On August 2 (Sun), the second day of the 2009 "K-TAI" will feature a 7-hour final event for the 4-Stroke Sports Kart class. With a category that allows for more casual participation, a total of 116 karts gathered on the grid with various machines and team compositions! Starting with Bridgestone's Yuhei Hamajima, who is well-known among F1 fans, mechanics and service personnel who usually support the drivers, a voice actor team led by Nana Mizuki, a kids team that races like adults, and a women's karting team consisting of race queens and event companions who love motorsports, all participated, showcasing an excitement worthy of the Endurance Carnival.

The event began with an opening ceremony unique to "K-TAI" before the start, followed by an athlete oath from the players of #1 sbc-K, who were the MVPs of 2008.
\n\nAdditionally, similar to the previous day (mission-based class), there was a greeting from the officials. On this day, the rescue official Yuichi Kawakami represented the officials and greeted everyone, and participants and officials cheered each other on as the 7-hour endurance event was about to begin.
\n\nAt 10 AM, "K-TAI" of 2009 started as scheduled with a rolling start. First, #98 Club Racing Cattle, starting from the 6th grid, cleared the first and second corners in the lead. Following were #45 Almendra, #85 BEAR Racing HKR, #25 Robot Racing Pikachu, #75 Hakata-ya Honpo T-STYLE & Aoyama, and #50 D.KELLY-RT & NAVI.

In the early stages, no team was able to break away, and they continued to lap in a large group. However, around 40 minutes after the start, light rain began to fall from the sky. At first, it was intermittent and did not wet the track significantly, but around noon, the rain intensified, and a safety car entered the course, leading to a tumultuous start to the race.

During the final event, messages were collected via mobile email, and comments were introduced by "Inacchi," also known as Kazumi Inano, who was in charge of the announcements. A room called "Inacchi's Room" was set up on the 2nd floor of the control tower, where participating teams visited to comment on their team's status and appeal points during the broadcast. Additionally, the Twin Ring Motegi Angels conducted surprise interviews in the pits, creating a friendly atmosphere as the final event progressed.
In 2009, "Inacchi" returned to "K-TAI" after five years. Attracted by his bright character, more teams than usual came to visit the announcement room.

At the point when 4 hours had passed, the leader was #808 Opera Super Performance. In second place was #21 Orel Racing + TRM KL, followed by #100 Six Stars in third. By this time, the rain had almost stopped, and as the line began to dry, many teams started to switch from rain tires to slick tires.

With 1 hour and 25 minutes remaining, a second safety car was deployed due to oil on the outside of the V corner. Seeing this, #808 Opera Super Performance immediately pitted. In fact, due to strict fuel consumption, they made another pit stop for refueling before the safety car was released. Because of these two pit stops, #100 Six Stars caught up to #808 Opera Super Performance, which was leading the race on the same lap.

And at 5 PM, after 7 hours from the start, the checker was waved with the #808 Opera Super Performance in the lead. They completed 131 laps and won the most laps award for the second consecutive year. Following them, #100 Six Stars crossed the finish line with a delay of 1 minute and 51.866 seconds, also winning the most laps award for the second consecutive year.

And the highest honor of K-TAI, the 2009 MVP, was awarded to #92 racing the Ape. The MVP is awarded to the team that enjoyed the most K-TAI spirit. #92 racing the Ape participated with a large team of six members. In preparation for this event, all drivers obtained the TRMC-S (Twin Ring Motegi Club Sports) circuit license in March 2009. Despite being from Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture, which is quite far away, they participated in all three public practice sessions, and the entry process went smoothly. Of course, with no penalties and good teamwork, everyone enjoyed completing the race together, which was the reason for their selection in 2009.

The second place for the Excellent Lap Count Award went to #2 ViMO K2 RACING with 128 laps, and the third place was awarded to three teams: #75 Hakata-ya Honpo T-STYLE & Aoyama with 127 laps, #21 Orel Racing + TRM KL, and #25 Robot Racing Pikachu.

During the award ceremony, officials returning from the course sounded their horns to celebrate the completion of the 7-hour race and the participants' efforts. Participants responded by waving and applauding, creating a harmonious and moving finale where everyone involved came together, marking the end of the 2009 "K-TAI".

Out of 116 vehicles, 114 completed the race in the 2009 "K-TAI". Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of this memorable event.
Let's all enjoy the 2010 "K-TAI" together!