NAKAJIMA RACING has a full of topics to provide this year, starting with their new machine, Honda HSV-010. Honda's up-and-comer, Yuhki Nakayama, continues to drive for the team, but he welcomes Ryo Michigami, who had been the development driver of NSX, as his new teammate. The team is looking straight ahead for a win as well as the title with their brand new machine colored in a fresh design chosen from the public.

 

The annual color design contest, organized by Epson and NAKAJIMA RACING, was held for the third time this year. The contest received about 600 designs from the public, exceeding last year's contest, and, among all, a design by Gon Hayashida was chosen for NAKAJIMA RACING's new machine. Key point of the design must be the dots that flow from A-pillar toward back of the car. Hayashida explained, "Dots are represent the preciseness and the ability to recreate colors that Epson's ink jet printers have and it also recreates the image of weight reduction job done on the cars."

 

Team's General manager Satoru Nakajima reveled that his first pick in the selection process was indeed Hayashida's design, "When I just started racing, I just drilled holes on the parts as much as I can to lighten the weight and it looked just like Hayashida's design. But sometimes it caused the parts to break (laugh). I think the dot design appears differently when the car is stopped and when the car is in motion. That's another part that I wish everyone to enjoy about this design."

 

On the stage, General manager Nakajima said, "I deeply appreciate for the support we are receiving in spite of the economic crisis. The new HSV-010 GT has gone through numerous tests and we are well prepared for the season opener. Also, the biggest point (in terms of changes in the team for this season) is that we are given the opportunity to invite a driver who has played an important role in developing NSX, Michigami, to partner with Nakayama. He can help us in developing our car as well as tires. This is very important to us." Nakajima expressed his expectation for Michigami's entry to the team.

"On a milestone year where HSV-010 GT made its debut,

 

I also embarked on a new challenge with new team. I have much younger partner now, and I'm sure I'll get inspired from his driving and start the new season with fresh mind." Michigami revealed the feeling he had deep inside.

Nakayama sees Michigami's entry to the team as an advantage to the team as well as himself, "When I saw Michigami during the test, he was spending a lot time discussing with engineers about the tires in detail. For an inexperienced person that I am, there is so much to learn from him."