Niigata Institute of Automotive Technology (NSG Group) (Location: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, hereinafter referred to as "the Institute") had students participate on-site as mechanic support for driver Ryuto Yonei of GYEON Racing at the "D1 Grand Prix Round 3 & Round 4" held at Tsukuba Circuit on June 26 (Fri) and 27 (Sat), 2026.

D1 Grand Prix is the top domestic category of drift competition held on circuits, not public roads, where drivers compete on angle, speed, and line accuracy while sliding their vehicles. In addition to the driver's skill, rapid and accurate maintenance by mechanics on-site also influences the results.

During the event, students accompanied the team from practice runs on Friday to the main races on Saturday and Sunday, handling vehicle maintenance for each run, such as refueling, supplying water for water spray, washing, and cleaning wheels. As they gained on-site experience, they also engaged in more practical tasks like tire changes and checking wheel nut tightening.

By gaining practical experience under the guidance of professional mechanics, their work speed, accuracy, and teamwork improved, despite initial hesitation, providing an opportunity to experience the tension and responsibility unique to a professional environment.

On race days, amidst the tension where split-second decisions determine the outcome, the entire team worked as one to support the vehicle. For the students, it was a practical learning experience that allowed them to realize the importance of the work that supports motorsports.

Driver Yonei recorded 9th place in solo runs and Best 16 in tandem runs (13th overall) in Round 3, and 9th place in solo runs (1st in group) and Best 8 in tandem runs (6th overall) in Round 4, placing him 6th in solo runs and 8th overall in the series rankings.

Driver Yonei commented as follows: "Having so many people supporting me on-site was a great source of strength. I am grateful to the mechanics, sponsors, and fans who provide an environment where I can drive with confidence. The next round is at my home circuit, Ebisu. The team will unite to aim for even higher positions."

The Institute will continue to provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in professional settings while still enrolled, fostering the development of automotive mechanics who can be immediately effective in the field.

Student Comment (1st Year, Advanced Automotive Engineering Department / Mr. Takeuchi)

Being a support mechanic for an admired driver at the D1 Grand Prix was an incredibly valuable experience. On-site, I was amazed by the technical skill to quickly and accurately fix vehicles within limited time, utilizing the knowledge I've learned, and the high level of adaptability to flexibly respond to the situation. Experiencing the tension and teamwork unique to a professional environment up close has strengthened my desire to further hone my skills. This experience has also made me like drift competitions even more.

About Niigata Institute of Automotive Technology

A vocational school that trains professionals for the automotive and motorcycle industries, including automotive mechanics, vehicle body mechanics, racing drivers, mechanics, esports players, and vehicle development engineers. Since practical training accounts for 60-80% of each department's curriculum, students can gain practical experience applicable to the industry while enrolled, utilizing facilities that function as certified repair shops and circuits. Furthermore, the pass rate for national qualifications has been 100% for over 10 years, placing it among the top in the nation. In a small-class learning environment, students can acquire specialized technical skills and aim for numerous qualifications through a unique curriculum and instructor guidance.

Organization Name: International College of Business and Technology, Niigata Institute of Automotive Technology

Location: 5-2-10 Shichikuyama, Chuo-ku, Niigata City

Representative Name: Kenji Ohashi

URL: https://www.gia.ac.jp/

About NSG Group https://www.nsg.gr.jp/

NSG Group is a corporate group composed of 101 organizations that, with education and medical/welfare/nursing care as its core, develops a wide range of businesses including health & sports, construction & real estate, food & agriculture, trading companies, advertising agencies, ICT, hotels, apparel, beauty, human resource services, and entertainment. Aiming to make each region "the world's most prosperous and happy town," we are engaged in creating businesses that revitalize communities from a private sector standpoint, with "people," "security," "work," and "attractiveness" as keywords.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Organizations: GYEON Racing