Prepare for the choicest mix of sushi and speed! Emerling-Gase Motorsports just dropped some hot spices into the NASCAR dish by announcing the return of a certain skilled Japanese racer — Akinori Ogata.
The Martinsville Speedway is about to host one heck of a NASCAR cocktail when Ogata slips into the snug confines of the No. 53 Shinano Pneumatic Tool Chevrolet Camaro (Camaro sounds kinda ‘Samarai,’ doesn’t it?). This gastronomic delight of a race, the “Dead On Tools 250,” kicks off on 28th October at 3:30 p.m. ET, right in front of your TV screens on the USA Network. Can’t reach the remote? It’s no big deal — just stream it on the NBC Sports App.
But the Camaro clad in the Shinano Pneumatic Tools logo isn’t all that’s special. Nestled among the striking colors is a small, seemingly simple sticker. Yet, this subtle detail carries great significance. The sticker — 20th Anniversary logo — symbolizes Ogata’s incredible two-decade journey since he bid his homeland adieu to pursue his NASCAR ambitions in the United States.
Ogata recalled his experience saying, “This paint scheme has a little 20th-anniversary logo on it. That logo means… I had nothing here, no family, and of course no friends, but today I have many supporters here and am still here to race.”
Emerling-Gase isn’t new on Ogata’s dance card either — this will be the second time he’s buckled up for them. During a previous run at Atlanta with them, he snagged a proud 29th place finish and has a history of 26th place finish at Martinsville in the Xfinity Series last year.
Owner Joey Gase, firing up the hype engine, stated regarding the partnership: “We are excited to have Akinori behind the wheel at Martinsville. His journey inspires us all, and he is a great short-track driver.”
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