JUJU NODA’s Gravel Trip Triggers Safety Car in Chaotic Motegi Wet Race

April 5, 2026

• JUJU NODA beached her car in Turn 5 gravel during the chaotic rain-shortened Motegi opener, triggering the final safety car that effectively sealed Kakunoshin Ohta’s victory with just 23 laps completed.
• Ohta capitalized on lap 20 restart to pass defending champion Ayumu Iwasa at Turn 1, securing Dandelion Racing’s fourth consecutive Motegi win before NODA’s incident brought proceedings to a premature conclusion.
• Multiple safety car periods dominated the rain-delayed race, including contact between Kamui Kobayashi and Ukyo Sasahara plus a hairy back-straight moment involving Luke Browning and Zak O’Sullivan in treacherous spray.
• Half points awarded as race failed to reach 75% distance. Rookie Roman Stanek impressed with Q2 appearance and ninth-place qualifying on series debut for Buzz MK Racing.

dandelion racing, mobility resort motegi, super formula, team mugen