HRS Hosts “Summer School 2025” in Collaboration with EXGEL MAX CHAMP
On Monday, 14 July 2025, Honda Racing School Suzuka (HRS) hosted a special karting event, “Summer School 2025,” at the Suzuka Circuit South Course in partnership with EXGEL MAX CHAMP.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance driver development, HRS concluded its long-running “Kart Class” programme in 2024. While its current curriculum now focuses exclusively on Formula training, HRS continues to recognise the essential role of karting in nurturing young motorsport talent. This new school marks the first step in exploring fresh approaches to karting-based development.
Held the day after the final round of the MAX CHAMP series at the same venue, the school welcomed 47 participants from Japan and abroad across three categories: Mini Max, Junior Max, and Senior Max. Leveraging its extensive experience on the South Course, HRS designed a programme to help participants sharpen their driving skills in a focused and safe environment.
The instruction team featured HRS Principal Takuma Sato, Executive Director Shinji Nakano, and HRS instructors Ren Sato—who currently competes in SUPER GT and Super Formula—and Yuto Nomura, active in Super Formula Lights and serving as a driving coach for MAX CHAMP. Both Sato and Nomura are themselves graduates from HRS, with the programme having supported them in their respective successful careers as racers.
Despite having raced the day before, the drivers arrived at the opening ceremony full of energy and enthusiasm. Their eagerness to return to the track created an atmosphere of excitement from the very start. Principal Sato addressed the group with a reminder about the importance of safety and driving etiquette, along with the need to be aware of physical and mental fatigue after racing.
The programme featured a variety of sessions, including standard runs as well as a unique “reverse layout” session, made possible thanks to HRS’s deep instructional know-how. Reversing the usual direction of the course offered drivers a fresh challenge and helped develop adaptability and new perspectives.
During a dedicated braking practice, participants received one-on-one instruction from Ren Sato and Yuto Nomura, learning techniques that are often difficult to perfect during regular driving. The final commemorative race brought the group together for a memorable conclusion, with instructors joining the action on track. After each session, many participants actively sought feedback and advice from the four coaches.
At HRS, “proactivity” is a core part of the training philosophy. This event provided more than just a chance to drive—it fostered direct interaction with experienced instructors and storied racers and offered valuable lessons in both skill and mindset.
Comment from Takuma Sato, Principal, HRS
“In March, I had the opportunity to observe the opening round of the MAX CHAMP series. I was impressed by the high level of competition, the large number of entries, and the overall energy of the championship. As HRS has long been active at Suzuka, I felt it was important to contribute to both the development of young drivers and the growth of the series. That led to the decision to organise this summer school.
The programme we provided gave drivers a meaningful experience. For us as well, it was an incredibly rewarding time—with alumni of HRC we were able to connect directly with the next generation of racers and see their potential first-hand. Most of all, it was great to see so many smiles throughout the day.
I look forward to following the future progress of everyone who took part in this event. HRS will continue to prioritise youth development and build meaningful connections like this moving forward.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to EXGEL, everyone involved with MAX CHAMP, and all the parents and team staff who supported this initiative.”
