Akio appointed as head of Super Taikyu's newly formed organizing committee
In a significant move for the Japanese racing world, the Super Taikyu Organization (STO) has announced that it will be transferring its operations to the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO). This change was announced at a press conference by Harumi Kuwayama, the CEO of STO and the incoming Vice Chairperson of STMO.
Harumi Kuwayama took over the reins of STO in 2013, following the passing of her husband, Mitsuru Kuwayama. Since then, she has dedicated the past 11 years to addressing the challenges and opportunities within Super Taikyu. Recognising that a fresh, forward-looking approach was needed, she approached Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, for help in preserving Super Taikyu's history and ensuring its future growth.
Toyoda, who will serve as the chairperson of STMO, and Toshiyuki Kato, the managing director, will lead the new organisation. The STMO will take over running the series from June.
The vision for Super Taikyu's future, as outlined by Morizo and Harumi Kuwayama during the press conference, is centred on revitalising and advancing the series. They emphasised their commitment to preserving the series' rich heritage while innovating to enhance its appeal and sustainability. This includes fostering stronger engagement with fans, integrating new technologies and sustainable practices, and expanding the series' presence both domestically and internationally. Their goal is to ensure Super Taikyu evolves into a more dynamic and environmentally responsible racing platform that inspires future generations of drivers and fans alike.
One of the key initiatives announced by Harumi Kuwayama is the ST-Q class, designed for development vehicles. This class is now being used for testing hydrogen engine technology. Harumi Kuwayama expressed a desire to see practical action in the racing world and encouraged manufacturers to use Super Taikyu for development.
The Super Taikyu Series currently enjoys a growing fanbase and support from teams and corporate sponsors. The 2024 ENEOS Super Taikyu Series Empowered by Bridgestone began on April 20 at Sportsland SUGO in Murata, Miyagi Prefecture. The change from STO to STMO is intended to help the Super Taikyu Series continue to grow.
Harumi Kuwayama had no prior experience with racing when she took over STO. She questioned whether managing Super Taikyu with her own company was the best way forward and identified rule clarification and brand building as crucial for Super Taikyu. By transferring operations to STMO, she hopes to ensure that Super Taikyu continues to thrive and evolve.
The Super Taikyu Series, under its new management by the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO), aims to promote advancements in auto-racing, particularly in the field of hydrogen engine technology with the introduction of the ST-Q class. Akio Toyoda, as the chairperson of STMO, will lead this transition, marking a shift in the landscape of sports racing in Japan.
Harumi Kuwayama, the visionary driving the change, expresses her ambition for Super Taikyu racing to not only preserve its storied history but also innovate to broaden its appeal, fostering a greener and more dynamic racing environment that inspires future generations in this fast-paced world of sports and racing.
