SUPER GT Round 5 FUJI GT 500mile RACE One-Two Finish for LEXUS LC500 at “Home” Track

GT500 class

au TOM’s LC500 No.36 with drivers Kazuki NAKAJIMA / Yuhi SEKIGUCHI achieved victory for the first time this season at the 2018 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series at Fuji International Speedway.

KeePer TOM'S LC500 No.1 co-piloted by Ryo HIRAKAWA / Nick CASSIDY recorded second place.

LEXUS LC500 achieved two consecutive victories.

GT300 class

K-tunes RC F GT3 No.96 finished 10th place.

Kazuki NAKAJIMA (au TOM'S LC500 No.36)

This race was a race we must win, and it meant the season will end for us if we didn’t. So we are relieved for this victory. Our team didn’t have luck this season, especially Yuhi didn’t have it, so I am happy for the win, which is the first time after we became the same team. The performance was good as well as the rivals, and partially we were better than them. The race was a grueling contest, and we took some risk, but able to race without damage in the long distance, so I feel this result is a reward for us. I am also greatful that it is the first time to achieve one-two finish for team TOM’s.

Yuhi SEKIGUCHI (au TOM'S LC500 No.36)

The previous race at Thailand was regretful, so I am happy with the victory. When I started the last stint, we were not in position one yet, but we decided to go with the soft tire, so we didn’t give up for it. This is the first podium and first victory for me, after transfering to this team, so I am relieved for the result. The breaking was difficult in the end, and our teammate No.1 (KeePer TOM’ LC500) came right behind, so I had to give a lot of attention while racing. I heard it was the first one-two finish for team TOM’s, so it’s a great day for the team.

Ryo HIRAKAWA (KeePer TOM'S LC500 No.1)

Yesterday we were able to pass the Q1 and start from the seventh grid, in the condition of restrictor and severe weight handicap, so our target was to achieve fourth place. The car’s condition was good in this morning‘s warm up, and the pace improved after the race started, so we were able to catch up. We suffered several times with the back marker and had time loss. It’s the first one-two finish for team TOM’s, so thanks to the team who worked hard in the pit. We are at the top of the ranking now, but we will race in the next SUGO, considering about the Round 7 at Autopolis where the weight handicap will become half. There is not much difference with the points in the ranking, and there are cases such as No.36 being in a higher rank at a stroke by one race, so we need to be careful.

Nick CASSIDY (KeePer TOM'S LC500 No.1)

We had a restrictor and had massive weight so it’s a good success we didn’t get a lap behind. Our highest speed was inferior compared to the rivals, but we were able to race the long 800km, with finishing by a narrow margin to No.36, so I think we did a good job. Rivals were strong, unbelievable on the straight, as they are in a different category, but we were also strong enough for the podium. We are happy with the one-two finish for team TOM’s, but we feel regret at the same time because we also had a chance to win.

GT500 Class Result

GT300 Class Result

Drivers Standings (GT500)

Team Standings (GT500)

Pictures will be uploaded here during the event

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