Largest Japan-Based Race Collective Introduces New Entity: Super Taikyu Future Organization
The Super Taikyu Series, Japan's largest participant-focused race, kicked off its new season with a press conference on April 20. The event marked the restructuring of the Super Taikyu Organization (STO) into the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO), with Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, taking the top position.
Morizo's vision for the STMO is to create a bright, fun future for the motorsports industry in Japan. This forward-looking approach is evident in several key aspects of the Super Taikyu Series under his leadership.
Firstly, the focus on sustainability and innovation is paramount. Akio Toyoda, a passionate motorsports advocate and former president of Toyota Motor Corporation, emphasizes the integration of advanced automotive technologies within racing. The STMO promotes environmentally friendly initiatives in the Super Taikyu Series, such as encouraging the use of alternative fuels, hybrid powertrains, and electric mobility solutions.
Secondly, Toyoda's leadership encourages a diverse grid that includes various vehicle types—internal combustion, hybrid, and electric prototypes. This approach makes the Super Taikyu Series a testbed for cutting-edge automotive technologies, enabling manufacturers and teams to develop and validate innovations in a competitive, real-world environment.
Thirdly, Toyoda helps build a sustainable fan base by overseeing the series with an emphasis on entertainment, fan engagement, and accessible racing formats. Initiatives for greater media exposure, integrating digital platforms, and possibly expanding international interest collectively bolster the Series’ profile and commercial viability.
Fourthly, under Toyoda’s chairmanship, the STMO aims to position the Super Taikyu Series as a symbol of motorsport’s future—where environmental consciousness, innovation, and competitiveness coexist. This strategic direction helps set industry standards and influences other racing series globally to adapt toward more sustainable and technologically advanced motorsports.
Lastly, Toyoda's leadership can foster stronger collaboration between manufacturers, regulators, and motorsport governing bodies. This cooperation can lead to unified sustainability goals and innovations that extend beyond the Super Taikyu Series to the wider motorsport ecosystem.
Harumi Kuwayama, vice chairperson of the STMO and former executive director of STO, expressed her strong motivation for appointing Akio Toyoda as chairperson. She stated that the Super Taikyu Series is a "very pure and simple race."
The Super Taikyu Series was established by Mitsuru Kuwayama in 1991 with the motivation of driving developments in the auto industry through motorsports. After Mitsuru's passing in 2013, Harumi took charge to carry on his legacy.
Notably, the Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) under development by STMO is designed to be an automatic transmission suitable for racing, with fast gear shifting to allow amateurs to drive like professionals. The first race for the ORC ROOKIE GR Yaris DAT concept car took place this year within the Super Taikyu Series.
Toshiyuki Kato, a former Denso vice president, is the new managing director of the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO). The 2023 Super Taikyu Series season is gearing up for the Fuji 24-hour race.
Under Morizo's leadership, the Super Taikyu Series aims to invigorate Japan's auto industry and evolve to become a platform where motorsports drive advancements in automobile manufacturing. The STMO continues its operations as a general incorporated association.
In alignment with Akio Toyoda's vision as the chairperson of the Super Taikyu Mirai Organization (STMO), the Super Taikyu Series will embrace auto-racing and racing, still maintaining its focus on a bright, fun future for the motorsports industry in Japan. The Series will push for sustainability and innovation, making it a testbed for cutting-edge automotive technologies, incorporating advanced automotive technologies within racing, and promoting environmentally friendly initiatives, such as the use of alternative fuels, hybrid powertrains, and electric mobility solutions.
