The Indy Racing League held its annual Indy Japan 300 race on the weekend of April 17-19 in Motegi, Japan. Due to the sudden thunderstorms that appeared this weekend, most of the practices and qualifying were rained out. On race day, there was much anticipation for the race to begin under cloudy skies, however, the rains from the previous days collected under the racetrack making it too dangerous for the cars and drivers. Fans in the stands waited several hours until the final call to postpone the race until the following day, Sunday the 20th was made.

For Roger Yasukawa, it was his first Indy Japan race in 3 years made possible by the sponsorship by Interush. Because this was the first race of the season for Roger, he had little time for practice, adjustment of the car and testing, unlike the other teams and drivers. And because the qualifying session was rained out, it forced him to start from the very rear 18th position. Immediately after the start of the race, we saw a crash by Marco Andretti and Roger avoided contact. However, on the 134th lap, the car’s break locked up and the Interush #77 car stopped on the track and had ended Roger’s day in 14th place.

The other Japanese driver, Hideki Mutoh, was making his first INDY Japan appearance and he also had trouble as he damaged his front wing on the 48th lap coming out of the pit area. But he was able to recover and finish in 11th place. For the top contenders, it was a battle of guessing how much fuel was left in the tank as the end of the race neared. Although Helio Castroneves was the leader, he ran out of fuel and female driver, Danica Patrick, won the race making history as the first woman ever to win a major open wheel race. Due to a woman winning this race, it’s sure to heat up the rest of the season with some interesting headlines.

To all that could not attend the race, those that did attend the racetrack and those that watched this race on TV, Interush and Roger Yasukawa would like to thank you for your support.

• Result : MOBILITYLAND WEB
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