TOYOTA博物館

今日はお昼からお仕事。まずは、新しいAcura TSXに乗って試乗＆撮影。デザインがかなり変わって、フロントはアメリカンって感じです！今後のAcura車の展開が楽しみです。

I went to test the new Acura TSX today. The car looks a lot different from the previous model and I am optimistic about all the new upcoming Acura models since they have been awful quite during the last 12months...

試乗が終わってからTOYOTA本社の側にあるTOYOTA博物館に行ってきました！って言っても一般公開はされていません。もちろん２０００GTを始め、歴代のTOYOTA車がおかれていて、ここにあったの〜って言う程ビックリなロケーションでした。なんだか穴場を見つけた感じでちょっとラッキーな一日でした。

After the test drive, we stopped in to visit the Toyota Automobile Collection/Museum located near the Toyota HQ. I never thought that there would be such a place since I passed through that building at least twice a week going to the grocery store. The place was really cool with all the historic Toyota and Lexus cars being displayed. Obviously the 2000GT was the sweetest one to look at!! I wished if I brought my cam with me....

息子とお仕事

今日は午前中に髪を切りに行ってきました。本当はインディーに行く前に切りたかったのですが、時間がなくて残念ながらレース後まで切る事はできませんでした。インディーに居る時にだいぶイライラしてきて、後輩の英紀に電話をしてインディアナポリスにお薦めの散髪屋しらないって聞いたら、“インディーでは切った事ありません。絶対やめた方がいいですよ〜・・・”って言われたのでやめておきました！？！（笑）

I went to cut my hair in the morning. I wanted to get it done before leaving to Indianapolis but I didn't have any time to go the hair salon and the only day I could have gone was Monday when they were closed. I thought about getting a hair cut while my stay in Indy and asked my buddy Hideki if he knew any good place to cut my hair. His answer was "NO, and I don't recommend you to do it when you get back in LA...." Obviously I am glad I waited until I was back home.

家に戻ってきて、たまっていた仕事を方付けました。昨日のRoad&Trackの試乗も色んな車を乗ったので忘れる前に色々とメモを書きました。色々と仕事をしていたら息子が一緒に遊んでくれ〜ってよってきたので、コンピューターデスクの椅子に座らせたらいきなり、インディーで被っていたスポンサーの帽子を被ってニコニコ。あまりにも可愛かったのでワンスナップ！？！完璧親ばかですね！！（笑）

I got home and needed to get a lot of work done. I also wanted to make some notes about the car I drover yesterday. There were about 10cars and I thought it would be best to make a note before I forget!?! While I was working, my son wanted to play with me so I had him help me organize all the files. He ended up grabbing the hat that I was wearing during this month and was trying to pretend being like me!?! His taking the first step to become a race car driver....

Road & Track スーパーカーをオーバルでテスト

今日はRoad & Trackのお仕事でカリフォルニアスピードウェイに行ってきました。色んなスーパーカーをオーバルで走るという企画。最初に聞いた時に、“エッ・・・”て思いましたが、やってみると以外と面白い！？！

I was at California Speedway working for Road & Track today. We tested many high performance exotic cars on an oval! Yes on an Oval!?! When I was offered to do this first...I didn't know what to expect but it turned out to be pretty good day at the track.

乗ったのはランボルギーニ、GT-R,Audi R8、Viper、ポルシェGT２等のスーパーカー。どれを乗ってもワクワクしてしまう内容！しかも、２マイルオーバルを３００km／h近いスピードで走るのはある意味インディーカーよりすりりんぐでした！？！（笑）GT-Rに乗ったのも初めてでかなり感心しました。５００には出れませんでしたが、今日は色んな車に乗ってその分のストレスもぶっ飛びました！！（笑）

I can't tell you all the cars that I drove today but some of them included the Lambo, GT-R, Audi R(, Viper, and Porsche GT2. I was smiling through out the day driving the cars because it certainly was not an every day driver and I don't think I will have another day of being able to drive all the exotic sports cars that I got to drive today. It was nerve racking driving those cars on a 2mile oval exceeding speeds of 160mph.... But was real fun! It certainly gave me some stress relieve after not being able to race the 500!?! I must say that I was particularly impressed with the GT-R.

Indy500

昨日で今年のIndy500も完全に終わりましたね。レースはDixonの独走状態でIndy500初優勝。自分は現場で今年のレースにスポンサーをしてくれたお客さんの接待や、来季に向けての交渉で現場に行ってました。

I can't believe the Indy 500 is already over. It's hard to say if it was a long or a short month... The race was pretty much dominated by Scot Dixon who ended up winning the race. I was at the track making appearance as well as meeting all my sponsors who was on board for this year's program.

合併もあり、例年よりもお客さんが入っていてかなり盛り上がるレースになっていました。やっぱりグリッドにたって自分がレースにでないんだ・・・って思うと本当にガッカリ。悔しい思いでいっぱいです。今年の５００が終わってしまった以上、今日から来年のプログラムに向けて全力で頑張ります！！

I was amazed by the amount of people who came to the race this year! I'm sure that the merger have created a lots of interest and buzz and the fans were really excited to see the race. Obviously I wished if I was part of the field instead on watching the race from the side line...but at least I got a head start working on deals for next season! I can't wait to come back again to the Greatest Spectacle of Racing again!!

明日はいよいよ決勝

明日はいよいよ決勝です！自分はインディーカーにデビューしてから始めて、観客としてみるインディー５００です。今日のパレードにも参加できず、なんだかメチャメチャ悔しいです・・・。でも色々と考えると、毎年バンプアウトされる以外にも一回も車に乗れずに帰って行くドライバーも沢山居ると考えると、まだ乗れただけラッキーだったのかもしれませんね！？！

Finally the Indy 500 will take place tomorrow. It is my first Indy 500 watching from the side line. I was not able attend the parade today and was real gutted about that too...However, I still was able to land a ride and I should lucky compare the guys who never got to steer the wheel at all!?!

でも、だからこそは来年の体制は人生をかけてもでも勝てる体制を作って帰ってこないと駄目ですね！！その為にはかなり大変な試練を乗り越えなくてはいけないかもしれませんが、全力で頑張ります！！

Having said that, I must work 500 times harder next year in order to come back stronger and I need to work on the deal that is able to be very very competitive so I don't even have to be thinking about making the show or not... I'm sure that is going to be a huge challenge but I have good people around me trying very hard on trying to get this program and I am looking forward to the challenges that we as a team will have to overcome!!

サイン会

今日はカーブデー。決勝前に最後に走れるセッション。ほんの１０ラップ前後ですが、５００に参戦するドライバーからすると物凄く緊張感の高まるセッションです。今日は初めてカーブデーをドライバーとしてでは無い立場で見ましたが、やっぱり緊張しますね。英紀は調子が良さそうなのでレースはかなり期待できそうです！！

Today was the Carb Day. It is the last session before the race and it is really intense as a driver getting all the final details checked up before the race. It was my first time watching Carb Day from the sidelines and it really hurt me seeing the cars go around!! I can't wait to get back in to the car and the race and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen!!

夕方は今回の５００にスポンサーをしてくれたHH Greggのお店に行ってサイン会。たくさんのファンが訪れてくれて、しかもお店の方々も喜んでくれたので何よりです。予選落ちはしてしまいましたが、今回のレースで今後に向けての収穫はまた増えたと思います！！

In the afternoon, I went to the HH Gregg store up at 96th St. to do an autograph session. I really appreciated all the fans who turned up for that event and most importantly, I really appreciate everyone HH Gregg to be part of our program!! They were certainly a great partner to work with and I really hope to have an opportunity to work with them in the future!! And for any of you guys who are planning to buy any electronic/appliances, HH Gregg is definitely the place to go! There customer service is just fantastic and their quality of service is by far the best that I have seen! I really hope that they will open up a store in LA in the near future!!

コミュニティーデー

今日はサーキットでコミュニティーデーがありました。今回のインディーにスポンサーについてくれたHH GreggのロゴはDreyer&Reinboldの１５号車に貼ってもらう事で話が成立して、夕方はサーキットでサイン会。予選通過をしていないドライバーはオプショナルですが、毎年スピードウェイで応援をしてくれるインディアナポリスのあついファンの皆さんのお陰でHH Greggの様はスポンサーが着く事ができたので１時間みっちりサインしてきました！！

Today was the community day at the track. I got to the track and met with the Dreyer & Reinbold team owner to discuss about having the HH Gregg logo placed on the #15 car. Everything is good to go and I really appreciate their help on making this happen!! In the afternoon, I had an Autograph session. After the bump day, I wanted to spend as much time appreciating all the fans in Indianapolis for the support when I was in line getting ready to qualify! Indy is a special place...I always knew the speedway is a special place but I was able to realize how special this place was, especially after the bump day on how great all the people are here in Indianapolis!! It just makes me more eager on wanting to come back next year and show how strong we can be as a team!!

明日もまたサーキットに行く予定です。レースに参戦しない・・・って言うのはなんだか不思議な感じですが、まだカーブデーに何が起きるかわかりませんからね！？！だから頑張ります！！

I will be at the track tomorrow again. You never know what's going to happen until the race day. As a racing driver, you have to be ready all the time!!

カート大会

今日はスポンサーのロゴを貼る交渉をしに、去年のインディー５００に参戦した時のチームに行ってきました。ちょうどチームスポンサーの為のカート大会をやっていたので、飛び入り参加！かなりファミリーのように僕の事を歓迎してくれているので、本当に嬉しいです！！

Today I was going around the town thanking the sponsors for their support as well as making sure that I can get some of the logo on the car that will be racing this Sunday. I was able to catch up with Dreyer & Reinbold team for their Go-Kart event and was able to have some fun driving the Karts.They treat my like a family there and I really appreciate their kindness!!

今週末のIndy500は来年に向けての営業活動になりそうです。他の選手よりも一足先に活動ができるからラッキーって感じです。でも、やっぱりレースにでれないのは本当に辛いっす・・・。

Well, I will be at the track this Sunday trying to get things moving for next year. I'm sure good things will come in the future and I am looking forward to being back in the car very very soon!!

予選を終えて・・・

今日は朝起きてサーキットに向かい、ガレージで荷物の整理。ガレージ内で方付けを始めたら改めて、今年のIndy500は終わっちゃったんだな・・・と実感。悔しいです。（泣）でも、今から来季に向けての話を進めないと。

After getting some sleep last night...I must confess, I was pretty nervous the previous night and wasn't able to get any sleep... I headed to the garage and needed to pack up my stuff. Obviously that reaffirmed in to my brain that we were not in the show and it was pretty sad putting all my race gears back in to my bag. However, I need to start working really hard for 09 season starting today!!

チームと色々とまた話し合い、他の複数のガレージに行って、色々とセットアップの相談に乗ってくれたエンジニアさんに挨拶回り。皆からの情報があったからこそ、助けられたので本当に感謝です。そして、何よりも人とのネットワークの重要さを感じました！

Once I was done cleaning up, I strolled through the garage and thanked all the team and the engineers who was able to give me some advice on the set ups. With limited time on track, it was very important to have some numbers to compare and it certainly gave us some direction to work with. I really appreciated all their help. Having a good relationship with all the guys you have worked with in the past is my asset on being able to come back every year and do well here at Indy with limited time.

一段落したら、今度はスポンサーのアレンジ。決勝前にイベント等はそのまま続行で、でも残念ながら自分の車は決勝に走る事ができないので、他のチームにロゴを貼ってもらう交渉。契約外の事ですが、やっぱりスポンサーに応援してあげて良かったと思って頂けるようにしたいので、全力で交渉中です。でも、ここでも回りの協力に本当に感謝です！！困った時に助けてくれる・・・、だからこそ自分に余裕ができた時には必ず恩返しをしないとって、なんだか今回のインディー５００は人生の勉強になった気がします！

Than I needed to arrange some sponsorship details for this week. Obviously not being able to be in the race will change a lot of things, but we are still planning to have couple of appearances during this week. I also would like to negotiate with other teams on being able to have some signage space for our sponsor in the race and I really appreciate the cooperation with the teams that we are talking to. We as a team will like all our partners to feel good about the experience and I want to do my absolute best on making sure not regretting being on board with us. I must say, that this year's Indy 500 was more of a lesson for me about life than racing. I have many people who are willing to help me when I'm struggling but that means I definitely need to help them out when they are in need of hands!! I am really looking forward to next year's 500 and I must say that there is nothing more satisfying than being part of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Indy500

今日Indy500の予選がありました。残念ながら最後にバンプアウトされて、予選通過をする事ができませんでした。メチャメチャ悔しいです。昨日の予選タイムの時点で２１９Mphを出さないと難しいなとは思っていたので、その為に準備をしていたつもりが、最後は風向きにやられてしまいました・・・。

The qualifying is over and the grid for the 500 is set. Unfortunately I will not be one of the driver in the field. I am very disappointed on not being able to make the race... I knew going in to to day that I needed to do 219mph to make the field and we were prepared to take that task.

残り１時間が勝負だと思って、ウィングを下げて準備をして予選シュミレーションをしたら余裕で決勝進出できるタイムが出たのでよしよしと思ったのも束の間。自分が走行をし始めたら風向きがちょっとだけ変わって、裏ストレートでのスピードが全くのびなくなってしまいました。タイムは残念ながら219mphを超える事ができなくて、最後に改めてチャレンジしましたが、決勝に進出するタイムを出す事はできませんでした。本当に悔しいです。

Looking at the wind speeds, we all knew that we needed to wait until the happy hour to be able to post the fast time. We made couple of qualification simulation runs and was able to run well above 219mph. I was very confident on being able to make the field and we went out just at the end. I thought the wind was going to get calm and we were going to easily back up the time that we ran. Well...I guessed it wrong...the wind direction changed on us and I was not able to pull my gear down the back straight. We lost all our speed and our average speed was just not enough to make the race.

今回の５００は改めて色々と勉強になりました。やっぱりレースにでれないのは、本当に悔しい気持ちでいっぱいです。しかし、チームと一体になって最後まで諦めずに力を出し切ったと自信を持って言えると思います。風向きさえ変わらなければ・・・とタラレバも言えますが、それがこのインディー５００の歴史を変えるポイントなんだなと実感しました。過去にはペンスキーの車が予選落ちした事もありますしね。

I think I have learned a lot during this year's Indy 500. I am obviously gutted on not being able to make the field...but I think we worked very hard as a team to make this deal happen. I want to thank my sponsor HH Gregg, Curb Records, Real Power, Wellman Racing and all my management team who was working very very hard on making this happen. It is easy to say "If the wind direction hasn't change..." but that's all could of or could have. The history of Indy 500 is so deep that there is reason why top teams who weren't able to make the show in the past. What really makes me feel gutted is that we were not lost with the set up. Actually we had a pretty good car at the end and I think it would have been a good car for the race.

しかし、何よりも予選通過できなかった事が応援していてくれたスポンサーの皆さんの本当に申し訳ないと思っています。そして、ファンの皆さんにも申し訳ないと思っています。来年も頑張りますのでぜひ応援して下さい！！

Again, I feel very very bad for the fans and the sponsors who have made this happen. I will try my best on being able to make the field next year and I better start now!!

レースには参戦できなくてとっても残念です。しかし、バンプアウトされてから、また再アタックする時に車は車検台に乗せて準備をする時に、インディーのグランドスタンドのお客さんから拍手＆声援をもらえた時は本当に嬉しかったです！グランドスタンド全体が予選通過に頑張ってるドライバー全員に応援してあげようという一体感は本当に凄かったです！！

Not being able to run the race is certainly heartbreaking...but crying all night long doesn't help the situation. However, one thing that I can say is the fan at the Speedway was just absolutely phenomenal. Their cheering for all the drivers and the pit crew who were trying to make the race was just amazing!! Although I was not able to make the race, I think I still need to appreciate the fact that I was able be part of one of the best bump days in the year. And although I am not happy with the outcome, I certainly did give my best that I could.

決勝には出れませんが、何がなんでもまた５００に戻ってくるぞと思っています！本当の所を言うとかなり凹んでいますが、でも今から来年に向けて今から活動を全力で頑張りたいと思います！！なのでこれからもずっとずっと応援宜しくお願いします！！

At this point, my focus is for next year! I will start working very very hard now so I can well prepare my self for next season!! Thanks again guys for all your support!! I will promise that I will be back!!

ちょっとだけスピードアップ。

今日は明日の予選に備えて引き続き車のセットアップに専念。コースのコンディションがあまりにも変わってるので、車のセットがなかなか決まらず色々と苦戦していますが、ようやく方向性は見えて来た様な気がします。明日はいよいよ予選です。準備万全とは言えませんが全力で頑張ります！！応援して下さい！！

Today was the last day to test the car before the Qualifying. We tried many several different set ups to make the car better and I think we were able to make some gains today. However, we still need to find a little more out of the car and will have to try to have a good run in the morning, It's tough couple of days trying to get the car worked out and will do my best to have a great run to make it in the show!

走行２日目

今日は走行２日目。幸い、雨が降らなかったので、夕方まで走る事ができました。車のセットアップの根本性の部分にちょっとトラブルがあったので、今日は早目に切り上げて明日に向けて準備を進める事にしました。

Today was the 2nd day of practice. Fortunately it didn't rain out and was able to get about 50laps in. However, the set up is not exactly where I would like to be and we decided to cut the day short to spend more time making improvements to the car.

今日は思った様にはいかなったのは、残念ですが明日に向けてスピードアップできるようにチームとミーティングしてしっかりと準備します！！では、明日の走行も頑張ります！！

The day didn't go as well as I thought but we will keep working hard at gaining more speed. I don't think it's going to take much to make the car where it needs and I am really looking forward to tomorrow!!

シートゲット！

やりました！シートゲットしました！！９８号車に乗る事が決定です！！昨日の晩にほとんど決まって、夜中に電話がいろいろとなって、しかも興奮気味で４時まで寝れませんでした・・・。（笑）

I finally got the deal done!! I will be driving the #98 Beck Motorsports for for this year's Indy 500. I was on the phone till really late last night and I was really excited to hear that I was going to drive the car and I couldn't sleep until 4am...

午前中に発表をして、さ〜乗るぞーと思ったらあいまいな天気。けっきょく最後の１時間だけは走行をする事ができました。今日はシェークダウンで終了。まだプッシュするにはエアロバランスが完璧ではないので、明日の走行が晴れるといいなって感じです。とりあえず、準備はできているので早く車に乗り込むのが楽しみです！！では、週末の予選に備えてバッチリ準備して余裕で予選通過できる様に頑張りますので応援して下さい！！

I thought it was going to rain out today and wasn't expecting much from running for fortunately we were able to get 1hr session at the end. I did about 15laps and it ended up being a shake down session. We are still a conservative with all the set up figures but we should be fine by tomorrow. I am just keeping my finger crossed to be dry all day so we can get some track time in!! I am looking forward to another great day!!

明日から走行・・・。

今日も午前中はジムでトレーニング。お昼過ぎからサーキットに行き、念のために車に乗り込んでペダルの調整をしました。方向はかなり前向きですが、まだ明日から走行できるかは全くわかりません・・・。いきなり、“ロジャー乗れ〜”って言う状況になる可能性がメチャメチャ高いです。

Went to the gym in the morning again to get a good work out. I was at the track again after lunch and I got in to the car and made sure that the pedal position was all good to go. We are getting very very close on getting everything sorted out and I am looking forward for tomorrow!! Although the weather is not looking so good...

後一息で話が決まるので、全力で頑張りたいと思います！！いや〜しかし、ここまで話が引っ張られるとは思わなかった・・・。

We are just working on last minute things and I didn't think it was going to take this long to get to this point. This year's Indy 500 will be the most exciting 500 in a long time and I am looking forward to being part of the race!!

いよいよ大詰め

今日は午前中はジムでトレーニング。お昼過ぎにサーキットに行ってガレージでチームと話をしたり、契約に向けて交渉を進めています。だいたいの話は進んでいますが、サインはまだできていません。むしろ、最後の最後までどうなるかわからない・・・と言うのがインディーのスポット参戦のドライバーの難しさですね。明日も引き続き交渉を頑張ります！

Went to the gym in the morning and worked out for couple of hours. Than was at the track again visiting the team and just making this sure that things are moving forward. The car is ready, I am ready, and we are just making sure all the details on the paper work is right. Obviously anything can happen during the month of May here in Indy so I am just working as hard as I can to get this thing locked up so we can be on track by Weds 12pm.

今夜はこれから英紀と一緒にご飯に行ってきます。なんかインディアナポリスに居るのに、一緒にご飯に行くのは久々です。インディアナポリスに来てまだ１週間しか経っていませんが、お米が食べたい〜〜って状況です。今日は和食屋さんは休みなので韓国焼き肉に行ってきます！！

I will be going to dinner with buddy Hideki who drives for AGR. Although we are both in Indianapolis, I haven't seen him for a while and it should be a good evening catching up with him. Although I have only been here for a week...I missed eating Japanese food. Unfortunately the Japanese Restaurant that we usually go to is closed on Monday so we will be eating some Korean BBQ tonight here in town which is not too bad!?!

今日の予選は中止

今日もサーキットは雨。幸い２週目から参戦ができそうな自分からしてみると、他者の走行時間が少ない分、データがとれないからラッキーって言う状況です。しかも、今日の予選がなかった為に、来週から出走してもまだ１２位で予選を通過できるチャンスもでてきているので、これはかなり前向きな流れかな？！？

Another rainy day here in Indianapolis. It works out better for us as a second week deal if we can make it happen because all the other guys are not able to get on track and make the car better by gathering more data. On top of that, it will give us more chance on being able to start further up front now that today's qualifying was cancelled which was supposed to decide 12-21postion. At this point, things are definitely looking positive for us!!

今日もサーキットに行ってチームと交渉。連日ガレージで粘ってチームとの交流を深めて、とにかく“俺を乗せろアピール”出してます！ここまで来ると、スポンサーや金銭的な問題より、情熱＝パッション＆信頼問題になってくると思うので、その部分を誰よりもアピールする事が自分の仕事だと思ってます！もちろん、スポンサーへの営業買うどうもフルスロットルで頑張っていますが！！ではでは、明日も明後日もとにかく決まるまで全力で頑張ります！！

I was at the track again today strolling through the garage and chatting with the team owner. I guess at this point, money and sponsorship deal is very important but being able to show your passion on being able to drive and having the trust on working together is just as important as finding sponsors. I am obviously working on a lot of sponsorship deals but at the track, it is important to keep the bond with the team so once we are on track, we are 100% focused on just going fast!! Well, I will have to work a little more to strike this deal but I think I am getting closer & closer. I will have to keep my finger crossed in order to make everything happen!!

ポールデー

今日はポールデー。トップ１１のグリッドが決まりました。予選の流れを見ているとGanassiとPenske勢が圧倒的な強さを見せている気がします。英紀も９位からのスタート。初日の予選に通過できているので、後はレースセットに専念できると思うので、レースは期待できそうですね。

Today was the Pole Day. The weather was great and I think it was a good day for the driver to qualify. The first 11 spots are decided now and it is no surprise to see the Ganassi, Penske, and AGR guys up front. My buddy Hideki also qualified 9th which I was happy to see. I'm sure he can focus on race set up now so I would think he should have a good race.

自分は今日もサーキットで交渉。既に週末に入ってしまったので、大きな動きはありませんが、リーグのスタッフを捕まえてなんとか話を固めれる様に頑張っています！！まだまだ、油断はできませんが来週の走行が開始する前には発表できる様に頑張りたいと思います！！

As for my self, since we are already in a week end, nothing is moving at the pace I want but I am trying to do every little think possible to speed up the process. I just hope we can sort the deal out before the practice session starts next week....

まだまだ決まらず・・・。

今日は午前中にずっと交渉を続けているスポンサーとのミーティング。スポンサーからのOKは出ているので後はチームとの話を決めるだけです。チームが予算のほとんどはカバーできていて、あと一歩と言う所です！ん〜あとちょっと〜って言う所で話が滞ってるので本当に悔しいです・・・。しかし、ここで諦めたらおしまい。明日もガレージで粘りまくって交渉してきます。

I had a meeting with our sponsor in the morning and everything went really well. We just need to work everything out with the team and the team is very very close on being able to put the whole deal together. However, I am really gutted not being able to strike this deal today since everything being so close. I am still confidant that things will be going to happen really soon and I just need to keep pushing hard on making things moving forward. I guess I was lucky to be born facing forward all the time, and not looking back because I would have given up many times if I even glanced at what happened to be where we are at now. Although it may not be ideal, I know we had made huge progress and I am sure things will pay off!!

今日も雨

今日も雨で走行は中止。急いでサーキットに行く必要はなかったので、午前中はジムでがっつりトレーニング。お昼にミーティングがあり、午後はガレージに行って引き続きチームとの交渉を続行。交渉と言っても、ずっとガレージにへばりついて“乗せろ〜”アピールを出すだけですが・・・！？！（笑）と言うのは嘘ですが、何よりもガレージにずっと居て他のどのドライバーよりも乗る気があるアピールを出しとかないといけないので、雨の中でも営業頑張ってます！！（笑）

Another rainy day here in Indy. There was no rush to get to the track this morning so I was at the gym in the morning and had a good work out. I had to do a quick lunch meeting and was off to the garage to talk to the team. The car is all ready to go and it's just matter of making sure we get all the finance taken care of which is obviously the most important part for the team. However, I am very confidant that we will have some kind of news by tomorrow afternoon or by the week end at the latest.

明日はいよいよ、スポンサーとのミーティング。その方向で色々と決まるので頑張らないと！！とにかく早く話を決めて車に乗る事だけに集中したいです・・・。

I will have a meeting with my sponsor tomorrow and will head back to the track in order to try to finalize all the details. I just hope we can get this sorted out quickly so I can just focus on driving the car and going fast!!

今日は雨で走行中止

昨日は疲れきってて、今朝は９時まで爆睡。２日振りにベッドで寝れたのでグッスリでした。午前中はホテルの向かいにあるジムに行ってトレーニング。お昼を食べてサーキットに入って早速交渉を続行。

I was so tired last night that I was knocked out until 9am this morning. I got up and went to the gym across the street from my hotel and had a good work out. I had a bagel sandwich for lunch and was at the track for rest of the afternoon.

今日の走行は雨で中止になってしまったので、ずっとガレージで何時でも乗れる様にスタンバイしてました！？！（笑）まだ、話は決まってませんがヘルメットの汚れを拭き取ったり、とりあえず何時でも乗れるよ〜って言うアピールをだしまくり！！後はスポンサーしだいです！！今の流れだとどちらにしても２週目からのプログラムになってしまいそうですが、全力で交渉を頑張ります！！

The session was cancelled today due to the rain and I had all day to walk around the garage area and to negotiate the deal for the race. I think we are making baby steps every day but I think I should have a clear direction by Friday. Unfortunately I am probably be going to have a 2nd week deal as like yesterday but I feel very confidant on being able to get the job done even with less track time! Keep wishing me luck guys!!

Indyに到着

インディアナポリスに到着しました。今日は天気も良くて暖かくて、走行にはベストな気候です。明日からは天気が崩れるみたいなので、沢山の車が走行をしていました。自分は早速チームのガレージに行って交渉開始。２日以内には方向が見えてくる様な気がします。

Just arrived to Indianapolis. The weather is nice out here and it's actually warm here in Indy. It's a perfect day to be testing and a lot of cars are out on the track. The weather is supposed to get bad tomorrow so I'm sure the team is doing a lot of testing done today. As I got to the garage, I went straight to the garage to negotiate with the teams. I think I should have a clear picture in two days in regards to my plans.

昨日は深夜のフライトで来たのであまり寝てなくて、今はかなり眠いです・・・。今日は早目にホテルに戻って、ベッドの上でユックリ寝たい所です。

Since I caught a red-eye flight out to here...I am pretty tired. I am looking forward to sleeping on the bed tonight...

これからIndy

今日は交渉でドタバタの一日。こんなに交渉で緊張する一日を送ったのは久しぶりです・・・。また円形脱毛症になりそう・・・。交渉はまだ続いていますが、ようやくトンネルの先から灯りが見えて来た状態です。まだまだ油断はできませんが、明日は現場に入って直談判ですね！！では、頑張りますので引き続き応援して下さいね！！

It was another tough day on the phone...!?! I much rather have a tough day in the car on track than on the phone waiting for a call or e-mail!! Well, I think things are finally moving to the right direction and I think I should know more details by mid week. I will have to keep pushing this deal in order to secure the seat and will be in Indy so I can physically work on this face to face!! Wish me luck guys...

LA帰宅。明日からインディー

さっきサンフランから帰ってきました。今日のレースは自分のドライバーは９位でゴール。スタートからポジションは落としてしまいましたが、エンジントラブルが後半戦に発生して、そんななかトップ１０でのゴールは立派。

Just got back from SF. My driver finished 9th today. He had some engine trouble at the end so to finish in top 10 under that circumstances were pretty good.

自分はレースが終わってからダッシュで飛行場に向かい早いフライトで戻ろうとしましたが、残念ながら間に合わずオリジナルのフライトから１時間あったので、その時間はミッチリお仕事。明日の夜にはインディアナポリスに出発するのでそれまでに色々と済ませないといけない仕事でいっぱいです・・・。

After the race, I rushed back to the airport trying to catch an earlier flight but I just missed the flight. I had 1hr at the airport so I took my computer out and got some work done to use the time most efficiently. I will be leaving to Indy tomorrow and will have a lot of things that I need to get done during the day.

いよいよインディアナポリスに乗り込みです。もうこの時期には話が決まってるかなと思っていたのに、色々とスポンサーの話が決まらず残念ながら今回もチームに直談判状態です・・・。でも、諦めず現場でしっかり交渉してなんとかシートゲットして＆少しでも良い結果を残せる体制で戦えるように頑張ります！！皆さんの茂木での応援を思い出すと、気合いが入ります！！ではでは、頑張りますのでいっぱい応援して下さいね！！

I can’t believe the Month of May is already starting. However, I am most disappointed that I am not able to secure a deal yet. Unfortunately the sponsor negotiations is still on going and will need to know real quickly in order to secure a seat. Having said all that, I have a great support from the fans and the management group that I am very confident that I will secure a seat in couple days. The are still a lot of things to sort out but after seeing all the cheering from the fans at Motegi, I really need to get in the car again for Indy and deliver the results that my fans are waiting for!! Wish me luck for the next couple of days and I will keep working hard at it!!

フェラーリチャレンジレース１

今日はフェラーリチャレンジのレース１が行われました。自分がコーチするドライバーは予選１０位。レースは７位でゴール！自分がコーチするようになってからのベストフィニッシュだったのでドライバーも大喜び！自分もやっと結果がではじめたと言う感じで一安心。明日はもう１レースあるのでトップ５狙いですね！？！（笑）

Today was a real busy day. We had a practice and qualifying session in the morning and the first race of the week end in the afternoon. My driver ended up qualifying 10th and finished the race 7th. It was his best finish since I started to coach him and I was happy to see him see the results that we were aiming for. Now we have to work on finishing in top 5 but I'm sure with right time and strategy!

しかし、レースやドライバーとのミーティングの合間を縫って５００の交渉を電話でしてかなりドタバタ・・・。もう明日からルーキーオリエンテーションの走行が始まりますからね。自分は月曜にフライトでインディー入りです！！

Well what kept me busy is making phone calls to talk about the 500 program in between all the times. I can't believe the Rookie Orientation is starting tomorrow and I will be flying to Indy on Monday to be ready to hop in the car anytime!!

フェラーリチャレンジ初日

今日はフェラーリチャレンジの練習走行初日。２月にテストに来ていたので自分のドライバーは今日はずっとトップ１０。このレベルのレースでも、事前テストがどれだけ大切で打っ付け本番がどれだけ大変だか改めて実感しました・・・。

Today was the first practice day for the Ferrari Challenge Race Weekend. Since we were here on Feb testing for two days, my driver did well right off the bat. It just shows how important it is to test even at this level of racing...obviously I was up for a huge challenge when I had to race in Motegi with just 50laps under my belt before the race!?!

でも、自分のドライバーはトップ５のタイムを出してニコニコ。気合いがかなり入ってるので、自分ももっとデータを解析して速く走れる様にコーチしないと。しかし、この仕事を初めて受け持ったのがちょうど１年前。その頃から比べると自分のドライバーはかなりレベルアップしてるので嬉しい事です！明日のレースはお客さんがいっぱいくるみたいので、ぜひぜひトップ１０に入ってもらいたいと思います！！

My driver was running top 5 this morning and ended the day in top 10. We certainly have improved over the races and I am really happy to see him closer to top of the chart sheet. We still have a little more work to do but I am happy to dedicate my time to look at the data and video to make him go faster!! Apparently, we are supposed to have a few guests coming tomorrow so we would definitely need a good top 10 finish again!!

ソノマに到着

さっきやっとソノマに到着しました。今週末はフェラーリチャレンジのレースでお仕事です。自分のレースも同時進行で交渉を続けないといけない状態なので大変です・・・。

I just arrived to Sonoma. I will be working for my Ferrari Challenge driver this week end for the 3rd round of the series. I will have to keep my negotiations moving forward for the 500 so I am going to be pretty busy this week end!?!

本当は夕飯を食べてから飛行場に向かおうと思っていたのですが、色々とドタバタしていてご飯は食べれず・・・。仕方ないので飛行場でサラダを食べて飛行機に乗り込み、さっきホテルに到着。もう１１時なのでそろそろ寝ないと。

I was planning to have a dinner on the way to the airport but I was so busy that I was not able to stop for food. I grabbed a salad at the airport and caught my flight. Here I am at the hotel and ready to hit the bed... It's already 11pm so after couple of e-mails...I should hit the bed!!

もう５月！？！

気がついたらもう５月！？！時間が経つのはメチャ早いな〜〜・・・。今日はずっと止まらない咳が心配なので、病院に行って軽く検査。もしかしたら、花粉症のせいでは・・・とかなりいい加減な判断をくだされましたが、あまりふかいりせずに咳止めの薬をもらって帰ってきました。

I can't believe it's already May. Time just keeps flying by when you need more time... Since I keep coughing, I went to the doctor to get a check up. He couldn't find anything major and thinks it may have to do with the allergies... I'm not sure if that's the cause but I was happy to just get a prescription for the medicine and head home so I can get back working.

家に戻ってからはず〜〜っと５００の交渉でデンワ。喉がかれる勢いです・・・。早く決めないと今週末から走行開始ですからね。ん〜早く決めて乗りたい〜〜って思うくらいムズムズしてます・・・。

When I got home...I was on the phone all day to work the 500 deal. We are not quite there yet and I must say I am a bit frustrated about this especially if the car is going to start running this week end. I better get on it and work 24/7 to get this deal wrapped up!!