BMW & MINI Racing 2026 RD.1 Unveils New Costumes, Elina Kitagawa and Saya Asakura Grace the Opening Round

The BMW & MINI Racing Committee (Management Office: Giomic Motorsports Co., Ltd. [Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Representative Director: Wataru Morishita]) is pleased to announce the first unveiling of the new costumes to be worn by the two brand ambassadors for the 2026 season at the "BMW & MINI Racing 2026 (hereinafter, BMR.2026) RD.1 (Rounds 1 & 2)" to be held at Fuji Speedway (Oyama Town, Sunto District, Shizuoka Prefecture) on March 28 (Sat.) and 29 (Sun.), 2026.

BMW & MINI Racing is a stylish and sports-luxury car racing event co-hosted by the "M2 CS Racing Series," the only official race of "BMW Group Japan," and the "MINI CHALLENGE JAPAN," which exclusively features the "New MINI" born in the UK. The 2026 season marks the 5th anniversary as a JAF-sanctioned one-make series, embarking on a new start as "Chapter 2" through the establishment of new classes and the introduction of new formats.

The new costumes unveiled at RD.1 combine the sophistication of BMW/MINI with the dynamism unique to the circuit, visually expressing the brand image of BMR.2026. They are positioned not only to add splendor to the race venue but also to convey the series' appeal more three-dimensionally through communication with visitors and through photos and videos.

The brand ambassadors for the 2026 season are Elina Kitagawa and Saya Asakura. Both will be appearing throughout the event and will convey the charm of BMW & MINI Racing and the enjoyment of motorsports to a wide audience through various content and media exposure.

BMR.2026 is expanding its venue experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the brand's world, in addition to enjoying thrilling races. The unveiling of the new costumes is part of this initiative, enhancing the overall experience value of the venue in addition to the appeal of the competition itself.

●Introducing the BMR.2026 Brand Ambassadors

Elina Kitagawa

I am Elina Kitagawa, the BMW & MINI Racing Brand Ambassador. The opening round has finally started at Fuji Speedway. Many fans have come to the venue, and I am already feeling a great sense of excitement from the energy and thrilling speed unique to the live experience. This season, I will strive to deliver the charm of BMW & MINI Racing and the immersive atmosphere of the circuit to more people throughout the year. Through real-time information from the race site, I will widely convey the value and enjoyment of this category, so please pay close attention. Thank you for your continued warm support this season.

Saya Asakura

I am Saya Asakura, the BMW & MINI Racing 2026 Brand Ambassador. I am very happy to welcome the long-awaited opening round at Fuji Speedway. Dressed in my costume, I feel a great sense of anticipation and my spirits are high for the start of this season. The venue has a warm and at-home atmosphere, and I already strongly feel the charm of this space. I want to convey the appeal of BMW & MINI Racing while enjoying the races together with all our visitors. I would be delighted if you could feel free to approach me when you see me at the venue. I look forward to working with you for the entire year.

●Expanding Communication Opportunities with Brand Ambassadors

At BMR.2026, we will develop various communication opportunities for brand ambassadors to interact with visitors, centered around the "Ambassador Photo Sessions" held at each event. Through various contents within the circuit venue, we aim to create an environment where visitors can experience the charm of the BMW/MINI brands and the unique world of BMR more three-dimensionally by interacting with the brand ambassadors. As elements that enhance the value of the venue experience, the brand ambassadors will continue to color the series in a wide range of scenes this season.

About BMW & MINI Racing

BMW & MINI Racing is a stylish and sports-luxury car racing event co-hosted by the "M2 CS Racing Series," the only official race of "BMW Group Japan," and the "MINI CHALLENGE JAPAN," which exclusively features the "New MINI" born in the UK. Celebrating its 5th anniversary as a JAF-sanctioned one-make series, it is evolving to a new stage. The 2026 season begins as "Chapter 2" with the establishment of new classes and the introduction of new race formats. We will hold events that embody the brand values of BMW and MINI even further, with more diverse participation opportunities and enhanced entertainment.

BMW & MINI Racing 2026 Schedule

RD.1 (Rounds 1 & 2): March 28 (Sat.) - 29 (Sun.) Fuji Speedway
RD.2 (Rounds 3 & 4): April 25 (Sat.) - 26 (Sun.) Mobility Resort Motegi
RD.3 (Rounds 5 & 6): June 20 (Sat.) - 21 (Sun.) Fuji Speedway
RD.4 (Rounds 7 & 8): July 18 (Sat.) - 19 (Sun.) Sports Land SUGO
RD.5 (Rounds 9 & 10): October 10 (Sat.) - 11 (Sun.) Okayama International Circuit
RD.6 (Rounds 11 & 12): December 5 (Sat.) - 6 (Sun.) Suzuka Circuit

【Company Profile】
Company Name: Giomic Motorsports Co., Ltd.
Address: Marunouchi YS Building 6F, 3-9-16 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Capital: 30 million yen
Official Event Website: https://bmwminiracing.jp

【Business Description】
・Event planning and operation in the motorsports domain

【Contact for Inquiries】
Name: BMW & MINI Racing Committee [Within Giomic Motorsports Co., Ltd.]
Contact: 052-684-5556 (Main)
E-mail: info@bmwminiracing.jp