【Niigata International Automobile College】Students gain practical experience at international race: participating as mechanics in 'Ferrari Challenge JAPAN Rd.1'

Niigata International Automobile College (hereinafter "the College"), part of the NSG Group and located in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, had its students participate as mechanics in an internship at the "Ferrari Challenge JAPAN Rd.1," a support race for the F1 Japanese Grand Prix 2026, held at Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture) from Friday, March 27 to Sunday, March 29, 2026.
This initiative aimed for students to acquire practical skills and knowledge at the forefront of international motorsport. Students from the College's Motorsport Grade 2 and 3 Automotive Mechanic programs supported operations as members of an actual race team.
■ Overview
Internship Period: Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29, 2026
Race: Ferrari Challenge JAPAN Round 1
Venue: Suzuka Circuit (Mie Prefecture)
In recent years, the automotive industry has increasingly emphasized experience in the motorsport field, which requires speed and precision in addition to advanced maintenance techniques, for cultivating highly capable professionals. Against this backdrop, the College is committed to providing practical opportunities to students during their enrollment, fostering immediate contributors to the workforce.
Two first-year students from the Motorsport Grade 2 and 3 Automotive Mechanic programs who participated were mainly responsible for assisting with timekeeping and preparing for pit work. They played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth progression of the race. In an environment demanding accurate work within limited time, the students experienced responsible duties as part of the team.
Furthermore, they had a valuable opportunity to observe and learn firsthand the rapid and precise work, as well as the technical and decision-making skills, of professional mechanics. In the intense atmosphere not attainable through regular classes, students deepened their understanding not only of practical skills but also of the importance of teamwork and communication.
The College will continue to strengthen its collaboration with motorsport venues both domestically and internationally, promoting education that equips students with skills to excel in the real world.
■ Student Comment: Mr. Watanabe, Motorsport Grade 3 Automotive Mechanic Program (from Yoshida High School / Niigata Prefecture)
"While watching the Ferrari Challenge race right in front of me, I was mainly in charge of timekeeping and pit preparations. Being able to witness firsthand the quick work required to get damaged machines ready for the next race, I strongly felt the rewards of being a mechanic. I also realized that races are made possible by the support of many people, and I reaffirmed the importance of having a grateful heart."
■ About Niigata International Automobile College
A vocational school that trains professionals for the automotive and motorcycle industry, such as automotive mechanics, body mechanics, racing drivers, mechanics, e-sports players, and vehicle development engineers. Practical training accounts for 60-80% of each department's curriculum, enabling students to gain practical experience relevant to the industry, utilizing facilities that also function as certified maintenance garages and race circuits. Furthermore, the college boasts a top-level national qualification pass rate of 100% for over 10 years. In a small-group learning environment, students can aim to acquire specialized technical skills and numerous qualifications through unique curricula and instructor guidance.
Corporate Name: Kokusai Sogo Gakuen
Location: 5-2-10 Shichikuyama, Chuo-ku, Niigata City
Representative Name: Kenji Ohashi
URL: https://www.gia.ac.jp/
■ About NSG Group
The NSG Group is a corporate group comprising 101 corporations engaged in a wide range of businesses, with education, medical, welfare, and nursing care businesses at its core, alongside health and sports, construction and real estate, food and agriculture, trading, advertising agencies, ICT, hotels, apparel, beauty, human resources services, and entertainment. Aiming to make each region "the richest and happiest town in the world," the group is committed to creating businesses that revitalize local communities from a private-sector perspective, with "people," "security," "work," and "attractiveness" as keywords.
■ NSG Group Website
https://www.nsg.gr.jp/