Lexus/Pathfinder Air Racing team aims to win first-ever Air Race World Championship

MANILA: Lexus and Pathfinder Co., Ltd., represented by air race pilot Yoshihide Muroya, have inked a partnership agreement to make history by winning the first-ever Air Race World Championship that will happen next year and helping to shape the future by contributing to the development of a carbon-neutral society.

In a statement, Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato said, “Lexus will take on the challenge of an exciting air race together with world-class athlete Muroya. With the excitement and smiles that motorsports bring and the gratitude that we learn from athletes as our inspiration, we will tackle from a new perspective the goal of Akio Toyoda, Lexus Brand Holder, to create a better car based on motor sports. Please look forward to Muroya's and Lexus's continuous challenge and evolution.”

Lexus established its partnership with Muroya in 2016. They have since continued to sponsor him as they are closely aligned with his inspirational never-say-die attitude and spirit.

In 2017, Lexus and Muroya formed a “Technology Exchange Group” to study each other’s innovations on a regular basis and explore the possibility of new technologies in the aircraft and automotive industries. Following the discussions, Muroya and Lexus collaborated to develop a control column grip for the pilot’s aircraft that incorporates Lexus’s sensitivity technologies, as well as a new method for his aircraft to turn based on aerodynamic analysis derived from Lexus car test data. This year, a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) spoiler developed by incorporating aerodynamic technology used in aircraft design was adopted for use in the LC and offered in select regions.

The Air Race’s upcoming debut prompted Lexus and Pathfinder to form a team partnership agreement. They founded “Lexus/Pathfinder Air Racing” as a joint race team in order to further accelerate their joint efforts so that they could immediately link the technologies and know-how of both sides to develop racing machines. To build a strong team structure that can lead Muroya to victory, Lexus plans to dispatch a technical coordinator to assist in the development of technologies in the fields of aerodynamics, cooling, and ergonomics.

“With the strong support of Lexus, we will strive to become the first champion of the new Air Race. I believe that an exciting new story will emerge as fans and team crew come together as one,” Muroya stated.

Lexus and Muroya will use the technology and know-how cultivated through air races to develop a better society in both fields, based on the concept that “grueling air races teach people and train technology.” Lexus will use its aerodynamic, cooling, and weight-reduction technologies and expertise garnered from arduous air races to develop ever-better cars that will help achieve a carbon-neutral society. In addition to air racing, Muroya will continue to cultivate new talent that will lead to the next generation of mobility and build an airfield for testing in collaboration with the Fukushima Perfecture. He will promote carbon-neutral aircraft with the help of local companies, starting with supporting instructional education of light-sports aircraft (LSA) production. Lexus and Pathfinder will work together to explore new possibilities in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Photos from Lexus

Also read: 'Lexus Car Maintenance Weekend' features exclusive discounts on car care products and services