Naoto Matsukura takes 4th consecutive JMRCA 1/12th title

The JMRCA Japanese 1/12th scale Nationals took place last weekend at the Kawaba RC Plaza track in the centre of the country. Qualifying saw double World Champion and reigning national champion Naoto Matsukura take the pole position with a perfect score of 6 round wins with his Yokomo R12. The 2nd spot on the grid went to fellow Yokomo driver Akira Murai in 2nd and Hukuoka True in 3rd spot with the Kawada chassis. The finals were a little bit more exciting with Naoto taking the win in leg 1 ahead of Corally racer Hideo Kitizawa who had qualified in 6th. In leg 2 Hideo would take the win with a 2 second gap back to Naoto setting up a thrilling 3rd deciding leg. Both drivers really pushed, setting the fastest laps of all 3 A-mains by a clear margin with Hideo actually getting the fastest lap, but Naoto would take the win by 3 seconds to take the overall National title, his 4th in succession, in front of Hideo in 2nd, while Hukuoko True would claim 3rd.

Images: Xenon [xenon.ne.jp]