Astemo announces Japan motorsports sponsorships for the 2026 season

Astemo, Ltd. (hereafter “Astemo”) announced it will continue to sponsor Astemo REAL RACING in the SUPER GT GT500 class and Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing in the MFJ^*1 All Japan Road Race Championship Series for the 2026 season. It has also announced the team structures for the new season, accompanied by comments from team members.

*1 Motorcycle Federation of Japan

SUPER GT GT500 Class: Astemo REAL RACING
Upon celebrating its 20th anniversary in the 2026 season, Astemo REAL RACING will aim for race wins and the series title with a new driver pairing consisting of veteran driver Koudai Tsukakoshi and rookie Hayato Nomura, who will make his GT500 debut. The team will compete in the new Astemo HRC PRELUDE-GT.

MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship Series: Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing
In the JSB^*2 1000 class, the top category of motorcycle racing in Japan, Kohta Nozane will continue as the team’s rider, aiming for the top of the podium. In the highly competitive ST1000 class, Taiga Hada and Kohta Arakawa will represent the team, while Kenshin Nakatani and Kanta Hamada will compete in the ST600 class. The entire team will work together to achieve top finishes.

*2 Japan Super Bike

Through its sponsorship of Astemo REAL RACING and Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing, Astemo will continue to share joy and excitement with motorsports fans in Japan and around the world, while contributing to the growth and development of motorsports.

■Team comments - Astemo REAL RACING, SUPER GT, GT500 class

• Director, Katsunori Kaneishi

  We’re delighted and determined to compete as Astemo REAL RACING with Astemo’s continued support as our main sponsor for the 2026 season. This season, we will compete with a new driver pairing: the experienced Koudai Tsukakoshi and the fresh talent Yuto Nomura. The change to the Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT marks the start of a new chapter. We are committed to fighting with all our strength to deliver victories and claim the championship title, living up to everyone’s expectations. We look forward to achieving an incredible season together and ask for your continued support for Astemo REAL RACING.

• Driver, Koudai Tsukakoshi

  I’m thrilled to race with this team again in 2026. This year brings big changes with our machine switching to the Honda HRC PRELUDE-GT, and it will be the final year of the long-standing multi-make tire competition—a major turning point for the GT Championship. I’m excited to partner with Nomura, who is on the rise, and tackle new challenges. Together with the team, I will keep pushing aggressively to achieve our long-awaited championship. Thank you for your support this season.

• Driver, Yuto Nomura

  I’m Hayato Nomura, joining Astemo REAL RACING for the 2026 season. It’s an honor to join this prestigious team and compete in Japan’s top racing class. I’m excited to race for Astemo REAL RACING, supported by Astemo’s passionate fan base. My goal is the series championship, and I will fight hard in every race without missing any opportunities. As a rookie, I want to deliver thrilling performances for everyone watching. Thank you for your support throughout the year.

■Team comments - Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing, MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship Series

• Director, Shinichi Ito

  For the 2026 season, Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing is fully committed to building a winning structure. In the JSB1000 class, we aim for the championship with Kohta Nozane. In the ST1000 class, we target the top with Hada defending his title and Arakawa making a breakthrough. Together with our main sponsor Astemo, we will refine our technology, challenge our limits as a united team, and deliver the best possible results to meet your expectations. We appreciate your ongoing passionate support this season.

• Rider, Kohta Nozane

  I’m deeply grateful to start the 2026 season with this incredible team structure. My only goal is the top. I will give everything I have to share the ultimate view from the podium with our fans. Thank you for your support.

• Rider, Taiga Hada

  First of all, I’d like to thank my team, sponsors, and everyone involved. I’m happy to be able to compete again this year with Astemo Pro Honda SI Racing. I will be double-entered in both the All Japan Road Race Championship and the FIM Endurance World Championship (F.C.C. TSR Honda France), but as the dates do not overlap, I plan to participate in all races. I will be thoroughly prepared and ready to race in the opening round. I look forward to your continued support this season.

• Rider, Kohta Arakawa

  First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to continue competing this season and for the ongoing support from our sponsors, Director Ito, and the team. I will fight with all my strength in every race to deliver results that meet your expectations. Thank you for your support.

• Rider, Kenshin Nakatani

  I’m honored to join Astemo’s team and compete in the All Japan ST600 class. I appreciate the excellent environment and support, and I am committed to delivering results by giving my utmost in every race.. Thank you for your support.

• Rider, Kanta Hamada

  I am honored to be joining the team for the 2026 season. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Astemo and all those involved for giving me this opportunity. I will give my utmost to get results and meet expectations.