Dandelion Racing’s Remarkable 2025 Season Start

In a stunning display of dominance, Honda-powered squad Dandelion Racing has kicked off its 2025 season with an unmatched four consecutive wins. This impressive streak was set across the opening double-headers at Suzuka and Motegi, with drivers Tadasuke Makino and Kakunoshin Ohta each securing two victories apiece.

Six Wins in a Row – A New Era of Success

Including last year’s closing double at Suzuka, Dandelion Racing has now won an unprecedented six races in a row. The last time such a streak was achieved was by Nakajima Racing, all the way back in 2000. This era, marked by ex-Formula 1 racer Toranosuke Takagi’s dominance, also saw a team opening a campaign with four straight victories – a feat Dandelion Racing has now matched.

The Rise of Dandelion Racing – From Struggles to Success

Founded in 1993 by Kiyoshi Muraoka, Dandelion Racing initially struggled for results in All-Japan Formula 3 and the Japan Touring Car Championship. However, under Muraoka’s visionary leadership, the team has transformed into a powerhouse. Key milestones include the signing of Norimitsu Yoshida as chief engineer in 2001, the partnership with Sauber F1 team for technical support, and the signing of Richard Lyons, who scored Dandelion’s first win in 2003.

With a lean staff of just 25 permanent employees, Dandelion Racing has consistently outperformed larger teams. Based in Kameoka City near Kyoto, the team’s isolation from the main hub of the Japanese motorsport industry has fostered a sense of loyalty among its members and helped prevent any secrets from leaking.

The Future of Dandelion Racing – Aiming for History

With both Makino and Ohta at the head of the drivers’ championship, split by just a single point, team owner Kiyoshi Muraoka has set an ambitious target – winning the drivers’ and teams’ crowns in the same year for the first time in Dandelion Racing’s history. As the season unfolds, the friendly rivalry between Makino and Ohta is sure to be a talking point, especially after Ohta was left frustrated after being passed by Makino at the Suzuka opener.

Despite the challenges, Muraoka remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. After a pair of 1-2 finishes for his drivers at Motegi, it’s all good vibes for now. Indeed, at Motegi, the flamboyant team owner appeared in the parc ferme interview to jokingly tell long-time sponsor NTT Docomo to open its wallet and cough up some win bonuses!

The Spirit of Dandelion Racing – A Tribute to an Underdog Team

In an era where money often dictates success, it’s refreshing to see a small, privateer team like Dandelion Racing still capable of challenging the giants. As Muraoka aptly put it, “What we are trying to demonstrate is that privateer teams can still do great things, like in the old days of motorsport. I think if a team like ours didn’t exist any more, the championship would be less interesting.” Amen to that.