Shinya Michimi Racing (Sebring Race)

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Kamuifanboy

Kamuifanboy

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Cincinnati, OH
Hello everyone. I have been using the GTP forums for some time now, and I'm sure there are a few of you out there that know what I am currently doing a pursuing. While I am sure that there are a number of you out there that don't know at the same time.

Basically in short, I am a 21 year old aspiring professional racing driver. I have been racing karts since the age of 9 years old and in 2011 I got an offer to become a Toyota TOM'S T.D.P. Development driver. After 2 years as a Toyota driver in the Japanese Formula Renault series I decided to make the jump to Europe and began some minimal testing with the Italian team Euronova Racing. Immediately team owner and ex F1 driver Vincenzo Sospiri wanted to get me from the F3 that I originally tested with them, into their 550HP Auto GP beast. After a successful Auto GP test with the team, I was able to gather enough funds to run 3 race weekends (6 races, 2 a weekend). In those three weekends, I was able to pick up 1 Victory, 3 fastest laps (One at each track, all new tracks for me), and got to head a practice session as well. This performance has given me a great chance for the 2015 season to realize a life long dream. Unfortunately I cannot yet release my plans for the season but, let me assure you that they are big. Really big, not only for this season for the next 5+ seasons in my racing career.

So, you might ask. What is the point of this thread? I decided to start a thread for those of you out there that may have interest in a fellow GTP'er that is trying incredibly hard to move up the ever so difficult motorsports ladder. In this thread I will be posting various things so, hopefully those of you that are reading will enjoy! Of course, if you ask me any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them to the best of my abilities and as soon as I possibly can.

- Cheers

2016 Schedule;
- Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo North America

Social Media:

Website - http://www.shinyamichimi.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/shinyamichimiracing
Twitter - http://twitter.com/shinyamracing
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/ShinyaMichimiRacing
Instagram - http://www.Instagram.com/Shinya_Sean_Michimi
 
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Very impressive man, I wish you all the luck in the world. If you do make it up as far as Formula Nippon, Super GT, or even higher it'll be really interesting to track your progress in intimate detail.

I had one question, I remember Alonso saying that on his way up through karting and such he ran with people he said were faster back and had the talent potential be faster than him in F1. Have you run across guys like this who only had to pull out because of finances?
 
Wardez
I had one question, I remember Alonso saying that on his way up through karting and such he ran with people he said were faster back and had the talent potential be faster than him in F1. Have you run across guys like this who only had to pull out because of finances?
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Yes! I can think of many karting drivers that deserve much more than just being a factory kart team driver. Some of the guys that I have raced against have been so incredibly talented. Just unfortunately they had some things go wrong or something of the like. It's very sad because I really wish that I could help some of the drivers but, unfortunately that would leave me with even less funds than my currently depleted funds. Hopefully in the near future, the economy will be booming and we will see some more sponsorship opportunities with young karters that deserve a chance at much more.
 
Followed you on twitter.

Good luck in making it to the top. I assume the dream would be F1?
 
You already know we in the iRacing section support you, but good thing you put this here. Good luck! :)
 
So, you're my age, but you have way more connections...

Question: Was this through pure speed, or are your parents/friends wealthy?

I don't necessarily have the same speed, or the same connections, but, I wish I had the opportunities to run more professional racing series.

I'm more modest, in only wanting to race touring cars, though.
 
MrMelancholy15
So, you're my age, but you have way more connections...

Question: Was this through pure speed, or are your parents/friends wealthy?

I don't necessarily have the same speed, or the same connections, but, I wish I had the opportunities to run more professional racing series.

I'm more modest, in only wanting to race touring cars, though.
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Well, I got into the Toyota program directly through speed. They pick the drivers they want to develope based on driving ability alone. Although I did not have a great opening season, I have learned that many of the top racing drivers have had much more seat time than I have. In a series where you can't adjust the car, that seems to be everything. This past weekend, my plans seemed to have changed though. I decided to spot race in the MRF Challenge India. My only goal was to see how my driving came out against some top Formula Drivers (4 GP3 drivers, F2 Champion, 3 drivers of whom will be in GP2 this year as well). I was only expecting to be able to finish mid pack and be a bit off the pace. To my surprise, I was racing against the top 5 drivers the whole weekend, and was dicing hard for position with them. My driving abilities have gone far enough to impress 2 drivers from Japan that have been far enough to test F1. Lets just say, some things have been discussed, and I need to be in Europe asap.

As far as money goes, I wouldn't say my parents are rich, but they aren't poor either. I stated in an earlier post that I am lacking some funding at the moment. But, I am currently taking a new look at potentially getting some big name sponsors on board to go to Europe for F3.
 
Good luck, man! I've never been invited to anything outside of national/continental racing. Never been invited to anything outside of North America. I was invited to race in Florida, though, which was awesome. :)
 
MrMelancholy15
Good luck, man! I've never been invited to anything outside of national/continental racing. Never been invited to anything outside of North America. I was invited to race in Florida, though, which was awesome. :)
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Thanks! And good luck to you as well for sure! I can only imagine that the close hard racing of Touring Cars will be a great deal of fun!
 
Nice little thread you've made. If you aspire to something but ultimately don't meet it, remember that F1 isn't everything. So while you may wish to do F1, don't pass up other opportunities that may come your way! I'd like to see more drivers try for sportscar series like FIA WEC. And if you have connections with Toyota, it would be great to see you in Super GT or F-Nippon with them, possibly even LMP1.
 
freshseth83
Nice little thread you've made. If you aspire to something but ultimately don't meet it, remember that F1 isn't everything. So while you may wish to do F1, don't pass up other opportunities that may come your way! I'd like to see more drivers try for sportscar series like FIA WEC. And if you have connections with Toyota, it would be great to see you in Super GT or F-Nippon with them, possibly even LMP1.
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Well, of course F1 is what every young driver has to look up to. It is the top level of motorsports, everyone wants to go to the top right? Seriously speaking though, my heart is in Endurance Sports Car racing. I've watched every 24 since 1998. So, if I can even make it to a Prototype team, I would be more than happy.
 
Mac K
I'll see you there. ;)
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:drool: You made an awesome racing series better, just by saying that. :)

Kamuifanboy
Well, of course F1 is what every young driver has to look up to. It is the top level of motorsports, everyone wants to go to the top right? Seriously speaking though, my heart is in Endurance Sports Car racing. I've watched every 24 since 1998. So, if I can even make it to a Prototype team, I would be more than happy.
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Every 24? VLN? Daytona? Le Mans? :bowdown: I wasn't that blessed at age 5. :lol:
 
Just wondering.
Which famous racing drivers have you met during your time racing if any?

Oh and you have my support. 👍

Oh and hope you get some sponsors. Would hate to see you face a similar fate to Kobayashi. (no sponsors and no seat.)
 
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haitch40
Which famous racing drivers have you met during your time racing if any?
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Best... Thread... idea... ever! Haitch, your ideas, would you do the honours of looking for a similar thread, and starting it if there isn't one?
 
MrMelancholy15
:drool: You made an awesome racing series better, just by saying that. :)
:lol:
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Haha one can dream, but let's not hijack the thread.. :p
 
MrMelancholy15
Every 24? VLN? Daytona? Le Mans? :bowdown: I wasn't that blessed at age 5. :lol:
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Sorry, I always consider the Le Mans as "24." I always give the other famous 24 hour races a different name. So just seen the Le Mans 24 every year.

haitch40
Just wondering.
Which famous racing drivers have you met during your time racing if any?
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Mika Hakkinen
Takuma Sato
Dan Wheldon
Scott Dixon
Simon Pagenaud

Having trouble remembering all of them to be honest lol.
 
Kamuifanboy
Takuma Sato
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Takuma is a really nice guy. I met him at the Toronto indycar race in 2011. He stopped to talk while most drivers were hiding somewhere. Depending on your schedule for 2013, I might be able to come and watch you race. Good luck with your career.
 
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F1 fan
Takuma is a really nice guy. I met him at the Toronto indycar race in 2011. He stopped to talk while most drivers were hiding somewhere. Depending on your schedule for 2013, I might be able to come and watch you race. Good luck with your career.
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Taku is a fantastic guy. I have just updated the OP with my Schedule for 2013. Please come and cheer me on if you have the time!

Here's a video from the India MRF Challenge 2012/2013. Start and first few laps of the second race on Saturday. All drivers in front of me have F3, GP3, F2 and even GP2 experience.



​
 
Nice driving sir! That start seemed a bit hectic, nice helmet by the way ;)
 
So, I guess I've been invited to go to Japan, to watch some races.

I'm always up for watching races.

Anyone got money so I can go to Japan? (Seems so very far away!!)
 
It's a long and winding road but keep pushing. Good things will happen and all of us on here will be cheering for you! :gtpflag:
 
haitch40
Any chance of an update on how Fuji went?
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Top 3 lap times in all of the practice sessions. Two uncharacteristic mistakes in both qualifying sessions caused me to have to start 9th and 8th. Second session I was purple by a half second heading into sector three but spun trying to purposely shift lock into the chicane. Finished 9th in race 1. Was up to 6th by the 2nd lap when the car behind lost control and slammed into the side of me. After that I had some suspension, missing mirror, and side pod damage but was still able to fight my way from 13th back to 9th with the 3rd fastest lap time and less than a half a tenth off top time. Race two finished in 5th in difficult conditions. Track was moist and we were forced to go out on rain tires for safety reasons. Nothing interesting really happened in the race.

Mac K
How about that GT3 ride you were talking about..
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Deal fell through.

gtpanoz
It's a long and winding road but keep pushing. Good things will happen and all of us on here will be cheering for you! :gtpflag:
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Thanks!
 

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