Regarding the Events at Japan Cup Rounds 5 & 6 (Okayama)

Kyoto, Japan – PONOS Corporation (Headquarters: Kyoto City, President: Yorikatsu Tsujiko), management of the racing team PONOS RACING, would like to provide an explanation regarding our decision to decline the podium ceremony as the winning team of Race 2 at GTWCA Japan Cup Round 6 on Sunday, August 31. We also wish to sincerely apologize to our fans and partners for not being able to share this victory celebration, and for any concern our decision may have caused.

【Background of the Incident】

In Race 1 (Round 5), a technical issue during the formation lap forced us to start from the pit lane. After adjustments in the garage late in the race, we attempted to rejoin the race, but were instructed by SRO Technical Scrutineers that re-entry was “prohibited.” Believing this directive to be incorrect, we protested strongly, but the protest was rejected.

As a result, we were unable to run the final ten minutes of Race 1, losing valuable championship points and, importantly, the opportunity to collect crucial data for the following day’s race.

After the conclusion of Race 1, upon reconfirming the facts with SRO and the technical scrutineers, they admitted their mistake stating that they had not understood the rules properly, and offered an apology.  However, no corrective measures were implemented to address the consequences of this mistake.

Ahead of Race 2, we requested remedial action (such as additional running opportunities or accountability measures), but no clear response or resolution was provided.

【Decision to Decline the Podium】

Given this situation, we made the difficult decision to decline the podium ceremony at Race 2. This was not directed at our fans, fellow competitors, or other teams. Rather, it was an act of protest against what we believe was a fundamental lapse in fairness, rule application, and operational consistency in race management.

Our decision was taken solely to defend the principles at the heart of motorsport: integrity, fairness, and accountability.

【Our Comments】

PONOS RACING remains fully committed to competing with professionalism and honesty. We sincerely hope that these issues will be addressed to ensure reliable and fair race operations moving forward.

As both a team and a company, we reaffirm our determination to contribute to the growth and sustainability of motorsport, while continuing to deliver passion and excitement to our fans.