Japanese fans welcome drivers
The drivers have been in their homeland for much of the past week to promote the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi this weekend. It's the support of the fans that make racing at home special to the drivers.
"Last year, I didn't have the best race because of the accident I had in qualifying. Towards the end of the race, I could see a fan waving a flag and that really gave me power to finish," Mutoh said. "That was the first experience like that. I respect fans but the fans actually gave me power to finish the race. I had a bad race but it was a good memory. I believe I have extra power because of racing in my home country. Hopefully, I can repay them for their support with a good finish at Motegi,"
E.J. Viso of Venezuela also arrived in Japan early to acclimate to the change in time and spent time with Yomiuri Giants star Alex Ramirez and boxer Jorge Linares. Both Ramirez and Linares are natives of Venezuela and live in Tokyo.