[Vocational School Niigata International Automotive College] A phenomenal victory in their first run! Students and alumni shine in FJ races, securing podiums across multiple classes
Students and alumni of Niigata International Automotive College achieved podium finishes at the Motegi Champion Cup Race Round 1. Alumnus Hayato Iwagami won the FJ1500 class, demonstrating the results of their practical education.
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- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 22:30
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NSG Group Vocational School Niigata International Automotive College (hereinafter referred to as the College / Location: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture) announced that its current students and alumni participated and secured podium finishes at the 'Motegi Champion Cup Race Round 1' held at Mobility Resort Motegi (Tochigi Prefecture) from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 15, 2026.
In this tournament, alumnus Hayato Iwagami (Albirex Fuji Ginkei GIA/ED) achieved a magnificent victory in the FJ1500 class finals after qualifying 3rd. Furthermore, in the Super FJ class, alumnus Tetsuya Okawa (B-Auto & TAKE FIRST) placed 1st in qualifying and 2nd in the finals, while Rukai Kobayashi (Albi Niigata Daiichi Hotel GIA ED), a 2nd-year student in the College's Motorsports Level 2 Mechanic Department, placed 6th in qualifying and 3rd in the finals. These top-tier finishes across multiple classes demonstrated a strong presence by individuals associated with the College.
The College focuses not only on automotive technology but also on practical education in the motorsports field, rigorously instructing basic techniques such as 'running, stopping, and turning,' which are fundamental to circuit driving. Furthermore, the College provides opportunities for students to participate in official races as part of student-led teams while enrolled, aiming to improve their technical skills and judgment through practical combat experience.
These results demonstrate that the experience cultivated in such a practical educational environment leads to success after graduation. The College will continue to aim to develop human resources capable of playing active roles in the motorsports industry, strengthening the provision of practical education and field experience.
■ Comments from FJ1500 Class Champion, Mr. Iwagami
This was the first time I drove this machine, and it was a very challenging situation with the first day of race week being my very first run. Being able to win under those circumstances is thanks to the support of everyone at the Albirex Racing Team and the relevant parties who provided the vehicle.
In the future, my goal is to compete on the world stage, such as in Super GT, Super Formula, and even WEC and GT World Challenge. With what I learned at GIA as my foundation, I will continue to do my best.
In this tournament, alumnus Hayato Iwagami (Albirex Fuji Ginkei GIA/ED) achieved a magnificent victory in the FJ1500 class finals after qualifying 3rd. Furthermore, in the Super FJ class, alumnus Tetsuya Okawa (B-Auto & TAKE FIRST) placed 1st in qualifying and 2nd in the finals, while Rukai Kobayashi (Albi Niigata Daiichi Hotel GIA ED), a 2nd-year student in the College's Motorsports Level 2 Mechanic Department, placed 6th in qualifying and 3rd in the finals. These top-tier finishes across multiple classes demonstrated a strong presence by individuals associated with the College.
The College focuses not only on automotive technology but also on practical education in the motorsports field, rigorously instructing basic techniques such as 'running, stopping, and turning,' which are fundamental to circuit driving. Furthermore, the College provides opportunities for students to participate in official races as part of student-led teams while enrolled, aiming to improve their technical skills and judgment through practical combat experience.
These results demonstrate that the experience cultivated in such a practical educational environment leads to success after graduation. The College will continue to aim to develop human resources capable of playing active roles in the motorsports industry, strengthening the provision of practical education and field experience.
■ Comments from FJ1500 Class Champion, Mr. Iwagami
This was the first time I drove this machine, and it was a very challenging situation with the first day of race week being my very first run. Being able to win under those circumstances is thanks to the support of everyone at the Albirex Racing Team and the relevant parties who provided the vehicle.
In the future, my goal is to compete on the world stage, such as in Super GT, Super Formula, and even WEC and GT World Challenge. With what I learned at GIA as my foundation, I will continue to do my best.