For the first time, Rally Challenge has come to Okinawa Prefecture, becoming a reality after three years of the pandemic. Toyota Times News was there to capture this historic new chapter.
This week’s edition of Toyota Times News showcased the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge, held in Okinawa Prefecture on March 17.
Rally Challenge is an entry-level rally organized by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in various locations around Japan. Despite more than 20 years of history, the event had never before come to Okinawa.
The host cities of Okinawa and Uruma began planning the Rally Challenge three years ago as part of their efforts to promote motorsports. After several postponements due to the pandemic, this year, it finally happened.
Morizo also headed to the event, hoping it would create new car fans in Okinawa and bring smiles to people’s faces.
The GR Festival Okinawa, held a day earlier, drew more than 10,000 visitors with spectacular demo runs by Morizo and professional drivers as well as a special live performance by MAX, a singing group from the prefecture.
Then came the big day itself. “Together with you all, I want to make this first year a starting point that will get Okinawa’s motorsport fans and car fans excited about Rally Challenge,” Morizo told participating drivers.
Toyota Times News provides a full wrap-up of this successful first-time Rally Challenge, including footage of those impressive demo runs.
Later in the program, we also feature a celebration of the Shinshiro Rally, which recently brought down the curtain on its 20-year history. “Without Shinshiro, I would not be driving rally,” Morizo told the crowd, showing his appreciation with another not-to-be-missed demo run.