Bunkyo Gakuin University's Ryuu Miyazaki, a 2nd-year Foreign Studies student, Wins Domestic Kart Race in Fierce Competition Amidst Rain, Set to Compete in Philippine Endurance Race "Kalayaan Cup"!

Ryuu Miyazaki, a second-year student in the Faculty of Foreign Studies at Bunkyo Gakuin University (President: Tsutomu Fukui), won the MAX Lights class at the "2026 ROTAX MAX Challenge APG SERIES Round4" held on June 7, 2026, at JAF-certified Auto Paradise Gotemba (APG) in Shizuoka Prefecture. He triumphed in the final race, which featured 16 participants, under difficult rainy conditions. Riding the momentum from his domestic victory, Miyazaki will consecutively compete in the 2-hour and 4-hour endurance races at the "Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series" held on June 13 (Saturday) and 14 (Sunday) at the Clark International Speedway (Pampanga Province) in the Philippines. This series is considered the most challenging endurance race series in the Philippines, and this year it will be held as two separate races, a 2-hour and a 4-hour race, due to format changes related to energy circumstances. Miyazaki will compete as a member of a four-driver team against strong rivals from around the world.

Background of Participation

Miyazaki started karting in the fourth grade of elementary school and currently belongs to "RL Astech," a kart shop and works team based in Yamanashi and Shizuoka. His steadily accumulated achievements and solid driving techniques were recognized, leading to an invitation from two leading brands in the Philippine car culture scene, "Karrera" and "Carbon Detailing Studio," to receive sponsorship and an opportunity to participate. With the support of these two companies, his participation in the traditional Philippine endurance race has been realized.

The "Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series," in which he will participate, is the most demanding endurance race series in the Philippines. This year, due to energy circumstances, it will be held in a different format than usual, with Miyazaki competing consecutively in two races: the 2-hour endurance race on Saturday, June 13, and the 4-hour endurance race on the following day, Sunday, June 14.

In the domestic competition "2026 ROTAX MAX Challenge APG SERIES Round4" held most recently on June 7, he won amidst fierce competition with 16 entries under rainy conditions. He will approach the Philippine expedition in peak condition.

Miyazaki after winning the race on June 7

Competition Overview

Competition Name: Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge Series

Date: Saturday, June 13 & Sunday, June 14, 2026

Location: Clark International Speedway (Pampanga Province), Philippines

Race Features: A traditional endurance race series held to celebrate Philippine Independence Day (Kalayaan), enjoying immense popularity and passion locally.

Participation System: As a member of a team composed of 4 drivers, participating in 2-hour and 4-hour endurance races.

Team Name: HG motorsports

Miyazaki's Comments

This will be an away race in every aspect, with a new car, a new track, and my first endurance race, but I will leverage my accumulated experience and fight for victory.

Although I have a history of winning various races, including the All Japan Championship, I haven't been able to seize opportunities until now. However, I feel like things have finally started to fall into place this year. I will strive to achieve results that I can proudly report, meeting the expectations of everyone who has supported me, including those who gave me this opportunity to race!