Takeda’s Last-Corner Miracle Headlines Mandalika Finale as HoloProto Qualifiers Reach the Checkered Flag

Lombok, 6 August — The HoloProto International paddock arrived at the Mandalika International Circuit for the Epilogue 600 @ Mandalika, the sixth round of the nine-round 2026 HoloProto International season and the decisive finale for both the Japan and World Qualifiers. With championship places on the line, the weekend became a high-pressure showdown where every overtake, strategy gamble, and surviving position carried the weight of a season.

The Mandalika event also marked the final appearance of the qualifier stages for the Japan and World championships, with the top contenders securing their places in the 2026 Tsuyo Series.

Adding a special visual identity to the finale, every car on the grid ran a partial Color Rise livery for this round only. Inspired by the t-shirt versions of the Color Rise idol outfits worn at the conclusion of each stage during the 2026 7th fes, the special liveries transformed Mandalika into a celebration of the season’s journey and the big festival at Makuhari Messe last March before the championship entered its next phase.

The World Qualifiers finale produced a number of defining moments, with the final positions for the World Tsuyo Series being decided after three intense rounds. In World Split A, Nakiri Ayame’s No. 18, driven by Hoshizono Ryo, converted consistency into championship success, finishing first in the standings with 414 points. Usada Pekora’s No. 11, represented by Eri Shinozaki, secured second place after a strong final round campaign, while Omaru Polka’s No. 46 with Maverick Deuxieme completed the top three.

The Mandalika race itself saw Ninomae Ina’nis’ No. 17, driven by Takeda Adachi, steal the spotlight in Split A. A last-lap move at Turn 16 on Grave Prower’s No. 52 Mococo Abyssgard entry delivered a dramatic victory, as Takeda completed a late charge to take the win ahead of Grave Prower. The result also helped secure both drivers’ places among the World Tsuyo Series qualifiers.

World Split B was dominated by the No. 15 of Airani Iofifteen, represented by Dan Evans in the season standings before Dag Patterson’s temporary replacement appearance, as the entry finished the qualifier standings at the top with 505 points. Patterson’s fill-in role became one of the weekend’s biggest stories, as he balanced responsibilities between the Iofifteen entry and the Isaki Riona program. Behind the leader, Momosuzu Nene’s No. 77 driven by Mohamed Shaqif Redza and Gigi Murin’s No. 44 driven by Hiyuta Asano secured their Tsuyo Series berths.

Split C saw IRyS’ No. 86 with Sven Jensen take the championship lead with 419 points, holding off Pavolia Reine’s No. 01 driven by Ryan Kagawa and Hakos Baelz’s No. 85 driven by Ayrin. Meanwhile, Split D belonged to Ouro Kronii’s No. 92 with Tyler Williams, who ended the qualifier campaign on top with 400 points after a strong final-round performance.

The Japan Qualifiers delivered their own dramatic conclusion, with the top ten from each split advancing to the Japan Tsuyo Series. In Japan Split A, Omaru Polka’s No. 46 driven by Maverick Deuxieme finished the campaign as the benchmark, collecting 625 points and claiming the split championship. Nakiri Ayame’s No. 18 entry followed in second, while Momosuzu Nene’s No. 77 crossed the threshold in third.

Usada Pekora’s No. 11, now associated with Eri Shinozaki’s driving efforts, secured fourth place in the Japan standings after a challenging season that included a driver change situation earlier in the year. The final top ten also featured familiar names such as Shirakami Fubuki, Ookami Mio, Sakura Miko, Tsunomaki Watame, Shishiro Botan, and Yukihana Lamy.

Japan Split B saw Houshou Marine’s No. 6 driven by Lorenzo Ricci claim the top position with 498 points. Shirogane Noel’s No. 08 with Lexi Boan and Hoshimachi Suisei’s No. 41 with Daniel Barguer completed the podium, while Tokoyami Towa, Himemori Luna, Akai Haato, AZKi, Todoroki Hajime, Natsuiro Matsuri, and Roboco secured their places in the Japan Tsuyo Series.

Outside the qualifier battles, the International standings remain alive beyond Mandalika. With Suzuka, Sepang, and Sydney still remaining, the international championship battle continues with the Airani Iofifteen entry currently leading the standings, with no full time driver announced as of late, followed by Ouro Kronii's Williams and Nerissa Ravencroft's de Oliveira. Unlike the World and Japan divisions, the International series does not split competitors into Tsuyo and Zako categories, leaving every remaining round crucial for the final championship order.

With the conclusion of qualifiers, the field is now set to either plot out a championship bid or make the most of the remainder of the season, with JP heading to Tokachi this weekend to begin their Tsuyo/Zako campaign.