RTL ELECTRIC Prototype and Takahisa Fujinami achieve a decisive debut victory

At the sixth round of the 2024 All-Japan Championship in Wakayama’s Yuasa Trial Park, Takahisa Fujinami gave Honda’s new RTL ELECTRIC Prototype a debut victory for Team HRC.

This weekend marked Fujinami’s return to the All-Japan Championship for the first time since the 2003 SUGO event, a 21-year hiatus, and it was the competitive debut of the new RTL ELECTRIC Prototype.

Riding with number 27, this number was first assigned to Fujinami in 1994 when he entered the top class of the All-Japan Championship, and it was also the number he used in his first World Championship in 1996. This time, he chose this number as it relates to two significant challenges he faced in the past.

Fujinami’s participation aboard the RTL ELECTRIC Prototype was confirmed this spring, and he had only practiced on the machine for about two weeks. Nevertheless, he approached the competition with the determination to win. However, since he had no prior achievements in the All-Japan series, he started at the very front, which put him at a disadvantage for gauging his rivals’ performances. He had to face a tough battle with sections no one had previously attempted.

In the first lap, Fujinami quickly took the lead with a solid score. In the second lap, Fujinami adjusted his strategy. After suffering a 17-point loss in sections 7 to 11 during the first lap, he managed to score only 7 points in those sections during the second lap. His score for the second lap was 14 points, leaving his rivals unable to catch up, and it was clear that Fujinami’s victory was secured.

Takahisa Fujinami, Team HRC #27

“It has been a long time since I participated in a competition, and this was my first All-Japan Championship round after 21 years. Thanks to the development team for preparing a machine that allowed me to win under pressure. Despite some mistakes in the second half of the first lap and in the special sections, I am grateful to have secured this victory. In two weeks there’s next SUGO competition, and we will continue to refine the machine for optimal performance and aim for another victory. I am also thankful for the opportunity to reunite with the fans on the All-Japan stage. Your support helped me achieve this victory. Thank you very much.”

Hikaru Tsukamoto, Director, Honda R&D and Managing Director, Honda Racing Corporation

“As this was Team HRC's first race with the electric trial bike, I believe it was a day where rider Fujinami, the assistant, and all the staff learned a lot. We are very pleased with the result of securing 1st place, but we will remain focused for the rest of the planned races. Thank you to everyone who supported us in this venture.”

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