Toyota Duo Tsuboi, Fukuzumi Join KCMG for NLS2

KCMG has announced Toyota factory drivers Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi as part of the lineup for its top-class attack on this weekend’s NLS2.

The Japanese pair will join the previously-announced David Pittard and Jesse Krohn in KCMG’s No. 47 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo for what will be their first assault on the Nordschleife, having made their debuts last year in GT4 machinery.

Tsuboi, who has won four top-class SUPER GT titles for Toyota in the past five seasons, gained his Nürburgring A-permit when he took part in NLS7 and NLS8 last year at the wheel of a Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo, also operated by KCMG.

For NLS9, it was the turn of Fukuzumi, who is also a race winner for Toyota in GT500 and was part of KCMG’s Super Formula lineup for the past two years, to gain his licence.

“This will be my second time at this iconic track, and my maiden appearance in GT3 machinery there, so I think it’ll be a brilliant opportunity to gain valuable experience,” said Tsuboi.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in such a great environment with KCMG. I want to understand what driving the Mercedes-AMG GT3 at the Nürburgring feels like and steadily build up my mileage during the race.”

Fukuzumi added: “I’m very happy to have this opportunity to race with KCMG in NLS. It will be my first time driving the Mercedes-AMG GT3, having only competed at the Nürburgring once before, so there is still a lot for me to discover.

“I’ve got some experienced teammates to learn from and I’m looking forward to enjoying this opportunity with the team.”

Although KCMG did not enter last weekend’s NLS1, which was ultimately cancelled due to bad weather, its Mercedes-AMG appeared on-track in Friday practice.

Team owner Paul Ip said: “We came away from the NLS1 Friday session with a very positive feeling. The team established a solid understanding of the Mercedes-AMG GT3, and the drivers’ feedback was extremely encouraging.

“We’re also very happy to welcome Sho Tsuboi to the KCMG family and to start a new chapter at the Nürburgring, alongside Nirei Fukuzumi following our collaboration in Super Formula.

“NLS2 is another important step as we focus on learning, building mileage, and preparing for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, while continuing to improve our competitiveness.”