The "Mote tai (Mote endurance)" that concludes the 2010 Motegi 4 Major Endurance Series is about to begin. In 2009, the qualifying race was held about a month before the final race, but in 2010, the qualifying will take place on August 21 (Sat), followed by the "Open Mote tai" the next day, and the "Mote tai Masters" 7-hour endurance race will be held a week later on August 29 (Sun).

The Japanese archipelago is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave in 2010, but the weather for the Sports Driving Reservation on August 20 (Fri) was pleasantly cool. Even on August 21 (Sat), when the official qualifying was held, the morning was cloudy, resulting in lower temperatures. Although low, it was still warm for the summer of 2010. When the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, the temperature rose sharply, and a time attack unfolded in the heat typical of a midsummer endurance event.

First, the qualifying for the "Open Mote tai" will be held, where the first rider and the second rider will complete their respective sessions, and the grid will be determined by the combined times. The pole position was secured by #21 SP3 Anfini Madoka Design, with the first rider, Masaaki Kanai, marking a time of 2 minutes 22.318 seconds, showcasing the skills of a former All-Japan rider.
"I was on pole position in 2009 as well, but I was frustrated that I was left behind by Takehiko Kurokawa and Yu Yamashita in the final, so I have been training since January 2010. Both the human and the machine are getting into shape, so I want to enjoy the race together with everyone. It would be great if I could compete for the top position with #28," said Kanai.

In second place, #1 Bulldokka Tagos & Haruman follows closely with a mere 0.041 seconds behind, and in third place, the top AS1 class team #86 Takatsuki Garage Racing Team is also in a fierce pole position battle, just 0.070 seconds from the top. In fourth place is the only entry in the WS class, #28 Fine Racing & Yoshi! It's a Meeting.

In the 2010 "Open Mote tai" official qualifying, 94 vehicles participated. 72 vehicles advanced to the 7-hour endurance final. 22 vehicles participated in the open 3-hour endurance final held after the qualifying.

The 3-hour endurance race started at 14:20. Initially, the pole position car, [#51 PUTO & Midori no Kaze], took the lead, but [#41 Motoyoshi Twins 4]'s Katsunori Hasegawa, who started from the 14th grid, updated the fastest lap and raced to the top. After losing time in the pit work, including a tire change, he fell back. The [#48 PUTO Jockeys], who steadily closed the gap, took the lead after 2 hours and maintained it until the end. Due to tough fuel consumption, symptoms of running out of gas appeared on the downhill straight in the final lap, but they managed to receive the checkered flag and achieved victory.
"I knew the fuel was tight, but everyone agreed that 'we only want to win!' In the end, we could have slowed down the pace more, but I'm glad we managed to reach the goal," said Wataru Kitazume, who received the checkered flag at the top and stopped at the second corner.

In the final stages of the race, #5 GG4 & Kushitani Utsunomiya finished in 2nd place, and #16 nekomata-RT came in 3rd place.

The official qualifiers for the "Mote tai Masters" saw the #1 NR Project & Yokoyama marking the top times for both the 1st place Rider and the 2nd place Rider, securing pole position without question.
"(The pole position was) as planned. I wanted to get into the 57-second range if possible. I have finished 2nd and 3rd before, but I haven't won yet, so I want to enjoy the final and aim for my first victory," said Rider Nishikishiro Nakano.
"I just opened the throttle, but I was able to update my personal best by 2 seconds. I usually compete with my own shop, but this time everyone is helping to maintain the machine, which is really helpful. I was able to get some sleep and conserve my energy, so I'm looking forward to the race," said the 2nd place Rider Koichi Yokoyama.

In second place is the B1 class leader #24 2rinkang R.T., followed by #17 WITHME RACING in third place, and the "Mote tai Masters" 7-hour endurance final will be held on August 29 (Sun).