As Long as You Never Quit, You can Reach Your Dreams
• We have seen a lot of fans at this Goodwood Festival who have brought their families with them, including many children. What stands out to you in particular about this year’s Goodwood?
“In Japan, you would never see entire families coming to a circuit together. I guess that’s a difference about England…a different culture, tradition and history with respect to motorsports.”

Patiently signing autographs for all of his fans.

• One of the attractions of motorsports is that fans can dream as they see the drivers perform. You made it all the way to the F1 series. What were your dreams as a child?
“I grew up in the mountains, and I wanted to become some type of an adventurer. But one day I was jolted by the sound of an engine—it was a kind of culture shock for me. After that, I got into racing. With the help of many people along the way, I was able to make it to F1. Before I had thought too much about it, racing just kind-of became my job. There was a complex there—to become the best, to become rich, to be popular among the ladies—all pretty standard ‘worldly desires.’ But since retiring from F1, and participating in events like this, I realize that the true nature of motorsports—and something like car aficionados getting together for a Sunday afternoon race certainly qualifies as motorsports—also includes festivals like the one here, where families can come together and experience first-hand famous drivers and cars that made motor sport history. Motorsports is a type of amusement for people. At its most extreme, car culture could become like a Disneyland. I’d like to see that happen in Japan. I think we all have a lot we can learn from this type of festival and Sunday racing. Recently, I’ve come to believe that more.”