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" was held, where the first Rider and the second Rider each completed their sessions, and the combined time determined the grid positions. The pole position was claimed by [#21 SP3, Anfini, Madoka Design], with the first Rider, Masaaki Kanai, marking a time of 2 minutes 22.318 seconds, demonstrating the skill of a former All Japan Rider.
"I also had pole position in 2009, but I was frustrated because I was left behind by Takehiko Kurokawa and Yu Yamashita in the final race, so I have been training since January 2010. Both the rider and the machine are getting into good condition, so I want to enjoy the race with everyone. It would be great if we could compete for the top spot together with #28," said rider 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 Open 3-Hour Endurance started at 14:20. Initially, the pole position team, #51 Bulldokka Tagos & Midori no Kaze, took the lead, but Katsunori Hasegawa of #41 Motoyoshi Twins 4, who made a strong start from the 14th grid, set the fastest lap and led the race. After spending time in the pits for tire changes and other work, they fell back. Gradually closing the gap, #48 Bulldokka Tagos Jockeys took the lead at the two-hour mark and maintained the top position. Due to tight fuel conditions, they experienced fuel starvation symptoms on the downhill straight of the final lap but managed to cross the finish line and claim victory.
“We knew the fuel efficiency was just barely enough, but everyone agreed with the opinion that ‘Nothing less than victory will do!’ In the end, we could have slowed the pace more, but I’m glad we managed to reach the finish,” said Wataru Kitazume, who stopped at the second corner after receiving the checkered flag in first place.

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

In the official qualifying of the "Mote tai Masters," #1 NR Project & Yokoyama marked the top times for both the first and second Riders, securing the pole position without question.
"(The pole position) went as planned. I wish I could have broken into the 57-second range. I've had 2nd and 3rd places, but no wins yet, so I want to enjoy the final and aim for my first victory," said Rider Nishishiro Nakano.
"I just opened the throttle, but I was able to improve my personal best by 2 seconds. I usually participate with my own shop, but this time everyone is working on the machine together, so it really helps. I was able to get some sleep and conserve my energy, so I’m looking forward to the race," said the second 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).