Raced Again: Morizo Pilots GR Yaris in Final Competition at SUGO Raceway
In the latest round of the 2021 Super Taikyu Series, Team Toyo Tires TOM'S and ROOKIE Racing showcased their resilience and innovation, with the GR Yaris and GR Supra respectively making significant strides.
The GR Yaris, driven by Akio Morizo, demonstrated its potential by earning pole position in the ST-2 class. However, a last-minute change in the order of drivers and a safety car deployment extended Morizo's stint on the track. Despite driving for over 50 minutes and covering 12 more laps than planned, Morizo's earplugs were not inserted properly, leaving him without radio communication.
Despite these challenges, Morizo pushed on, driving more laps than initially intended due to the rain stopping and increasing friction on the tires. His determination paid off, as the team was able to overcome the issue by honing the sensor to "make ever-better cars."
Unfortunately, the GR Yaris was overtaken at the last minute, missing out on the podium. However, it was a major achievement for the team, especially considering that the GR Yaris had been developed first. This was further emphasised by Kobe Toyopet, a separate privateer team, earning its second consecutive win in the ST-2 class with the GR Yaris.
Meanwhile, the GR Supra, also from Team Toyo Tires TOM'S, had its race in the afternoon. Despite missing the podium, the GR Yaris' success set the stage for the future, with Morizo stating that the new trend pioneered by the GR Yaris will lead to the use of hydrogen, signalling the start of a new chapter.
In a move towards sustainability, Team Toyo Tires TOM'S and ROOKIE Racing both used hydrogen-powered vehicles at the Fuji SUPER TEC 24 Hours Race. The team's GR Yaris used a hydrogen-powered Corolla Sport, while ROOKIE Racing switched one of its vehicles to a Corolla Sport installed with a hydrogen-powered engine.
The race at SUGO presented unique challenges, with the key to winning lying in driving over the rumble strips. Unfortunately, this led to a fatigue fracture in a part around the drive shaft bearing known as the "bird cage," caused by aging from covering long distances and stress from driving over rumble strips. Despite this issue, both teams demonstrated their commitment to innovation and sustainability in motorsport.
In a post-qualifying-session meeting, held in a jovial atmosphere, Akio Morizo and Naohiko Saito discussed the race and the evolution of the GR Yaris. The meeting marked a positive note, as both teams look forward to the next round of the Super Taikyu Series.
