EXCLUSIVE: With His New NASCAR Deal, Akinori Ogata Sets the Right Example for Aspiring International Drivers

Akinori Ogata is a household name in NASCAR, having competed in the United States for over a decade now. The Japanese driver made history with an emphatic win at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2022. It only got better for Ogata now that he has landed a new deal with Joey Gase Motorsports this year.

The agreement sees the 50-year-old driver competing in at least four Xfinity Series races in 2024. With this massive news, Ogata certainly has laid the perfect road map for aspiring foreign drivers. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, he expressed his tricky journey to fame in NASCAR.

Akinori Ogata shows the right way to achieve success in NASCAR

In the 20th century, NASCAR has only become more diverse with its approach. This has not only made the sport more entertaining but also very welcoming. Having said that, it doesn’t change the fact that staying relevant and having sponsorships is equally vital.

When Akinori Ogata started his NASCAR career, not many believed in him to make it big. While it had a lot to do with him being a foreigner, it never demotivated the Japanese driver. In fact, he was more motivated than ever to compete at the highest level.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Ogata explained how his Truck Series journey started in 2014. While it meant a lot to him, he remained a Japanese driver, trying out his hand in NASCAR. To add, other struggles came his way time and again.

Ogata said, “Truck Series, Xfinity Series, it’s difficult, not easy winning race because you need more money, [you need] good equipment involved in a good team.” It is indeed true how sponsorships and having a good setup can be a game-changer for any driver.

While Ogata faced his set of struggles, he opted to go back to the local tracks. He regained his focus there and only got better. In fact, he kept challenging himself and in the process, hired different crew chiefs and learned more about stock car racing.

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This approach of Ogata finally paid dividends as he registered five wins in the 2020 season. Not only that, his win at Hickory Motor Speedway made him the only Japanese driver with a win in NASCAR. Now, the Yokohama-born driver is lined up to race in the Xfinity Series this year. If that’s not inspiring for any international driver, what is?

Akinori Ogata’s Daytona dream is about to come true in 2024

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It is no secret that Akinori Ogata has always been a huge fan of NASCAR. It was actually during his honeymoon, in the United States, when he decided to pursue his “American Dream” of racing in the Daytona 500. While he still might not be able to achieve that, he will definitely be racing at the Daytona International Speedway come August 23.

Ogata’s deal with Joey Gase Motorsports will see him race at Martinsville Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2024. As reported by Jayski.com, the Japanese said, “I am excited to compete in all of my races, but YKK AP America and Joey Gase gave me an opportunity to race at Daytona in August.”

He added, “Daytona is one of my dream tracks. I really enjoyed and had good experience in races with the superspeedway program at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2023 in the Xfinity and Truck Series. I can’t wait for my coming race season!”

While Ogata and his team are still working to add more races, it is interesting to see what they come up with. Regardless, it will be an entertaining watch for all his loyal fans.

READ MORE – EXCLUSIVE: “Nobody Helped Me” – Only Japanese Winner in Late Model Racing Recalls His Legendary Win at Hickory Motor Speedway