Opens in a new tab

RIO SHIMONO Defends Crown as SARA MATSUI Makes Historic Kyojo Cup Debut

click to enlarge

May 8, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • Defending champion RIO SHIMONO dominated 2025 with Dr.Dry, winning all but two races. MIKI ONAGA and AIMI SAITO were the only drivers to beat her, each taking one victory in round two.
  • Rookie sensation KOKORO SATO impressed with fourth overall, finishing inside the top five in all but two races. RAMI SASAKI’s late-season surge and MAKO HIRAKAWA’s early podiums showcased emerging talent.
  • 15-year-old SARA MATSUI becomes series’ youngest-ever driver with Kondo Racing, bringing Williams F1 Academy pedigree. Former karting prodigy aims to make immediate impact against seasoned veterans.
  • Australians JOANNE CICONTE (KCMG) and PAIGE RADDATZ (Fujisan Shizuoka) debut after international experience. CICONTE seeks redemption following difficult F1 Academy rookie season with MP Motorsport.
  • RIONA TOMISHITA claimed three podiums and FCR-Vita titles last season. HANA BURTON and ITSUMO SHIRAISHI showed qualifying pace with front-row starts but struggled converting speed to podium finishes.

UPCOMING:

  • Kyojo Cup Round 1 Practice Sessions – May 8-9, 2026 at Fuji Speedway
  • Kyojo Cup Qualifying – May 10, 2026 at 9:30 JST (Live streamed on YouTube)
  • Kyojo Sprint Race – May 10, 2026 at 15:00 JST at Fuji Speedway
  • Kyojo Final Race – May 11, 2026 at 14:00 JST at Fuji Speedway

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

RIO SHIMONO MIKI ONAGA AIMI SAITO KOKORO SATO RAMI SASAKI MAKO HIRAKAWA SARA MATSUI JOANNE CICONTE PAIGE RADDATZ RIONA TOMISHITA HANA BURTON ITSUMO SHIRAISHI

dr.dry, fuji speedway, kcmg, kyojo cup

GRRL! summary based upon reporting by MARCO ALBERTINI originally appearing on www.racers-behindthehelmet.com