to recover and finish the race.

Tyler Williams, despite finishing last at SUGO, had a consistent middle run in the qualifiers, securing his spot in the Tsuyo Cup.

Final Points Standings for Split A:

1. Vladislav Domaschnev - 900

2. Lorenzo Ricci - 706

3. Alticer Antanarau - 471

4. Ri Liu - 383

5. Michael Turner - 360

6. Kaminari Riba - 355

7. Tyler Williams - 326

8. Hoshizono Ryo - 312

9. Raijin Kacyznski - 248

10. Rustim Kurashio - 245

*The above drivers have qualified for the 2024 Tsuyo Cup.

The SUGO GP also marked a dramatic conclusion to the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan Qualifiers for Split B on 16 June which culminated in a spectacular finale at Sportsland SUGO, where Jake Goodwin claimed his maiden victory for Ookami Mio after a masterful performance and Ed Skye grabbing Kazama Iroha her first Formula Hololive Japan Split B title.

Starting 5th, Goodwin swiftly moved up the field, dispatching Kizuhara Leo and Yu Chae-Yon before Lap 11 of the 83-lap race. After Daniel Barguer pitted on Lap 30, Goodwin set his sights on Seo Byeong-Eun, who pitted on Lap 35, leaving Goodwin to stretch his first stint until Lap 40. Byeong-Eun lost significant time in traffic, allowing Goodwin to maintain his lead until the finish, earning Ookami Mio her second consecutive FHolo JP victory at SUGO.

Seo Byeong-Eun’s 2nd place finish capped off a strong qualifiers campaign for Shiranui Flare, ensuring his place in the Tsuyo Cup. Byeong-Eun’s impressive recovery after a non-points finish at Fuji included finishes of 3rd, 5th, and 2nd in the last three races.

Despite a strong pole position start, Daniel Barguer’s early pit stop strategy cost him valuable time, ultimately finishing 4th after losing out to Ed Skye in the closing laps. Skye’s 3rd place finish for Kazama Iroha secured him the Split B championship, overtaking Maverick Deuxieme, who finished 10th. After being given heavy expectations for arguably Hololive's star talent, Hoshimachi Suisei (who have also fully committed to the Bright Idol Uniforms since 2023), Barguer was expected to at least qualify for the Tsuyo Cup. He will be relieved to have met expectations.

Danilo Goyena, Kizuhara Leo, and Yu Chae-Yon finished 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively. Mohamed Khashiu, bound for the Zako Cup, was running 7th on the final lap but spun between the SP corners, allowing Rim Elgore to clinch 8th place and the final Tsuyo Cup spot.

The Redza brothers, Shazren and Shaqif, representing Himemori Luna and Momosuzu Nene, finished 15th and 16th respectively. Shazren's final race for Luna ended with a 15th place finish, securing the team’s Tsuyo Cup qualification for his successor, Farah Bashirah. Shaqif, needing a 14th place finish to advance, missed the cut by one point, finishing 1 point behind Elgore in the Split B standings.

Airi Nakamura (Akai Haato) finished 9th and 13th in Split B overall, Mohamed Khashiu (Tsunomaki Watame) finished in 11th this race and 16th overall, Hiyuta Asano (Minato Aqua) finished in 12th this race and 17th overall, and Jeff Rohan (Tokoyami Towa) finished in 12th this race and 14th overall.

Ho Phu-My (Tokino Sora), the 2023 Postseason Champion, unfortunately finished in 14th this race and 15th overall, and Isekaijin Mikolev (Sakura Miko) in 17th this race and 12th overall.

Final Points Standings for Split B:

1. Ed Skye - 563

2. Maverick Deuxieme - 468

3. Seo Byeong-Eun - 437

4. Jake Goodwin - 434

5. Yu Chae-Yon - 423

6. Kizuhara Leo - 342

7. Danilo Goyena - 335

8. Daniel Barguer - 310

9. Shazren Redza - 289

10. Rim Elgore - 258

*The above drivers have qualified for the 2024 Tsuyo Cup.

The Qualifiers season provided intense battles and strategic plays defining the Tsuyo/Zako season, and the SUGO GP were made into a fitting end to the 2024 Formula Hololive Japan Qualifiers. As the drivers gear up for the Tsuyo and Zako Cups, more competitions is to be expected with the second half of the season looming soon.