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Maaya Orido is a rising Japanese racing driver carving her own path in motorsports while carrying one of the most recognized names in Japan’s automotive world—her father is legendary driver and Yokohama ambassador Manabu “Max” Orido.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up as Max Orido’s daughter meant cars were always part of the scenery, but Maaya insists it “was nothing special” to her at the time. The automotive world was simply home base. It wasn’t until she turned 18 that her father began formally teaching her driving skills, transforming what had been background noise into a full-blown passion. By 20, she was fielding questions from motorsport media about her budding career. By 22, she was competing in Japan’s Kyojo Cup and making international appearances at events like Global Time Attack in California and SEMA in Las Vegas. Her immersion in the industry may have started through family connections, but her commitment to the craft is entirely her own.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond the track, Maaya has expressed interest in beauty and fashion—a contrast to the grease-and-gasoline world she inhabits professionally, but one that showcases her multifaceted personality. She’s also keen on leveraging social media to build her presence and connect with fans, recognizing its power to gain interest and grow her platform. In 2023, she put her design skills to work, creating ADVAN apparel for Yokohama Tire ambassadors including her father Max and drift champion Dai Yoshihara, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the ADVAN brand. It’s clear she’s not just a driver—she’s building a brand.

EARLY SUCCESS

Maaya’s racing career officially kicked off around 2020, and by 2023, she had logged two years in the industry with her sights set on open-wheel competition. She joined the Kyojo Cup, Japan’s all-female single-seater series held at Fuji Speedway, and began the steep learning curve of transitioning from other forms of racing to formula-style cars. Her first season in 2024 was challenging—she finished ninth at best and failed to score points—but she stuck with it. The 2025 season saw her return as part of TGM Grand Prix, driving the #55 car and continuing her development in the series. She also co-piloted an APEXi GR86 with fellow racer Hana Burton at Global Time Attack, showing her versatility behind the wheel.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2020: Featured in Speedhunters Q&A at 130R Yokohama, her father’s driving school and simulator center[1].
• 2023: Participated in Global Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway, California, driving the APEXi GR86 alongside Hana Burton[2].
• 2023: Designed ADVAN apparel collection for Yokohama Tire ambassadors Max Orido and Dai Yoshihara[3].
• 2024: Competed in fourth season of Kyojo Cup; best finish was ninth place[4].
• 2025: Joined FIA Girls on Track program in Tokyo during the E-Prix, inspiring young girls to pursue motorsport careers[5].
• 2025: Returned to Kyojo Cup with TGM Grand Prix, driving car #55[6].

INSPIRATIONS

The most obvious influence on Maaya’s career is her father, Max Orido, a Super GT veteran and Yokohama ambassador since 1992. He’s been her coach since she was 18, passing down decades of racing knowledge through hands-on training. But she’s also benefited from the network he’s built—meeting industry professionals and fellow racers has accelerated her learning and opened doors. Still, she’s navigated the tricky balance of leveraging her father’s legacy while establishing her own identity, and she’s done it with humility and focus.

REPUTATION

Maaya is known for being approachable, grounded, and genuine—qualities that have endeared her to fans and fellow racers alike. She’s active on social media and engaged with the community, whether answering fan questions or representing Toyota and Yokohama at major automotive events. Her participation in the FIA Girls on Track program demonstrates her willingness to give back and inspire the next generation of female racers. While her race results are still developing, her work ethic and personality have already made her a respected figure in Japan’s motorsport scene and beyond.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

As of 2025, Maaya continues competing in the Kyojo Cup, with all five rounds taking place at Fuji Speedway. She’s focused on improving her results and finally scoring points after struggling in previous seasons. She’s also expressed interest in drifting, mentioning that an 86 or Supra would be attractive choices—both cars she describes as “so cute.” Whether she expands into professional racing series beyond Kyojo Cup or explores drifting alongside circuit racing remains to be seen, but her trajectory suggests she’s just getting started.

REFERENCES

Maaya Orido Answers Your Questions At 130R Yokohama – Speedhunters
Maaya Orido and Hana Burton take on Global Time Attack in APEXi GR86 – YouTube
Maaya Orido Designs ADVAN Apparel for Dai Yoshihara and Her Father Max – Pitpad
Kyojo Cup: 2025 Season Guide – Feeder Series
Car Racers Hana Burton and Maaya Orido Join FIA Girls on Track Program – Times of India
2025 Kyojo Cup Season – Wikipedia
Get to Know Rising Car Racer Maaya Orido – Hypebae
Manabu Orido – Wikipedia
How Has the Kyojo Cup Grid Adapted to the Series’ New Era? – Racers Behind the Helmet