Thrilling Tsukuba 400 Set to Kick Off Tsuyo and Zako Series This Weekend

Tsukuba, 28 June - This weekend marks the highly anticipated Tsukuba 400 race, the first round of the 2024 Hololive GT3 Japan Tsuyo/Zako Series, where the newly determined Tsuyo and Zako Series drivers will compete in their respective categories. The thrilling event at the Tsukuba Circuit promises intense competition and dramatic racing as drivers vie for wins for their respective talents and the title as either the 2024 Champion that comes with winning the Tsuyo Series or just being the Zako Champion.

Tsuyo Series Contenders

The Tsuyo Series features the top 20 drivers from the qualifiers, each aiming to secure the prestigious Hololive GT3 title. The most in-form driver among the 20 is the 2024 Qualifiers Champion, Rustim Kurashio representing Laplus Darknesss. Kurashio's consistent performance throughout the qualifiers, including a podium finish at Okayama, makes him a strong contender.

Joining Kurashio is the experienced Ho Phu-My for Tokino Sora, who narrowly made it into the Tsuyo Series with a second-place finish at Fuji. The former champion aims to reclaim his title with a strong start at Tsukuba.

Isekaijin Mikolev, representing Sakura Miko, earned the final spot in the Tsuyo Series after a nail-biting tie-breaker with Callum Gibbens. Mikolev’s tenacity will be crucial as he looks to make an impact in the Tsuyo Series.

Tyler Williams for Amane Kanata enters the Tsuyo Series with momentum after a victory at the Okayama 400. His determination to continue this winning streak makes him a key player to watch. Same goes for Jeff Rohan for Tokoyami Towa from the controversial Autopolis 400 and Rim Elgore for Oozora Subaru at the SUGO 500 season opening race.

Other notable entrants include Jake Goodwin for Ookami Mio, who claimed his first Formula Hololive victory at SUGO, and Ed Skye for Kazama Iroha, who narrowly secured his place in the Tsuyo Series. With such a competitive lineup, the Tsuyo Series promises exhilarating battles. Mohd Shazren Redza will make his final four starts for Himemori Luna

Zako Series Challengers

The Zako Series will showcase 19 drivers, each striving to prove themselves and earn a chance to prove themselves that they can show what it takes to warrant a spot in the Tsuyo next season. Among the notable drivers is defending champion Callum Gibbens for Roboco, who missed the Tsuyo cutoff. Gibbens will be looking to dominate the Zako Series and reclaim his status as one of Hololive GT3's top drivers.

Daniel Barguer for Hoshimachi Suisei and Richie Rodd for Shirakami Fubuki are other experienced drivers in the Zako Series, aiming to make their mark and secure victories. Shishiron's Kaminari Riba, who had strong performances in the qualifiers but missed the cut, is also expected to be a formidable competitor.

New to the Zako Series are five part-time entrants representing ReGloss Hololive members with striking liveries. Dawn Elys for ReGloss member Otonose Kanade, Shawn Goh for ReGloss member Ichijou Ririka, Shaneil Marcman for ReGloss member Juufuutei Raden, Liam Kai for ReGloss member Todoroki Hajime, and Jake Martinez for ReGloss member Hiodoshi Ao will add an exciting dynamic to the series. Their vibrant liveries and fresh talent are set to be X-factos and will add unpredictability to the races with their cards not shown until the Saturday race.

Race Insights and Predictions

Tsuyo Series:

- Rustim Kurashio (Laplus Darknesss): Consistency is Kurashio's strength. A podium finish at Tsukuba would solidify his status as a favorite for the championship.

- Tyler Williams (Amane Kanata): Fresh off the victory at Okayama, Williams will be looking to capitalize on his momentum.

- Jake Goodwin (Ookami Mio): His recent win at SUGO proves he has the skill to contend for top positions.

- Mohd Shazren Redza (Himemori Luna): With motivation strong heading to his last four races for Luna, Shazren will be expected to challenge for the Top 5 in all races and hope to win the Hololive GT3 title for Luna in his swansong season. - Vladislav Domaschnev (Aki Rosenthal): Domaschnev aims to start strong at Tsukuba given he won the last time he raced at Tsukuba in Hololive GT3 in Split B last year.

Zako Series:

- Callum Gibbens (Roboco): As the reigning champion, Gibbens is expected to lead the Zako Series and fight for every point as a consolation, especially as he won here last year in Split A.

- Richie Rodd (Shirakami Fubuki): With his experience, Rodd could be a dark horse in the Zako Series.

- ReGloss Entrants: The newcomers will be the ones to watch for surprises, with their talents adding flair to the grid.

The Tsukuba 400 is set to be an electrifying race as the Hololive GT3 Japan Tsuyo/Zako Series kicks off with the drivers battling for early dominance. Everyone will find out who will strike first this weekend, as the season gets rolling at Tsukuba.