Engaging Youth with Motorsports: SUPER FORMULA and Shizuoka Collaboration

The SUPER FORMULA series is taking significant steps to inspire the next generation of engineers and mechanics through its regional collaboration with Shizuoka Prefectural Science and Technology High School. On September 29, 2025, the ROOKIE Racing team will visit the school to share insights about careers in motorsports, emphasizing the exciting opportunities within the industry and the craftsmanship involved in building racing machines.

This unique event offers students a chance to experience the world of motorsport up close, presenting an interactive platform for high school students specializing in mechanical engineering. The event will consist of a talk show format followed by hands-on activities that will engage the young minds in understanding the significance and thrill of motorsports.

Event Details

Date and Time: September 29, 2025 (Monday), 13:10 - 14:00 and 14:10 - 15:00
Location: Shizuoka Prefectural Science and Technology High School, 500-1 Nagayama, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City
Participants: 1st and 2nd-year students from the mechanical engineering department (41 from year 1, 40 from year 2)
Instructors:

- Eisaku Tojo, Engineer, ROOKIE Racing
- Ken Nishikori, Mechanic, ROOKIE Racing

The day's agenda includes a classroom session featuring a presentation on the roles of engineers and mechanics within a racing team, the allure of motorsports, the craftsmanship in vehicle production, the necessary skills for the field, and an engaging Q&A session. Furthermore, students will receive invitation tickets and have the chance for a commemorative photograph.

In the hands-on experience segment, students will get to see the racing machine SF13 up close, participate in a ride-along experience, and take photos, solidifying their connection to the motorsport community and fostering excitement for potential careers.

A Partnership for Progress

This initiative is part of a broader regional collaboration agreement signed in July 2025 between Shizuoka Prefecture and Japan Race Promotion Inc. (JRP), aimed at promoting motorsport and revitalizing the local community. JRP's vision is to establish motorsports as a beloved local attraction. As part of this commitment, partnerships have already been formed with several local municipalities and teams since 2024, including partnerships with Suzuka City, Oita Prefecture, and Miyagi Prefecture.

What is SUPER FORMULA?

As a premier racing series in Japan, SUPER FORMULA is renowned for its equal competitive conditions, where all teams use standardized vehicles, tires, and engines. This unique structure emphasizes the drivers' skills and teamwork in determining race outcomes, making it a true example of the pinnacle of human motorsports. The series has seen a surge in popularity, breaking records in attendance in 2024. The 2025 season promises 12 races across 7 events at five circuits, featuring 13 teams and 22 drivers, showcasing an entertaining and competitive atmosphere.

In conclusion, this collaboration between SUPER FORMULA and the Shizuoka educational institution is not just about motorsports; it is about inspiring the future workforce and creating lasting connections within the community. The event encourages students to explore potential careers in engineering and aviation, paving the way for a new generation that holds the promise of brilliance in the motorsport industry.