SUGO Showdown Awaits as HoloProto Qualifiers Enter Penultimate Round

Miyagi, 26 June — The 2026 HoloProto Qualifiers head to Sportsland SUGO this weekend for the SUGO 400, the fourth of five qualifying rounds that could prove decisive in determining the grids for next season's Japan Tsuyo Series and Japan Zako Series. Split A races on Saturday while Split B follows on Sunday, with both events beginning at 10:00 JST as competitors prepare for one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.

In Split A, Maverick Deuxieme, representing Omaru Polka in the No. 46 Oreca 07, arrives with a commanding 56-point lead after victories at Motegi and a runner-up finish at Le Mans. The veteran has established himself as the benchmark of consistency and knows another strong result would all but secure top seeding heading into the Mandalika finale.

His closest challenger remains his own generation teammate Mohamed Shaqif Redza, representing Momosuzu Nene in the No. 77. Fresh from his strategic Le Mans victory, Shaqif Redza has rapidly closed the gap and enters SUGO carrying significant momentum. With only two races remaining, another victory could place genuine pressure on the championship leader before the final round.

The battle immediately behind them is equally compelling. Isekaijin Mikolev, representing Sakura Miko in the No. 35, occupies third after consecutive podium-level performances, while Tsunomaki Watame driver Mohamed Khashiu looks to recover from a disappointing Le Mans weekend. Danilo Goyena, representing Usada Pekora in the No. 11, and Hoshizono Ryo, driving the Nakiri Ayame No. 18, also remain within striking distance should the leaders falter.

Further down the order, the fight around the Tsuyo qualification cutoff remains extremely close. Jake Goodwin, representing Ookami Mio in the No. 30, trails Ho Phu-My, driving for Tokino Sora, by only seven points, while Kaminari Riba, representing Shishiro Botan, and Alticer Antanarau, driving for Nekomata Okayu, continue searching for the consistency needed to remain inside the coveted top ten.

The battle for the final Tsuyo positions is equally intense. Sammy Ake, representing Shirakami Fubuki, sits just outside despite a Motegi victory, tied on points with Antanarau. Close behind are Raijin Kaczynski, representing Yuzuki Choco, and Ozne Wizard, driving for Inugami Korone, ensuring virtually every finishing position at SUGO could significantly reshape the standings. Drivers further back will all be looking to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Split B features another fascinating championship battle led by Lexi Boan, representing Shirogane Noel in the No. 08 Oreca 07. Consecutive podium finishes, including victory at Le Mans, have established Boan as the favourite entering SUGO, though her advantage remains far from secure.

Lorenzo Ricci, representing Houshou Marine in the No. 6, continues to chase after another impressive performance at Le Mans and a win at Motegi, while Chaka Labradores, driving for Natsuiro Matsuri in the No. 7 Oreca 07, remains firmly in championship contention following consistent points finishes throughout the season.

The introduction of the DEV class machinery has added another layer of intrigue. Masa Raido, representing Todoroki Hajime in the ballast-equipped No. 82 Ligier JSP217, sits fourth overall despite competing in different machinery, narrowly ahead of Seo Byeong-eun, representing Koganei Niko in the No. 29. Their performances continue to demonstrate the competitiveness of the DEV entries despite the additional ballasts.

Behind them, Daniel Barguer, representing Hoshimachi Suisei in the No. 41, and Callum Gibbens, driving for Roboco in the No. 64, remain well within range of the podium positions, while Ri Liu, representing Rindo Chihaya, and Saerin, driving for Otonose Kanade, continue to lead a tightly packed midfield where every point could determine promotion to the Tsuyo Series.

The fight around the qualification line promises to be one of the weekend's biggest stories. Hanami Kiriko, representing Himemori Luna, currently occupies the final Tsuyo position, but Rudy, representing Mizumiya Su, trails by only three points. Shawn Goh, driving for Ichijou Ririka, Dag Patterson for Isaki Riona and others all remain mathematically capable of climbing the order with a strong showing at SUGO. Tokoyami Towa's driver Jake Martinez will press on without his represented vtuber with a medical leave, which will no doubt give him a reason to fight this weekend.

Lower in the standings, Misaki Sakura for AZKi, Airi Nakamura for Akai Haato, Allie Jay for Kikirara Vivi, and Joey, representing Juufuutei Raden, will all seek valuable points before the season reaches its conclusion at Mandalika.

With only one qualifying round remaining after SUGO, every overtake, pit strategy and championship point will carry enormous significance. By Sunday afternoon, the road to next season's Japan Tsuyo Series and Japan Zako Series may become considerably clearer, but with several positions still separated by only a handful of points, few expect the battles to be settled before the final race of the season.