![2008 "Open Mote tai" August 31 (Sun) Race Report](img/photo_08report1_m.jpg)
The 'Open Mote tai' is contested by machines with an engine displacement of 115cc to 250cc and 4-stroke, 2-cylinder or less. It had been raining until early morning, but the weather rapidly improved. As the sun peeked through the clouds, it cast intense sunlight on Twin Ring Motegi, drying the track. By the time the start time arrived, the conditions were almost dry, and the race began with the familiar Le Mans start typical of endurance races.
Starting from pole position, #45 PUTO took the lead as expected, pulling away from the rest of the field. Following closely was teammate #41 PUTO, establishing a 1-2 formation for the WS class machines. The order for the opening lap was #72 TEAM KAZU & HERO, #78 NAPA & Utashiro + One Make, #74 FUN RIDE☆GS & Maxi, #49 Honda Wing Chiba & Owari, and #38 STR & BDR & Beer Friends as they crossed the control line.
Leading the race while updating the fastest lap with overwhelming speed from the qualifiers was 【#45 If you buy detergent, Neo Popola】, but after 30 minutes, they crashed at the V corner. They managed to return to the pit but dropped significantly in position. Taking the lead instead was 【#41 Fruit Detergent Neo Popola】, who pitted after 55 minutes for a rider change and refueling. Taking the top position during this pit stop was once again the WS class 【#49 Honda Wing Chiba & Owari】. 【#49 Honda Wing Chiba & Owari】 showed good fuel efficiency and continued to run without pitting for a while. Finally, after 1 hour and 28 minutes, they entered the pit for their first pit work.
After that, during the pit-in timing, the top positions changed with #78 NAPA & Utashiro + One Make, #1 Bulldokka Tagos & Haruman, and #72 TEAM KAZU & HERO, but at the 3-hour mark, #51 Team Iwaki was leading with a 2-lap gap in second place. Although #51 Team Iwaki had an irregular pit-in early on, they changed their strategy due to better fuel efficiency than expected. This paid off, and they gradually extended their lead.
With 30 minutes remaining, the second safety car comes out. There was a fallen vehicle at the 90-degree corner, which caused oil to spill. It took about 15 minutes to clean up the oil, and the restart happened with 15 minutes left.
Immediately after that, a penalty board is shown to the PUTO, which was in second place. Due to a speed violation in the pit road, a 60-second penalty stop is imposed. They manage to return to the course in second place, but...
With 6 minutes remaining, the leading #51 Team Iwaki made a pit stop. Koichi Iwaki changed to Rider and aimed for the checkered flag. It seemed that the race would finish with the current standings, but #50 House Rockers & Assorted R slowed down. Due to running out of gas, they made a pit stop and finished 7th by pushing the car across the line. As a result of #50 House Rockers & Assorted R running out of gas, #23 Ura FTR moved up into podium contention.
Team Iwaki (#51) recorded 151 laps and crossed the finish line in first place. Driver Iwaki received the checkered flag and took a winning lap. "I was really happy because the officials waving the flags and everyone on the team were so pleased. I just wish I could have also received the oldest driver award," said driver Iwaki.
#3 YSS Racing Activity finished in 2nd place, and #23 Ura FTR secured 3rd place on the podium. Following them were #78 NAPA & Utashiro + One Make, #5 Team Neo JDOT at Mote tai, and #38 STR & BDR & Beer Friends in that order.