And how did you get mixed up in 5Zigen's Time Attack campaign?
5Zigen invited me. I am very interested in showing the American audience how fast I am. There are a lot of drivers in Japan who have become famous because they are characters, but many of them aren't very fast. As far as this car goes, it was originally involved in the Super Taikyu series in 2003 and I was driving it for 5Zigen, so I know this car very well. That was part of the reason they asked me to drive it.
You've had limited time to shakedown the car before the event, do you have any worries?
The car is very easy to drive, very neutral. You'll be surprised at how fast it is.
You have had a very long relationship with Honda. If they gave you a car tomorrow, which would you pick?
I would like a NSX Type R, but right now I'm driving an Odyssey.
Do you have a day job, or is racing full-time?
Racing is my profession, but I've also started a karting school. I'm a coach for that.
Where do you see racing taking you?
At first my priorities were getting to Formula 1, but honestly I think it's a little too late in my life for that now. So my priority now is to be number one in Formula Nippon, which is the top category racing in Japan. I also want to race internationally and maybe become a Le Mans driver.
Any interest in GP2?
GP2 is very expensive. They require the drivers to bring a lot of sponsorship.
What did you think of our Time Attack?
Compared to Streets of Willow from the previous day's testing session, Buttonwillow was much more difficult and it took some time getting used to it. In the morning session the transmission in my car had problems shifting and I went off course and broke the front spoiler. Our mechanic was able to fix the transmission problem and by the end of the day I ran my target times.
How was the track compared to some of the Japanese tracks you've raced?
The first thing I noticed about the track was the elevation changes combined with turning which made it hard to see the turn exit.
Compared to Tsukuba, how was Buttonwillow?
It was more difficult.
What did you think of the competitors?There were interesting cars at the event. In our unlimited FF class there were big power differences between cars. If I could try the course again I would like to bring a higher horsepower engine. Cornering speed is paramount and I would need more power.
Most importantly, did you have fun at our Time Attack?
Yes, I had fun. I want to try again next year!