2024.04.14

【Opening Round at Okayama】 “2024, a Shared Landmark Year. AUTOBACS and SUPER GT Pledge Further Progress and Development

　On April 14, race day for the opening round of the SUPER GT season, the “OKAYAMA GT 300km RACE” at Okayama International Circuit, AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD. and GTA Co., Ltd. held a joint press conference.

 

 

　As longtime Series Title Sponsor, AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD. has provided unwavering support for SUPER GT. Today, the AUTOBACS name is widely known not only throughout Japan but also overseas, as it continues to spread its network of outlets internationally. In this joint press conference, the Chairman of the Board of AUTOBACS SEVEN CO., LTD, Kiomi Kobayashi, was in attendance along with Chairman Masaaki Bandoh of GTA Co., Ltd., the promotor of SUPER GT.

 

 

 

 

Speaking to the press, Chairman Kobayashi looked back over the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying: “At the start of the season in April of last year, it was still a time when we weren’t sure whether the pandemic was really over or not, but once again we were able to savor the excitement of experiencing the racing alive and up close at the circuit. A year later, we now feel that this kind of exciting race experiences is the common norm once again, but I don’t want us to forget the important lessons we learned along the way.” Chairman Kobayashi went on to say: “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the start of SUPER GT as the former All Japan GT Championship, and for AUTOBACS as well, November will bring the 50 anniversary of the opening of our first AUTOBACS dealership. So, since this season will bring races in a landmark year for both of us, I want to see us win a large number of new motorsport fans wherever the races are held.” The Chairman went on to explain that AUTOBACS will be staging “Car Life Festivals” at the circuits and nearby dealerships around the time of their 50th anniversary.

 

 

 

 

　Next to speak was GTA’s Chairman Bandoh, saying: “As we celebrate the 30th year of SUPER GT (beginning from the predecessor All Japan GT Championship) and AUTOBACS celebrates its 50th anniversary, we have been fortunate for such a long relationship of support from them as Title Sponsor. I believe that in this landmark year we must continue to strengthen our foundation and work diligently to promote the progress and development and increased public awareness of motor sports in Japan. I am glad that we have been able to work together with AUTOBACS with its 600 some dealerships to build this relationship. It is because of this foundation that we are what we are today. As leaders of Japanese motor sports, we are building recognition and creating value, and by making the jobs of people involved in motorsport into a solid industry where people can earn a living, we are also contributing to the economy. By doing all this, I believe that the history of motor sports also has value as a culture. In this landmark year, while continuing to learn from the four other major race series held in Japan, Formula E, F1, WEC and WRC, along with the domestic Super Formula and Super Taikyu series, I want to see us build a solid foundation with regard to the format, the direction and policies of Japanese motorsport. I want to continue to build motorsport into something that makes people feel, “I’m glad I’m involved in motorsport, I’m glad I came to see motor sports.” In these ways, Chairman Bandoh expressed his gratitude for the AUTOBACS relationship and his aspirations for the coming season.

 

 

 

Page Top