Racing the 24-hour event with a hydrogen-powered engine, seen from a unique vantage point of 1 in 5.5 million spectators, as chronicled via Finder.
In the 2021 Super Taikyu Series Round 3 at Fuji Speedway, ROOKIE Racing made headlines with the debut of their hydrogen-powered Corolla and GR Supra in a 24-hour race.
The event was a significant milestone for Japan's automotive industry, with 132 people from various companies and organizations collaborating to make this historic moment possible. This collaboration represented an estimated 5.5 million people working in the industry.
Team Manager Tatsuya Kataoka, with his calm and measured approach, delivered two outstanding vehicles for the race. He assessed each situation meticulously and issued instructions to the mechanics and engineers, ensuring the cars were in top condition.
The hydrogen-powered engine's debut was particularly challenging for driver Hiroaki Ishiura during the morning hours of the race. Despite an issue with the rear suspension mounting point during his last run, the mechanics made a quick repair, allowing him to pass the baton to the final driver, Morizo.
Morizo, who is not only the Toyota President and JAMA Chairman but also a ROOKIE Racing driver, led the hydrogen-powered Corolla towards the checkered flag. His efforts were a testament to his commitment to the industry and the hopes of 5.5 million people.
Kamui Kobayashi, a veteran driver, competed in the hydrogen-powered Corolla for the first time in this race. He demonstrated the manner of a world-renowned driver by taking the initiative, working closely with mechanics and engineers, and being first at the finish line.
The GR Supra, competing in the ST-Q class, ran a trouble-free race despite unforeseen issues with the equipment provided by race organizers. Gratitude for teammates accompanied Takamitsu Matsui throughout the 24-hour race, and he helped with repairs when electrical trouble struck.
Takuto Iguchi, another driver of the hydrogen-powered Corolla, approached his duties with a focus on the future. Masahiro Sasaki, a driver, used his experience and finely-honed sense to help set up the hydrogen-powered Corolla.
Photographer Noriaki Mitsuhashi captured the historic moments of the hydrogen-powered engine's debut in motorsports, immortalizing this milestone for future generations.
While it was initially reported that 5.5 million people were connected to the hydrogen-powered engine project by ROOKIE Racing in the German automotive industry, further investigation has revealed this number to be incorrect or exaggerated.
Despite the challenges faced during the race, the success of the hydrogen-powered Corolla and the GR Supra serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future in motorsports.
