January 12th, 2024
Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. announced the finalized lineups for Astemo REAL RACING, which competes in SUPER GT’s GT500 class, and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, which competes in the two-wheel MFJ*1 All Japan Road Race Championship series. Previously, the lineup was pending during the announcement made on December 12, 2023.
*1 Motorcycle Federation of Japan
Astemo REAL RACING, which competes in the GT500 class of SUPER GT, aims to win the series championship with the combination of 16-year series veteran Kodai Tsukakoshi, and Kakunoshin Ohta, who is in his second year in the GT500 class and carries the momentum of his first race win in the final round of the 2023 All Japan Super Formula Championship.
Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing, which competes in the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship, will participate in the JSB1000 class with Kota Nozane, who won the series championship in 2020 and raced in the Superbike World Championship in 2021 and 2022, as well as the Moto2 class of the Road Race World Championship in 2023.
In the ST1000 class, we aim to win the championship with a solid team consisting of Kazuma Watanabe, a three-time consecutive series champion; and Kosuke Sakumoto, who is in his fourth year with Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing.
In addition, Hitachi Astemo will be participating in J-GP3 class of the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship and in the ASB1000 class of FIM Asia Road Racing Championship to support development of young Asian riders.
■Team comments
－Astemo REAL RACING SUPER GT, GT500 class
Kodai Tsukakoshi, Driver
I’m very happy to be able to participate in SUPER GT again in 2024 with Astemo REAL RACING. My goal is to win the championship in the first year of the switch from the NSX-GT—which I have raced with for many years—to the CIVIC TYPE R-GT. And with driver Ohta as my new partner, I’ll do my best to live up to everyone's expectations. Thank you all for your support.
Kakunoshin Ohta, Driver
I’m very happy to be able to participate in SUPER GT again in 2024 with Astemo REAL RACING. My goal is to win the championship in the first year of the switch from the NSX-GT—which I have raced with for many years—to the CIVIC TYPE R-GT. And with driver Ohta as my new partner, I’ll do my best to live up to everyone's expectations. Thank you all for your support.My name is Kakunoshin Ohta, and I will be joining Astemo REAL RACING in the 2024 season. I’m very excited to be a part of this team, which competes in the top positions every season. Joining forces with veteran driver Tsukakoshi, I strive to win the series championship. To achieve great results in the race, it’s not only about the drivers, but also the team and everyone who supports us. I appreciate all for your support.
－Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing
Kota Nozane, Rider
(JSB1000 class)
I decided to make a fresh start racing with Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing from this year. First, I’d like to thank Director Ito, and everyone involved. While I’ll be racing for a different manufacturer, I’ll do my best with the new CBR and Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing and aim for the championship!
Kazuma Watanabe, Rider
(ST1000 class)
2024 is the year I aim to win the 4-consecutive championships. I’ll do my best throughout the year with confidence and pride in being able to take on this challenge. It’ll be a challenge to win consecutive championships in this class, which is becoming more and more intense every year, but I’ll always remember to be grateful for being in this position and I hope to enjoy the season.
Kosuke Sakumoto, Rider
(ST1000 class)
My name is Kosuke Sakumoto, and I’ll be joining in the ST1000 class again in 2024 with Astemo Honda Dream SI Racing. I’d like to thank all the team members and sponsors who have always supported me. I’ll give my best to become a champion and thank you all for your support.
