Former SMAP Katsuyuki Mori (46 = Kawaguchi) won the coveted SG. The championship was contested in 12R for 10 laps and 5100 meters, and Mori, who took the lead in 6 laps, took the lead and claimed the title of the highest peak in the automotive world in year 24 since his debut in July 1997. At the award ceremony, he expressed his joy with tears and was impressed by the long road to his cherished wish.

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The strange scene of the debut in the forest remains unforgettable.

It was packed with 35,000 people, twice the normal number, and was occupied by women with cameras near the cable network. It was impossible for a yellow voice to fly into the automatic field at that time. One seasoned fan said, “I don’t have a place to stay.”

However, in contrast to such excitement, the surroundings were filled with tingling sensations. It is strictly forbidden to talk about the era of idols in rock coverage. An interested person also said: “Do not use the name ‘ex SMAP'”. Mori was extremely wary of being treated as a “colored object”.

There is something that is very memorable in the interview before debut. Mori, who was an elementary school student, is said to have put a squashed empty can on the back of his shoes and played “auto play” on a modified bicycle. A dream that started at a very young age while going to the automobile field with my father. I wanted you to watch “Racer Mori Katsuyuki” instead of “Former Idol Mori Katsuyuki” because it was genuine.

The title of “ex SMAP” was lifted. The fact that he continued to be a runner over time is the best proof that his determination at the time was genuine.[KatsuyukiMoriacargode1997=RyoichiSuzuki]