Japanese NASCAR star’s new NASCAR Truck team is making waves in the racing world, but it carries something more than just speed. This bold move is not just about competition—it’s a tribute to a figure deeply respected in the sport. With the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series set to kick off, fans are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds. What inspired this major decision? And how does it connect to Brad Keselowski’s late mentor?
Key Highlights
- Akinori Ogata has established his own NASCAR team called Akinori Performance.
- The team will debut with the No. 63 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
- The vehicle number 63 is a tribute to Ogata’s mentor, Mike Mittler.
- The team will compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with KYOWA Industrial sponsorship.
- Kenko Miura joins for road courses, boosting the team’s strategic depth and competitiveness.
Akinori Ogata Launches His Own NASCAR Truck Series Team
In a bold move that highlights his commitment to the sport, veteran driver Akinori Ogata has announced the establishment of his own NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team, Akinori Performance.
This strategic endeavor, in collaboration with longtime sponsor KYOWA Industrial, marks a significant milestone in Ogata’s career. The team is set to debut at the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, with Ogata behind the wheel of the No. 63 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
The choice of number is a heartfelt tribute to Mike Mittler, a key figure in Ogata’s career, under whose banner he made five notable starts. Mittler, who passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, was a respected figure in NASCAR and a mentor to several drivers, including Brad Keselowski.
Upon Mittler’s passing, Keselowski expressed his grief, stating, “Devastated to lose a friend and mentor to cancer today. Some things just don’t make sense…”. Ogata’s tribute highlights the deep personal and professional bonds that define the motorsports community.
Akinori Ogata Ready to Take on the Challenge
“This is a huge opportunity for me, but this will be a huge challenge this season,” said Ogata. “I have a great Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and great help. I’m ready to fight all season.”
Ogata joins Shige Hattori as a Japanese native to own a Craftsman Truck Series team. The 50-year-old leads Japanese drivers in starts in both the NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Ogata sits 31st all-time in National Touring Series starts by internationally-born drivers.
Akinori Ogata’s venture into team ownership embodies ambition and perseverance, qualities that have defined his racing career. As he steps into this challenging role, Ogata is not only expanding his influence in the NASCAR world but also breaking new ground for Japanese drivers in the sport.
His Toyota Tundra TRD Pro symbolizes the intersection of precision engineering and Ogata’s relentless drive.
- Pioneering Path: Ogata joins Shige Hattori as one of the few Japanese natives to own a Craftsman Truck Series team.
- Experience Advantage: He leads Japanese drivers in starts across both the NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- International Influence: Ranking 31st among internationally-born drivers in National Touring Series starts, Ogata brings a global perspective.
Kenko Miura Joins Akinori Performance for Road Course Races
Kenko Miura’s entry into Akinori Performance for the upcoming road course races marks a remarkable enhancement to the team’s lineup. A seasoned competitor in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, Miura brings invaluable international experience to the team, specifically targeted at the Truck Series’ three crucial road courses in 2025: Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen International, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval.
Miura’s previous start at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2022 highlighted his road course expertise, providing a solid foundation for his upcoming challenges. His inclusion amplifies Akinori Performance’s competitive edge, promising tactical depth and diversity.
With Miura’s talents, Akinori Performance is poised to make considerable strides, enhancing its standing in the competitive landscape of road course racing.
Akinori Performance to Debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway
As anticipation builds for the NASCAR season, the spotlight turns to the upcoming debut of Akinori Performance at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 1:30 p.m. ET, the Fr8 208 race will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1, Motor Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.
This marks a notable milestone as Akinori Ogata’s team displays its eye-catching Toyota Tundra entry, a demonstration of precision engineering and tactical planning.
News in Brief: Japanese NASCAR Star’s New NASCAR Truck Team
Akinori Ogata’s launch of his own NASCAR Truck Series team marks a notable milestone in his racing career, showcasing his resolve and passion for the sport. With a striking Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and tactical collaborations, including with fellow Japanese driver Kenko Miura for road courses, Ogata is poised to make a strong impact. His debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway will not only test his skills but also add a new chapter to the evolving narrative of Japanese influence in NASCAR.
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