#1 YSS Racing Bulldozer Tagos has achieved V2!
On August 7 (Sun), the heat was severe from the morning. The 19th "Mote tai (Mote endurance)" started as scheduled at 10:00 with a Le Mans-style start where the riders rushed to their machines. The best start was shown by the #53 MOTORACING & KYOEI in the second grid, followed by the #13 MOTORACING & KYOEI in the sixth grid, making it a 1-2 for MOTORACING & KYOEI. Following them were #56 HAPPY MONDAY, pole position starter #1 YSS Racing Bulldozer Tagos, #10 Team Penske, #70 Uplize + Teishin Industry, and #75 D;REX. In the opening lap's chaos, #53 MOTORACING & KYOEI entered the second lap in the lead. #10 Team Penske closely followed behind, with #36 Motorcycle Japan A trailing at a slight distance, but as they approached the fifth corner, #53 MOTORACING & KYOEI and #10 Team Penske made contact. At this moment, the brake lever of #53 MOTORACING & KYOEI was raised, causing them to go off course and fall. After that, #10 Team Penske and #36 Motorcycle Japan A engaged in a battle for the lead. In third place was #12 CLUB1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store, followed by #30 Auto Technique Sports 01 in fourth. Later, the Brave class #12 CLUB1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store surged to the top but made a routine pit stop. Meanwhile, #30 Auto Technique Sports 01 and #10 Team Penske had a strategy to extend their first stint.
Around 1 hour and 40 minutes in, an accident occurred at Turn 5 resulting in a fall. Since the machine remained on the course, a safety car was deployed. Furthermore, during the safety car period, there was another incident of contact and fall on the home straight, leading to the safety car being on track for about 20 minutes. At that time, the leader was #30 Auto Technique Sports 01. They were expanding their lead, but due to a broken shift bolt, they had to make an emergency pit stop, dropping their position. Taking the lead instead was #1 YSS Racing Bulldozer Tagos, but they faced a problem with a broken shift rod and could not demonstrate their usual speed. Meanwhile, #10 Team Penske moved to the top, maintaining a high pace and extending their lead. From behind, #090 Teruru Honeybee Racing gradually improved their position and, with the timing of their pit stop, rose to second place.
With one hour remaining, Team Penske was in the lead with 143 laps completed. Teruru Honeybee Racing and YSS Racing Bulldokka Tagos followed on the same lap, while CLUB1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store was in fourth place. Teruru Honeybee Racing wanted to finish the race as it was, but due to fuel issues, they pitted with 30 minutes left. YSS Racing Bulldokka Tagos also made their final pit stop, allowing CLUB1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store to move up to second place. It seemed they would finish the race this way, but with just 3 minutes remaining, CLUB1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store had to make an emergency pit stop due to running out of gas. This allowed YSS Racing Bulldokka Tagos to move up to second place. Shortly after, the checkered flag was waved, and Team Penske crossed the finish line first, but was disqualified due to a fuel tank capacity violation during post-race inspection. As a result, YSS Racing Bulldokka Tagos was promoted to first place, securing their victory for the second consecutive year.
"This year, due to the increased engine power, fuel consumption was tough, and with three hours remaining, the shift rod broke, so I couldn't use the shifter and didn't think I could win. Although I was promoted again this year, it was because I was in this position that I was able to win, and I believe it is thanks to everyone's efforts and the support of those who cheered for us. Thank you very much," said Tatsuya Koitabashi from YSS Racing Bulldokka Tagos.
In 2nd place, PUTO finished 12.682 seconds behind the leader, and Autotech Sports 01 took 3rd place with a gap of 23.421 seconds. CLUB 1.2FK Kushitani Kawaguchi Store finished in a frustrating 4th place. Following them were D;REX, Uprise + Teishin Industry, DOG FIGHT RACING, NR Project Gamu Chodai, BlueEyes & DREAM Kashiwa, Motorcycle Japan A, KTM Kawasaki Chuo, SANMEI + S-SUPPLY, TEAM YSP Mitaka, and Autotech Sports 02.
In 2016, the "Mote tai (Mote endurance)" was a great success even in the heat. Next year will be the 20th anniversary, so we want to make it an even more enjoyable "Mote tai" for everyone. Let's meet again at "Mote tai" in 2017!