KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) have today confirmed a three-car line-up for their Blancpain GT Series Asia 2018 assault. Apart from the two Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 entries that they have announced in March, the Hong Kong-based outfit will once again field their Audi R8 LMS in the Am/Am category, piloted by Japanese gentlemen drivers Naoto Takeda and Takuya Shirasaka.
KCMG also reveals its new purple livery designed exclusively for the #45 Audi R8 LMS GT3 which will be shared by the Japanese duo. This year, Takeda and Shirasaka will participate in the full season of Blancpain GT Series Asia after wrapping up 2017 in the top four of the overall Am/Am Drivers classification. Prior racing in the Asian series, Takeda competed in the 2016 Motul Sepang 12 Hours, while Shirasaka has raced an array of GT3 machinery in Super GT’s GT300 class since 2013.
Naoto Takeda: “I am really happy to re-join KCMG for Blancpain GT Series in 2018. We had a quite challenging season in 2017, especially during the Fuji round. Personally, I’ve gained a lot of learning and been training more both physically and mentally during this off-season for the upcoming challenge. I’m ready and confident that we will have a good result. More so, very happy to once again share driving duties with Shirasaka-san – who not only has good driving skills but has been a fantastic co-driver and team player. We’re all looking forward to the opening event at Sepang, so see you all soon!’
Takuya Shirasaka: “Delighted that I’ll be back to work together with Takeda san and KCMG for Blancpain GT Series Asia this year. This championship has been significant to me as it brought up my level and skill as a driver. It’s such a great opportunity to be part of a highly-competitive grid and to race alongside these drivers from all over the world. I’m looking forward to be back in the car and will push hard to fight for the championship title with the entire team!”
