Hot Racing is a project initiated by Hikari Okubo, built around the idea of creating a real framework through which Japanese riders can participate and develop in European competitions, starting with Romania.
In fact, Hot Racing is not a new concept. The name was first used in 2014, when Hikari Okubo competed in the All Japan J-GP3 Championship and appeared as a wildcard entry in the MotoGP Moto3 race at Motegi under this name. Today, Hot Racing takes on a new form, aiming to become a bridge for young Asian riders looking to take their first steps into European competition
In 2025, Hot Racing made its first appearances in MotoRC, marking the team’s debut in Romanian competition. Spectators at MotorPark Romania followed the on-track performances of riders Sachika Kajiyama from Japan and Li-Ruey Yun from Taiwan, both finishing their race weekends on the S300 CFMOTO class podium. Hikari Okubo secured victory in the S600 class on a borrowed motorcycle, while Sachika Kajiyama won the Sprint race of the round in which she competed
In 2026, Hot Racing expands its technical capacity through the integration of a Kawasaki ZX-6R (636), with the objective of competing in the MotoRC S600 class.
The S600 program represents an important step in the team’s development, conceived as preparation for future participation outside Romania. Participation in the 2026 MotoRC rounds that do not overlap with the FIM Endurance World Championship calendar — in which Hikari Okubo will compete — is approached as a testing phase for the next stage of the project.
“When Hikari Okubo first told me about the Hot Racing project, the idea of building a bridge between Japan and Romania through racing felt like a beautiful dream. The project became real once Sachika Kajiyama and Li-Ruey Yun joined the competition, when the idea transformed into a real presence on the circuit.
Looking back — especially at the 2014 MotoGP participation, which included a collaboration with a well-known manga series — I feel this project has the potential to go beyond motorcycle racing itself. I would love to see it become visible even within the Japanese community in Romania.
I am glad to be part of this initiative and can't wait for the first MotoRC round on April 24–26, 2026. We look forward to seeing you at the circuit.”
- Bogdan Vrăjitoru