LEXINGTON, Ohio -- One one side of Takuma Sato's helmet in script is "Sao Paulo 001" and on the reverse side is "Mid-Ohio 100." Down the middle are outlines of various tracks where Sato has competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series -- with a star in Long Beach to commemorate his 2013 victory in the venerable street course race.
The AJ Foyt Racing driver from Tokyo designed the helmet to mark his 100th Verizon IndyCar Series start this weekend in the Honda Indy 100 at Mid-Ohio. His first start came at Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2010.
The race helmet and a companion he used for practice and qualifying in the No. 14 ABC Supply Honda will be auctioned to benefit his charity, With you Japan, which raises funds to assist children in Japan who are still recovering from the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in 2011. Visit www.takumasato.com in the coming weeks for details.
Twenty-seven members of Sato's fan club who made the trip from Japan to Mid-Ohio for the race weekend enjoyed dinner with the driver Aug. 1 that included some of his favorite dishes: flank steak, "Sato" pork chops and Key lime pie. Many of the fans were wearing their own commemorative 100th race hats.
Sato's most ardent and first fan -- his mother Akiko -- also took in the race weekend.
"When I go to the races, I go not only as a mother but as one of Taku's fans," she said through an interpreter. "I'm happy he continues to pursue his dreams. He had a very strong wish for racing and worked very hard to get where he is today."
Said Sato: "I just appreciate many things, especially the people who helped me to get where I am today. It is wonderful to be able to keep doing what you want, so the 100th race will be a great memory but it's just a milestone so I will keep on going."
Galloway loves watching INDYCAR
Former Ohio State University and NFL wide receiver Joey Galloway was the grand marshal.
"I’m so impressed with what (Verizon IndyCar Series drivers do) and how they do it and the fact that they can get those cars to go that fast for that long," said Galloway, who got his own taste of speed in an INDYCAR Racing Experience two-seater. "I love watching it.”
John Mandel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., was the honorary starter. Also attending the race was American Honda president and CEO Takuji Tamada.
Of note
Sunoco Rookie of the Year candidate Sage Karam, a native of Nazareth, Pa., will participate in a demonstration Aug. 5 at the new Lehigh Valley Health Network’s One City Center training and rehabilitation center in Nazareth. … Two Verizon IndyCar Series show cars will be featured at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) conference from Aug. 9-13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. … Aug. 3 is 300 days until the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. ... Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver James Jakes meets with members of the Jakesy Nation (below) at Mid-Ohio. The loose-knit fan club had its first conference while camping at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 2012. Jakes celebrates his 28th birthday on Aug. 4.
