Show Us Your Car: Vol. 7, Yasutaka Hiimai x Abarth
The 7th Installment: Yasutaka Hinoi x Abarth 595 Competizione
This is "Abarth Magic"
Racing driver Yasutaka Hinoi made the Abarth 595 Competizione his own last season, driving it across circuits throughout Japan. After debuting in FJ1600 in 1988, he has been active in motorsports, competing in Japanese F3000 (now Super Formula) and SUPER GT. We delve into the reasons why he chose an Abarth as his daily driver and explore its appeal.
Text by TAKEDA Hiromi
A Racing Driver's Daily Car
What kind of car does a current racing driver, presumably discerning about automobiles, drive daily? This is a question that any car enthusiast would be curious about. To satisfy that curiosity, we decided to ask one veteran racer to show us "your car" this time.
The racing driver in question is Yasutaka Hinoi. After his debut in FJ1600 in 1988, he moved up to the Japanese and British F3 championships and the All Japan F3000 (now Super Formula) Championship. He also competed in the All Japan GT Championship, and later drove the "Mach Go-Go" under the name "Go Mifune" in the successor series, SUPER GT. He is also known for his participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006 with the Lamborghini Murciélago.
On the dashboard sits a model car of the Ferrari F1 machine "412T2" that Mr. Hinoi often pilots in domestic demonstrations.
Currently, he also serves as an official instructor for "Ferrari Challenge" and a development test driver. In addition, he is entrusted with driving Ferrari F1 cars for demonstration runs in Japan and contributes to numerous automotive magazines with his exceptional analytical skills, which allow him to explain car performance in an easily understandable manner.
Mr. Hinoi's beloved car is a striking black Abarth, combining cuteness with a powerful presence. It's the "595 Competizione" that debuted last year.
Since the year before last, Mr. Hinoi has been among the instructors for the official driving school "Abarth Driving Fun School," organized by Fiat Chrysler Japan. Furthermore, in the 2013 season, he fully participated in the Super Taikyu Championship with the race-specific Abarth machine, the "695 Assetto Corse". He also served as Abarth's official brand ambassador in Japan for a full season.
The 7th Installment: Yasutaka Hinoi x Abarth 595 Competizione
This is "Abarth Magic" (2)
Just 40,000 Kilometers in One Year
Mr. Hinoi's feelings for his "beloved car," the Abarth 595 Competizione, were evidently profound. Upon acquiring it, he parted with his W124-generation Mercedes-Benz 300E, a car he had cherished for nearly a decade and two generations.
The Mercedes in question was a car to which Mr. Hinoi, who has mechanical experience, had devoted so much care that he performed maintenance and even minor repairs himself, making it a familiar sight among his fans.
Nevertheless, captivated by the Abarth, he chose to spend as much time as possible with it, even letting go of the Mercedes that had become like an extension of himself.
Last season, Mr. Hinoi not only drove his Abarth to Super Taikyu circuits across the country, including Sportsland SUGO in Miyagi Prefecture, far from his home in Hiroshima, but also used it extensively for his commute to his race event planning company "First Responder" in Hiroshima city, for business trips to Tokyo, and as his daily driver.
As a result, in just one year since delivery, the mileage has already significantly surpassed 40,000 kilometers.
The 7th Installment: Yasutaka Hinoi x Abarth 595 Competizione
This is "Abarth Magic" (3)
The Ultimate Partner
"As a car that carries the name 'Competizione,' it's quite firm on public roads, but surprisingly comfortable on surfaces like highways where the road conditions are good. However, its true character truly shines in 'serious mode.' On circuits and winding roads, it demonstrates a stability that belies its short wheelbase and high center of gravity. In tight corners, its compact body allows for quick turns.
We participate in the Super Taikyu series with a racing car based on this model, and it's clear that both the race-prepped 695 Assetto Corse and the Abarth for general users share the same character. I'm truly impressed by this, perhaps it's the 'Abarth Magic,'" says Mr. Hinoi.
We also asked him about his impressions of other Abarth models besides the 595 Competizione, which he used for a full year.
"I was extremely satisfied with the 595 Competizione, but I believe the Abarth 500, the basic version available with a manual transmission, has its own unique charm. And the "695 Edizione Maserati" really made me want one. After all, regardless of the model, Abarths possess a mysterious allure."
Among racing drivers, there are those who view cars merely as tools for work or transportation without particular attachment, and those who engage with cars as a hobby beyond their profession. Mr. Hinoi clearly belongs to the latter category of automotive enthusiasts.
Perhaps among the myriad of cars produced today, the Abarth, with its most enthusiast-oriented character, is indeed the ultimate partner for him.
Yasutaka Hinoi
Born in 1969. Racing driver. After his debut in FJ1600 in 1988, he advanced to the Japanese and British F3 championships and the All Japan F3000 (now Super Formula) Championship. He is also known for his participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2006 with the Lamborghini Murciélago. He currently serves as an official instructor for "Ferrari Challenge" and a development test driver, while also contributing to numerous automotive magazines as a commentator.