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Hinako Muramatsu is a Japanese racing driver who clinched the 2019 Kyojo Cup championship in a nail-biting season finale, establishing herself as one of the standout talents in Japan’s all-female formula racing series.

EARLY YEARS

Muramatsu cut her teeth in karting before transitioning to circuit racing. In August 2015, she competed in the X30 category at Suzuka Circuit with Morishita Racing, piloting a CRG chassis powered by an IAME engine[1]. The karting experience provided the foundation for her later success in formula racing, teaching her racecraft and circuit awareness that would prove essential in wheel-to-wheel battles.

OTHER INTERESTS

No information is available regarding Muramatsu’s interests outside of motorsport.

EARLY SUCCESS

By 2018 and 2019, Muramatsu was competing in the Suzuka Clubman Race series, driving the Rn-Sports Brake Shop KK-S2 in the KK-SII class[2]. These were crucial development years that prepared her for the jump to the Kyojo Cup. The Clubman Race events at Suzuka provided competitive seat time and the opportunity to refine her skills on one of Japan’s most technical and demanding circuits. Her qualifying and race performances throughout 2019 demonstrated steady improvement, with lap times that placed her among the quicker competitors in her class[3].

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2019: Won the Kyojo Cup championship in her debut season, defeating Miki Onaga by winning the final race of the year[4][5].
• 2019: Recorded two wins, one second place, and three third-place finishes across the four-race Kyojo Cup season, accumulating 62 points[6].
• 2020: Competed in the Kyojo Cup, defending her title[7].

INSPIRATIONS

No information is available regarding Muramatsu’s inspirations or influences.

REPUTATION

The 2019 Kyojo Cup championship battle between Muramatsu and Miki Onaga became legendary in Japanese women’s motorsport circles. Onaga won her debut race in the series by overtaking Muramatsu in the closing stages by less than three seconds[8], establishing an intense rivalry that lasted all season. The championship came down to the wire at the final round, with both drivers trading victories throughout the year. Muramatsu’s ability to deliver under pressure—winning the season finale when it mattered most—demonstrated the mental toughness that separates champions from fast drivers[9]. Her 2019 title placed her in elite company, joining former W Series driver Miki Koyama (2017 and 2018 champion) as one of the early winners of the Kyojo Cup[10]. Founded by Masanori Sekiya, the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winner, the series serves as a support championship for the Inter Proto Series and has become a crucial proving ground for female drivers in Japan[11].

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Current information about Muramatsu’s racing plans for 2025 and beyond has not been publicly disclosed[12].

REFERENCES

Results | Kart Race in SUZUKA – X30 Category

Result Suzuka Clubman Race 2018

Result Suzuka Clubman Race 2019 Qualifying

Circuit Racers from Southeast Asia – Speedqueens

Miki Onaga – Speedqueens

Kyojo Cup – Wikipedia

Kyojo Cup 2020 Season – Wikipedia

Miki Onaga – Wikipedia

Miki Onaga joins OTG Motor Sports for rookie season in Japanese F4

Why you should watch the Kyojo Cup season finale

KYOJO Cup Formula – NamuWiki

Hinako Muramatsu – Female Sports Car Racer