
Profile of Yoshimasa Sugawara
Born in 1941. After gaining experience in various two- and four-wheeled races, he entered his first Paris–Dakar Rally on a motorcycle in '83. After successfully completing several Paris-Dakar rallies in four-wheelers, he entered the truck division in a Hino Ranger from '92. He has won 7 in-class championships and 6 overall category runner-up awards, and as of April 2019 holds an unprecedented record of 20 consecutive finished races and 36 consecutive entries (both of which are recognized by Guinness World Records). While still active as a driver, these days he is not only a competitor but also devotes his efforts to spreading rally culture, international exchanges, and nurturing the next generation. Chairman & Executive Director of Japan Racing Management Co., Ltd.