
Anna Inotsume
Formula racing // Japanese
Champion and World’s First are titles that will last a lifetime
Anna Inotsume is a Japanese racing driver who rose to prominence after winning the 2023 TCR Japan championship, and currently competes in both touring car and single-seater categories.
EARLY YEARS
Born on February 15, 1995, Anna’s motorsport journey began under the influence of her father, an All-Japan Gymkhana Champion. Her first experience on a racing circuit came at age 20, shortly after obtaining her driver’s license, when she began assisting at races where her father competed as a hobby, gradually developing her own passion for racing.
EARLY SUCCESS
Anna’s career began in 2015 as part of Mazda’s women’s motorsport initiative in Japan, competing in electric cars and representing the women’s team in the Mazda Party Race. In 2016, she made her major on-track debut at the Mazda Party Race, qualifying on pole and finishing fourth. This led to her selection for the 2018 Super Taikyu series with the all-female Love Drive Racing team, where they achieved a best result of sixth in class at Suzuka.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2015: Participated in Mazda’s women’s motorsport initiative in Japan, making her major on-track debut.
- 2018: Competed in Super Taikyu series with Love Drive Racing, achieving sixth in class at Suzuka.
- 2018: Made Asian Le Mans Series debut at Fuji, finishing seventh in the LMP3 class.
- 2021: Made TCR debut with Dome Racing, scoring a second place in the Saturday Series at Suzuka.
- 2023: Won the Japanese TCR championship with five wins and seven podium finishes.
- 2024: Secured first podium in Formula Regional Japanese Championship with second-place result at Fuji Speedway.
REPUTATION
At 29 years old, Anna has established herself as a versatile competitor capable of excelling in multiple racing disciplines. Her 2023 TCR championship win cemented her status in Japanese motorsports, while her successful transition to Formula Regional racing demonstrates her adaptability and growing skill set. She’s becoming known for her consistent performance and ability to compete at a high level in both touring cars and single-seaters.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Anna has expressed aspirations to race globally, particularly targeting GT car competitions such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC). She draws inspiration from the “Iron Dames” team and aims to elevate her racing career beyond Japan’s borders in the coming years. Her current Formula Regional Japan campaign with Helm Motorsports serves as a stepping stone toward these international ambitions.
References:
In Conversation with Japan’s Anna Inotsume
DriverDB: Anna Inotsume
Speed Queens: Anna Inotsume
2023 Women in Motorsport: A Year in Review
Anna Inotsume is Crowned Double Champion of TCR Japan
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