SUGO 500 Hype With Drivers Raring As HoloGT3 2024-25 Roars into Action

Murata, Miyagi, 22 November 2024 - The picturesque Sportsland SUGO, nestled in the rolling hills of Murata, Miyagi Prefecture, is set to host the opening round of the 2024-25 Hololive GT3 Japan Series Qualifiers this weekend. As drivers and teams prepare for the season ahead, fans are eager to see who will establish themselves as early favorites in this highly competitive championship.

Sportsland SUGO’s reputation as one of Japan’s most technically demanding circuits ensures that the weekend will be anything but straightforward. With its 3.8 km layout comprising 11 corners, including tight hairpins, sweeping bends, and the treacherous chicane, the track demands precision, consistency, and bravery. Its dramatic elevation changes and narrow track width leave little room for error, promising a thrilling spectacle as the Split A and Split B grids battle for supremacy.

Split A is headlined by Rim Elgore (Oozora Subaru, Lexus), fresh off a stellar 2024 Tsuyo Series campaign that cemented his status as a dominant force. Despite missing out on the Tsuyo Series title, Elgore’s ability to extract every ounce of performance from his Lexus will make him a formidable opponent, particularly at a track that rewards both aggression and finesse. Joining him as a key contender is Krzysztof Salmonman (AZKi, Honda), whose multiple wins last season demonstrated his exceptional adaptability across a variety of circuits. Misaki Sakura (Himemori Luna, Honda), replaces reigning Tsuyo champion Mohd Shazren Redza, and all eyes will be on Sakura as she takes on the immense challenge of stepping into a championship-winning car.

For Split B, Ri Liu (Sakamata Chloe, Honda) is a driver to watch after showing race-winning pace last season, though plagued by bad luck. If he can string together clean races, Liu has the potential to be a breakout star in this series. Adding intrigue to Split B is Daniel Barguer (Hoshimachi Suisei, Nissan), who came tantalizingly close to qualifying for the Tsuyo Series in 2024 despite challenges with the run of fate. Barguer’s grit and determination will make him a crowd favorite as he seeks redemption at SUGO.

The SUGO 500 poses a unique test for drivers, with its demanding corner profiles and frequent elevation changes requiring optimal car balance and driver concentration. Turn 1, a fast right-hander, is a critical overtaking point but also a common site for early-race incidents. The notorious Turn 7 chicane will undoubtedly test the nerve of even the most experienced drivers, with its blind apex and steep downhill approach offering minimal margin for error.

Teams will also need to manage tire degradation carefully, as SUGO’s abrasive surface and high lateral loads can wear down even the most durable compounds. Race strategy will play a pivotal role, especially for those aiming to maximize track position in a crowded mid-pack battle.

This season also marks a significant development for ReGloss, with the introduction of new manufacturer partnerships and liveries. The lineup includes Hiodoshi Ao with a sleek Ford GT3 driven by Jake Martinez, Otonose Kanade with a Ferrari piloted by Saerin, and Ichijou Ririka's Shawn Goh stepping into an Aston Martin, fresh off winning the Zako Series title. Meanwhile, Juufuutei Raden returns with Joey in a Lexus with a bold new livery, and Todoroki Hajime joins the fray with Masa Raido in a powerful BMW entry.

The addition of these iconic manufacturers brings fresh dynamics to the series, with ReGloss drivers expected to challenge the established teams. Goh, in particular, carries momentum from a strong 2024 Zako campaign and looks poised to shine in the new Aston Martin. Fans will also be eager to see how others will adapt to their new machinery at a track as unforgiving as SUGO.

The SUGO 500 promises a spectacular start to the season, with established champions like Elgore and Salmonman battling rising talents such as and Sakura, and Barguer and Liu facing Goh, Joey and Raido. The tight splits will provide an early look at which manufacturers have hit the ground running in 2024-25, and the introduction of ReGloss’s new cars adds an exciting layer of unpredictability to the competition.

As the engines roar to life this weekend, one thing is certain: Sportsland SUGO will deliver drama, excitement, and a thrilling showcase of talent as the 2024-25 Hololive GT3 Japan Series gets underway.