Engaging Youth Through Motorsport: SUPER FORMULA Visits Gotemba High School

Connecting Youth with Motorsport: An Inspiring Visit to Gotemba High School

As part of a unique initiative of the SUPER FORMULA series, Igoru Oomura-Flaga, a professional racing driver from PONOS NAKAJIMA RACING, will visit Shizuoka Prefectural Gotemba High School on October 7, 2025. Joined by Chief Engineer Jun Okada, this event seeks to empower students through immersive career education in the motorsport field.

This extraordinary event is designed not just for fun but to forge a connection between young minds and the world of professional racing. Held from 1:25 PM to 2:15 PM, the visit will involve a talk-show format exchange where students get to interact with the professionals behind their favorite motorsport events.

The session will feature insights into various aspects of motorsport, including presentations on the roles of a driver and an engineer, and a display of an actual racing engine, the HR-417E manufactured by Honda Research Institute. The aim is to reveal the thrilling aspects of motorsport, outline the essential skills and experiences needed in the field, and provide an understanding of the types of personalities that thrive in this environment.

Students of the first year in the Creative Engineering Department, totaling 41 participants, will have the unique opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and even receive invitation tickets to attend the SUPER FORMULA events at Fuji Speedway. This initiative is supported by various partners including PONOS NAKAJIMA RACING and Honda Racing’s four-wheel racing division, who are keen on fostering youth education and involvement in motorsports.

Strengthening Local Partnerships

This event forms part of the regional collaboration partnership established between Gotemba city, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Japanese Race Promotion Co., the organization behind SUPER FORMULA. This partnership aims to boost local community engagement and promote motorsport activities from 2024 onwards. JRP has already signed similar agreements with other municipalities that host the racing circuit, including Suzuka City in Mie Prefecture and Obihiro in Oita Prefecture.

The objective is not only to popularize motorsport among locals but to also leverage the appeal of this sport as a catalyst for regional revitalization through educational and engaging events. Over recent years, the program has gained considerable traction, with an impressive increase in audience numbers at racing events, thus demonstrating a growing fascination with motorsport culture throughout Japan.