The new driver of the #5 will be announced soon.

She's adamant that this is only a break as opposed to full-on retirement, believing that a year or two away will ensure she doesn't wear out her welcome.

She'll take an ambassador role going forward, helping out all manufacturers. A part-time entry in Season 5 is in her future.

Since it's Friday, today's another update day! I'll post whatever I think is ready to show as the day goes on.

Note that drivers and/or number colors shown here are still subject to change. This is just a sampling of what I'd like to use currently. There's a hundred days until the Daytona 500, so a lot can still change!

Polka Takahashi will be the primary driver of the #88! When not in the car, (rumors say) that the Sonoda Motorsports quartet will be getting seat time, with Polka running with another team to fill out her schedule.

...really weird but i trust what JRM is cooking

The #1 will be split between Sarah Kazuno and Aya Maruyama, roughly half-and-half. When Aya is driving that car, Sarah will most likely be in the #9. That car will also be run by Leah Kazuno and Maki Nishikino part-time.

(a lot of people can drive, crew chief, and spot in this world. they're as diverse as babe ruth or shohei ohtani)

Sarah in particular will remain a pivotal part of the team. Don't worry about where she'll race next year, I'm sure we'll figure that out in due time!

The team's crew chief lineup has also been announced!

The #1 team will be headed by Sarah Kazuno. The #88 team will be led by Maya Yamato. The #97 team will still be led by Junya Nishikino, Maki's father.

Postseason Chase Championship, Final Standings (6/6)

31st: Megumi Fujishima (559)
32nd: You Watanabe (486)
33rd: Tsuzuri Yugiri (477)
34th: Tang Keke (440)
35th: Honoka Kousaka (399)
36th: Kanata Konoe (233)

Postseason Chase Championship, Final Standings (5/6)

25th: Nozomi Tojo (664)
26th: Kozue Otomune (649)
27th: Mao Hiiragi (616)
28th: Yuna Hijirisawa (615)
29th: Sarah Kazuno (611)
30th: Mari Ohara (562)

Postseason Chase Championship, Final Standings (4/6)

19th: Lanzhu Zhong (783)
20th: Mia Taylor (762)
21st: Mei Yoneme (737)
22nd: Hime Anyoji (734)
23rd: Rurino Osawa (702)
24th: Ginko Momose (665)