SARA MATSUI Becomes Youngest Kyojo Cup Driver Ever with Kondo Racing

click to enlarge

April 3, 2026

GRRL! SUMMARY:

  • SARA MATSUI, 15, makes history as Kyojo Cup’s youngest driver with Kondo Racing after three years in European karting with Williams F1 Academy backing, including WSK Super Master Series runner-up finish.
  • KELSEY PINKOWSKI returns for sophomore KCMG season alongside F1 Academy veteran JOANNE CICONTE, who transitions from MP Motorsport to strengthen the four-car Toyota-linked lineup.
  • PAIGE RADDATZ joins expanded Fujisan Shizuoka Racing with VITA-01 era returnee RINA ITO, while KILEI KANEMOTO, MARIE IWAOKA, EMILY ZHAO, and RYU YAMAMOTO retain their respective seats.
  • Kondo Racing brings Super Formula pedigree to all-female series, including 2018 teams’ championship with Cassidy and Yamashita. One TGM Grand Prix seat remains vacant after MAAYA ORIDO’s EV-GP switch.

UPCOMING:

  • Kyojo Cup season opener at Fuji Speedway – May 2026

LINKS TO RACER'S PROFILE PAGES:

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