Takuma Koga, a 48-year-old driver from Nagoya, Japan, is set to make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Dover on July 19, cementing a milestone in his long motorsport career. Known for his persistence and skill, Koga’s entry into the Xfinity Series is backed by years of experience across multiple NASCAR and ARCA divisions, making his debut a significant moment not only for him but also for Japanese motorsports fans worldwide.
Koga’s NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Dover follows his steady rise through the ranks, especially in the ARCA Menards East Series, where he currently races with Fast Track Racing under Andy Hillenburg’s leadership. His goal is to secure a top-five finish in this new challenge, continuing the momentum he has built over two decades of racing in the U.S.
Longstanding NASCAR Career Across Multiple Series
Koga began his NASCAR journey in 2001 with the Raybestos Northwest Series and quickly established himself as a consistent competitor. In 2002, he transitioned to the NASCAR West Series, now known as the ARCA Menards West Series, where he has participated in a record 125 races as a non-American driver. During this tenure, Koga has earned 28 top-10 finishes and four top-5 finishes, showcasing his competitiveness especially on short tracks like the Orange Show Speedway in California and Portland’s road course in Oregon.
This year, Koga has shifted his focus to the ARCA Menards East Series, aiming higher with the Fast Track Racing team. His third-place finish at Flat Rock Speedway in Michigan marked his career-best result at this level, a historic achievement for a Japanese driver in NASCAR above the Super Late Model class. Currently fifth in the East Series championship, Koga is determined to further elevate his position as the season progresses.
Legacy of Japanese Drivers in NASCAR and Motorsport in the U.S.
Japanese drivers have gradually established their presence across NASCAR’s various series, from the Cup Series to Craftsman Truck and ARCA divisions. This interest was fueled significantly in 1996 when the NASCAR Cup Series held an exhibition race at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, spurring greater exposure and participation. Notable drivers such as Hideo Fukuyama, Keiichi Tsuchiya, Akinori Ogata, and the late Shigeaki Hattori have all competed in U.S. NASCAR races with Hattori even founding his own NASCAR team that won the Truck Series championship in 2018.
Takuma Koga shares his first name and birth year (1977) with another prominent Japanese racer, Takuma Sato, a two-time Indy 500 winner famous for his achievements in American open-wheel racing. Their parallel careers symbolize the growing influence and success of Japanese drivers across different American motorsport disciplines.
A Milestone Driven by Focus and Support
Koga’s first podium finish in a top-level NASCAR series at Flat Rock Speedway was a pivotal moment, not just competitively, but emotionally. Reflecting on the race, he said,
“Honestly, I was so focused on catching up to the top two that I didn’t even realize the race had finished — suddenly, I saw the checkered flag and found myself in third place. On the cool-down lap, I became emotional thinking about everyone who has supported me along the way — my family, my sponsors, all the teams I’ve been a part of, and the fans who continue to cheer me on. It was a deeply sentimental moment for me.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
This achievement represents the best finish by any Japanese driver in NASCAR’s higher-tier series, including the Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA divisions.
Transitioning Smoothly from West to East Series with Fast Track Racing
Switching from the West Series, where Koga spent most of his career, to the East Series brought new challenges, including adapting to new tracks and a different competitive environment. Koga credits the transition to strong teamwork and his longtime associate Hiro Miyaji, who has been instrumental in negotiating fast-track racing opportunities and supporting his career.
“As many of you know, I’ve spent most of my NASCAR career in the West Series. I’m truly grateful to everyone involved in that series, because they made it possible for me to chase my NASCAR dream. One of the biggest factors behind my move to the East and national series was the opportunity to compete at Daytona. After I made the decision to switch, Hiro negotiated with Fast Track Racing, and that opened the door for this next chapter in my career. I am grateful to have Hiro by my side all these years. We have been through a lot together so I would like to think my third place finish was for the both of us.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Growing NASCAR’s Recognition in Japan
NASCAR’s popularity in Japan has been increasing, notably due to the recent broadcasting of Cup Series races on ABEMA TV, where Koga also serves as a commentator. This has allowed Japanese audiences to engage more deeply with the sport, and Koga has received an outpouring of congratulatory messages following his successes.
“This year, NASCAR Cup Series races began broadcasting in Japan on ABEMA TV, which has really boosted NASCAR’s popularity there. I also serve as a commentator for the Cup races in Japan, so that’s helped people become more familiar with the sport. After my recent result, I received an overwhelming number of congratulatory messages from fans through social media — it was honestly more than I ever expected.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Mastering Short Tracks Through Road Racing Expertise
Though Koga hails from a background dominated by road racing disciplines in Japan, including karting and GT events, he has developed a remarkable aptitude for NASCAR’s short oval tracks. His road racing skills, such as precise braking and tire management, have translated well to these tight circuits.
“On short tracks, you really need solid braking technique to rotate these high-horsepower NASCAR cars through the corners. Tire management also becomes absolutely critical in the second half of the race. These are skills that align with road course driving, so I feel my experience in Japan has helped me adapt well to these kinds of tracks.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Resilience and Strategy Highlighted in Flat Rock Race
During the Flat Rock Speedway event, Koga faced adversity after spinning on lap nine due to contact with another driver. Despite restarting at the back, he strategically conserved tire life and gradually climbed back to challenge the leaders, ultimately securing third place. His calm demeanor and focus were aided significantly by guidance from his team and cognitive training.
“With Flat Rock being the shortest track on the schedule and most of the tracks this season being new to me, I knew going into this race that finishing in the top five would be crucial for the season. When I got spun on lap nine, I immediately steered the car toward the gravel to avoid damaging the tires — I knew I’d need to go the full 150 laps without a tire change. Throughout the race, I remained incredibly calm, which even surprised me. A big part of that came from the experienced feedback I was getting from Andy, our team owner and spotter. Also, the brain training I’ve been doing with NeuroTracker really paid off — it helped me stay sharp and react quickly, especially when avoiding crashes ahead of me.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Ambitious Season Goals and Preparation for Upcoming Races
Currently solidly positioned within the top five of the championship standings, Koga intends to finish at least third by the season’s end. He emphasizes comprehensive preparation including physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental training as vital parts of his approach to racing.
“My goal is to finish at least third in the overall standings. I also want to go into every race fully prepared — from training to nutrition — so that I can drive without any regrets.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Facing a demanding schedule, Koga acknowledges that racing at Dover will present a major challenge, especially with the added responsibility of competing in both ARCA and the Xfinity Series during the same weekend. To prepare, he is increasing his fitness regimen, utilizing VR simulators to learn tracks, and continuing cognitive exercises with NeuroTracker.
“One of the biggest challenges in my career will be racing at Dover — especially since I’ll be doing double duty with the Xfinity Series that weekend. I’m stepping up my physical conditioning and continuing with NeuroTracker for vision and brain training. I’ll also be using VR simulators to learn the tracks. My goal is to be on the lead lap and in the top five in every race.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Expanding Race Plans and Sponsorship Efforts
Beyond Dover, Koga is scheduled to race in the Xfinity Series also at Portland. He is actively negotiating sponsorship to support additional ARCA races at Kansas and Toledo, as well as preparing for a return to the West Series finale in Phoenix. His ongoing commitment highlights his intent to maintain competitiveness across multiple national and regional series.
“I’m confirmed to race in the Xfinity Series at both Dover and Portland. I’m also working on plans to race ARCA at Kansas and Toledo, and of course, make a return to the West Series at Phoenix. Right now, I’m actively working on sponsorship deals in Japan to make these races possible.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Maintaining Peak Performance at 48 Years Old
Despite his age, Koga displays youthful energy and enthusiasm, crediting disciplined physical training, healthy nutrition, and mental exercises as crucial to his ability to stay competitive. The NeuroTracker brain training, in particular, has proven instrumental in enhancing his race-day focus and decision-making.
This year, I’ve been more focused than ever on physical training and a healthy diet, along with keeping a regular daily routine. And as I mentioned earlier, the NeuroTracker brain training has really helped elevate my performance this season. It’s a new approach that’s made a big difference.
Future Ambitions: Racing Together with His Son
Takuma’s son, Eiki, currently competes in the ROTAX MAX Asia karting series and is preparing to transition into U.S. short track racing through midget car competitions. The family envisions Eiki advancing to Late Models and stock car racing by age 12, with the goal of racing alongside his father in the NASCAR West Series within six years.
“Eiki is 9 years old and currently racing in the ROTAX MAX Asia karting series. But starting this year, he’ll begin training on short tracks in the U.S. through midget racing. Once he turns 12, we plan to have him move into Late Models and start racing in stock cars. If we want to race together in the West Series, I’ll need to stay active for at least another six seasons — so that’s my new goal. I want to keep racing so we can share that moment on track together.” —Takuma Koga, Driver
A Grateful Reflection and Ongoing Drive
Koga expressed heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizations that have supported his driving career in NASCAR. This includes sponsors, team owners, officials, media, fans, and especially his family. He singled out key supporters like Becky McBride, who helped him return to racing after a decade-long break, and Bob and Kathy Bucher from MRO, whose generosity left a lasting impression.
His message is one of gratitude and determination to continue pursuing his NASCAR dream with passion and perseverance.
“I want to thank all the sponsors who have supported my NASCAR dream over the years, every team owner and crew member I’ve worked with, the NASCAR and ARCA officials who keep us safe, the media — including Vincent — who take an interest in a Japanese driver like me, and of course, the fans who cheer me on at the tracks and through social media. And most of all, my family, for supporting this lifelong dream.
I owe a great deal to Becky McBride from NASCAR. After a 10-year break from racing, she helped me come back in 2016 — I wouldn’t be here today without her support. And I’m forever grateful to Bob and Kathy Bucher from MRO. They’ve shown constant love and care, not just to me but to my entire family. Their kindness has taught me the depth of American generosity and love — I’ll never forget it. My dream isn’t over yet — so please keep cheering for me!” —Takuma Koga, Driver
Upcoming Race Schedule and Expectations at Dover
Takuma Koga will compete in the combined ARCA Menards Series and East Series race at Dover on July 18, followed by his much-anticipated NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Dover’s Monster Mile on July 19. These back-to-back races mark an important step in his career, with ambitions to prove his abilities on a larger national stage and continue breaking Japanese motorsport barriers within NASCAR.
