Similar to how an equine thoroughbred is hand-picked for derby greatness or an unhugged daughter matures to master gravity-defying brass pole acts, racecar drivers are raised a certain way. Starting at a young age they're molded, shaped and trained to take lines and learn the mechanics of a car. While we're struggling with training wheels, these kids are training in open wheel go-karts. Ryo Michigami is no exception.
Born in 1973 in the Nara prefecture of Japan, by the time Michigami-san reached a pubescent 14 years of age, he had already won two Kart National AS Class series championships. Ryo would go on to win a multitude of series' including an All Japan F3 Championships ('94), Best Driver of the Season award in Formula Nippon ('99), JGTC GT 500 Championship ('00) among many other top five finishes.
Flush with modesty and politeness, rare qualities in a person with so much talent, Michigami-san was reserved about his very respectable Third Overall this past Super GT season. Days after his last race of the year, 5Zigen flew their Formula Nippon Team driver out to Los Angeles to drive their Accord Euro-R in our Super Street Time Attack finals in Buttonwillow. A real live, 5Zigen Formula Nippon/Super GT driver competing in our Time Attack? You better believe it.
How Did You Become Involved In Racing? Do You Come From Racing Blood?
My father raced as well, and he used to take me to Suzuka Circuit a lot to watch the races. That's where my interest came from.
And you started driving in karts?
Yes, when I was 12.
You've driven several types of racecars throughout your career: open-wheel, formula-style cars; touring cars; Super GT cars. Which is your favorite?
Because I started in karting, I always wanted to be a formula driver. When I was very young, I wanted to be an F1 driver. My priority now is still with formula driving, but how Honda works I drive both in Formula Nippon and Super GT. I view them both the same-both have advantages and disadvantages.
Is it difficult to go from driving one type of vehicle to another?There's not really that much of a difference these days because the technology in Super GT is very close to that of formula racing. Additionally, because I drive a mid-engined NSX in Super GT, the vehicle dynamics are almost the same as the mid-engine formula cars. And the driving styles are similar. In the [Takata Dome] NSX, it's sort of like getting the engine of a formula car into the body of an NSX-essentially a formula car with no aero.
How about a favorite circuit?
Suzuka.
Favorite or least favorite driver to compete against?
As far as drivers, my least favorites are those who have no road manners.
What are your impressions of Super Aguri's F1 efforts? As a Japanese driver, do the hometown fans rally behind Super Aguri out of national pride? Or are the Japanese just huge fans of F1?
I'm just glad they finished the 2006 season without too many problems. According to Aguri-san himself, he will be able to do much better next season, and I'm looking forward to that. But I think the main reason they love him so much in Japan is because it is a national team.
How did you become involved with 5Zigen?
They first sponsored me in 2002 in Formula Nippon; they asked me to drive for them. Then again in 2003 and in 2006. In 2002 I had a big crash at Fuji and was hospitalized for four months. I partially broke my back in the accident.