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2008.06.15 (Local Time)
Unfortunately must retire due to a breakdown
2008.06.14 (Local Time)
76th “24 Heures
du Mans” RACE START
2008.06.13 (Local Time)
2008.06.12 (Local Time)
2nd qualifying practice session “24 Heures du Mans”
2008.06.11 (Local Time)
1st qualifying practice session “24 Heures du Mans”
2008.06.10 (Local Time)
Successfully passed sporting check and scrutineering
2008.06.09 (Local Time)
Final sporting checks and scrutineering adjustments
2008.06.08 (Local Time)
Team morale has been boosted up
2008.06.06 (Local Time)
Scenes from the team before the Le Mans Week
2008.06.05 (Local Time)
Test runs at the Circuit Bugatti
2008.06.04 (Local Time)
Ancient building and streets of Le Mans
2008.06.03 (Local Time)
Preparation toward the race
2008.06.01 (Local Time)
June 1, 2008
2008.05.31(Local Time)
May 31, 2008
2008.05.30 (Local Time)
May 30, 2008
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 Unfortunately must retire due to a breakdown
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On June 15 (Sun) at 8:48 (local time), sudden misfortune struck the TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER. When the vehicle was running its 186th lap and while passing through the “Virage de Mulsanne” (point 76) located at the east side of the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, the car stalled. Although the driver Haruki Kurosawa tried to restart the vehicle, the gear did not engage even though the engine worked perfectly. This made it impossible for our vehicle to continue the race, which lead to the team’s official retirement from the race. It seems that the main cause was a breakdown of a transmission part. We will conduct a detailed research and take the vehicle apart later to find out the exact cause.
It is very disappointing that we finished our challenge 18 hours into the race as the first university team to participate in this “24 Heures du Mans.” We felt so close to the finish line; however, this will be a great experience to all students who participated in this project and hopefully they will take and apply this experience to their futures.
Finally, thank you all very much for supporting “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER.”
Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
“It is just so very disappointing that we had to retire. The condition of the engine was perfect; it seems that a combination of the engine and drive-line did not match well. Participation in this race has been a great experience and we hope to apply it into our future research projects.”
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76th “24 Heures du Mans” RACE START
“TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” (No. 22) |
2008.06.15(Local Time)
-7:00 (approximately 16 hours since the race started)-
It is 7 am, sprinkling; 16 degrees C. It has already been sixteen hours since the race started. TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER ran through a long but at the same time, ‘short’ night. Unfortunately, because of thick clouds, team members could not witness the sunrise in Le Mans.
Despite our vehicle spinning due to the wet road, we are still competing and increasing the total number of laps. At 5:55, the vehicle stopped at the pit for changing its tires and refueling. Also, at 6:48, the vehicle came back to change for drivers (from Toshio Suzuki to Masami Kageyama).
■As of 7:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
38/41
vehicles |
164 |
Masami Kageyama |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi,
“TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” Team Director:
“The various countermeasures taken have been effective and the vehicle is performing well. It is surprising to find out that the condition of our car is stable even in the rain and using rain tires. We hope to raise the speed once the weather recovers.”
◆Comment by Yusuke Sakamoto, Project Leader, 2nd year Engineering graduate student:
“I am very surprised that our vehicle is still running 16 hours later, although we experienced some problems. However, this is the time when something unexpected can happen so I want to work carefully in my role as leader.”
2008.06.15(Local Time)
-5:00 (approximately 14 hours since the race started)-
It is 5am, drizzling; 15 degrees C. It has already been fourteen hours since the race started and TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER is about to witness the sunrise in Le Mans.
At 4:10, drivers changed from Haruki Kurosawa to Toshio Suzuki and left the pit after changing the tires and refueling. However, rain started to fall down suddenly at 4:15. Similarly to other teams, TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER’s vehicle came back to the pit at 4:23 and changed to rain tires. However, approximately ten minutes later at 4:30, the vehicle came back to the pit due to rear wheel braking system trouble. At 5:07, after repairing it for 30 minutes, the vehicle left the pit to increase the number of laps.
■As of 5:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
41/44
vehicles |
141 |
Toshio Suzuki |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi,
“TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” Team Director:
“We had a brake system trouble; however, we were able to solve it and clear all concerns. No problem has occurred to the engine even after fourteen hours of running. We will select appropriate tires depending on the road conditions.”
2008.06.15(Local Time)
-3:00 (approximately 12 hours since the race started)-
It is 3:00, clear skies; 16 degrees C. It is about twelve hours since the race started and now tiredness can be seen on both drivers and team members.
The oil leak caused by damage on the left rear wheel’s braking system has been completely fixed by our mechanics and the vehicle left the pit at 1:15. Drivers changed during this pit stop from Masami Kageyama to Haruki Kurosawa. The vehicle came back to the pit for refueling at 1:56 and for air bleeding due to another minor braking system trouble at 2:30. Currently, team members are working hard to repair it.
■As of 3:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
43/49
vehicles |
127 |
Haruki Kurosawa |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi,
“TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” Team Director:
“We’ve run twelve hours at last. We experienced small braking system problems; however, we overcame that hurdle too. Our engine and transmission are working just fine. Students have been keeping up their spirits and good work. Sometimes they look surprised at irregular happenings, but they are happily working while the vehicle keeps running steadily…”
2008.06.15(Local Time)
-1:00 (approximately 10 hours since the race started)-
It is now June 15 (Sun) at 1am, clear skies; 17 degrees C. It is a bit over ten hours since the race started and the race has entered into its middle stage. At 0:10, ‘safety car period’ was called to recover a stranded vehicle from “Team Oreca Matmut” which crashed at the Porsche curve. Therefore, many teams’ vehicles came back to their pits for maintenance and adjustments. TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER vehicle also came back at 0:19. The team members were repairing an oil leak due to braking system damage on left rear wheel and conducting prevention work by air bleeding it.
■As of 1:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
42/49
vehicles |
109 |
Masami Kageyama |
◆Comment by Masami Kageyama, driver:
“The vehicle had a minor trouble on its braking system. However, it was small enough that I was able to come back to the pit and the crew found its cause and began repairing it right away…”
2008.06.14(Local Time)
-23:00 (approximately 8 hours since the race started)-
It is now 23:00, clear skies; 19 degrees C. It is a bit over eight hours since the race started at the Sarthe Circuit (Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans) and the race has entered into its night session.
The TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER vehicle had a thorough check of its braking system from 21:05 until 21:45, during which period, the driver changed from Haruki Kurosawa to Toshio Suzuki. At 22:25, the vehicle came back again to change drivers from Suzuki to Kageyama, and also for tire change and refueling.
■As of 23:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
| 44 |
90 |
Masami Kageyama |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
“We conducted a detailed braking system check from 21:05 and also air bleeding as a precautionary measure. Number of laps per hours is more than we planned before the race…”
◆Comment by Yugo Eto, Chief Engineer, 2nd year Engineering graduate student:
We have no major trouble on our vehicle so far and have been able to increase the number of laps at a faster speed than planned. Having 2/3 of the race left, we hope to make most use of our precious time given and do our very best…”
2008.06.14(Local Time)
-21:15 (approximately 6 hours since the race started)-
It is now 21:15, sunny; 19 degrees C. It has been approximately six hours since the race started and the sun is now starting to set, turning the sky red.
TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER vehicle was back at the pit at 19:22 to change drivers (from Masami Kageyama to Haruki Kurosawa), also for tire change and refueling. The vehicle stopped again twice at the pit at 20:09 and 20:51 for refueling. At 21:05, the vehicle came back again for driver change, braking system check and tire change.
Since the vehicle has been running steadily, student team members are taking their meals at the pit area.
■As of 21:15
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
| 45 |
74 |
Haruki Kurosawa |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
“The vehicle is running successfully. Pit stop at the moment is to check braking system to ensure safety…”
2008.06.14(Local Time)
-19:00 (approximately 4 hours since the race started)-
It is now 19:00 sunny; temperature; 21degrees C. It has been approximately four hours since the race started, the sun does not seem to be setting just yet. TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER team was back at the pit at 17:53 and changed the driver from Toshio Suzuki to Masami Kageyama. The vehicle stopped at the pit again at 18:42 for refueling.
With experience from the test day and qualifying practice sessions, student team members have been able to conduct each of their pit work roles calmly.
The vehicle is still in excellent condition, increasing the number of laps to catch up to the time we lost with the long pit stop.
■As of 19:00
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
| 47 |
45 |
Masami Kageyama |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
“We are running with an excellent vehicle condition and will probably reach our scheduled lap within this stint…”
2008.06.14(Local Time)
-17:15 (approximately 2 hours since the race started)-
It is now 17:15 (local time), sunny; temperature, 23degrees C. It has now been approximately two hours since the race started. TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER team was back at the pit at 15:49 to check the electrical system around its engine. The vehicle left the pit at 16:21 after changing tires and confirming everything is fine. We are currently at 53rd place since our vehicle came back to the pit once more. Driver changed from Haruki Kurosawa to Toshio Suzuki at 17:10 after another tire change and refueling.
■As of 17:15
| Place |
No. of Laps |
Driver |
| 53 |
21 |
Toshio Suzuki |
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
We are steadily running with no problems and being able to run approximately at same lap speed as our best lap, 3 minutes 53 seconds, marked during the qualifying practice session. We will do our best to catch up to the time we lost with the pit stop…
2008.06.14(Local Time)
Race finally begins at 15:00
On June 14 (Sat) at 15:00 (local time), the first ever participation by a university team at the “24 Heures du Mans” finally made its debut. With the crowd cheering, TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER started out from the final grid with Haruki Kurosawa as the driver. Finishing the 1st lap, we marked 4 minutes 41 seconds 120.
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
(Feeling before the race)
There were many steps to clear to reach this final stage. Our vehicle ran at a very high speed during warm-up this morning. With the vehicle’s current excellent condition, we can expect for a good result with no trouble…
◆Comment by Yusuke Sakamoto, Project Leader, 2nd year Engineering graduate student:
(Feeling before the race)
We are finally here!! I trembled with excitement when I heard the Japanese national anthem. We are here now because of all the support we received from many people… |
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2nd qualifying practice session “24 Heures du Mans”
“TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” (No. 22) qualifies to race
Placed 41st overall |
2008.06.12(Local Time)
On June 12 (Thurs), the 2nd qualifying practice session, divided into two parts, was held at the Sarthe Circuit (Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans). Just as the previous night, the first session was from 19:00 until 21:00 and the second session was from 22:00 until 24:00 (local time).
For the first session, the starting driver was Haruki Kurosawa, second was Toshio Suzuki and the last driver was Masami Kageyama. For the second session, Kurosawa started again, followed by Kageyama and the last driver was Suzuki.
The red flag went up two times during the first session disrupting our team in reaching its scheduled laps. The second session started at 21:45, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Final results of the qualifying practice session were: 57 laps in total with a best lap of 3’53”143 recorded on June 11th; thus finishing the two nights of qualifying practices at 41st place overall.
2008.06.13(Local Time)
On June 13, A.C.O. (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) announced that 55 cars had qualified to officially participate at the “24 Heures du Mans” scheduled for this weekend (June 14 & 15). As a result, our team will be indeed able to participate as a first-time challenger in this legendary race.
When the students heard the good news about their achievement after the final practice session, they felt happy but at the same time relieved from their fatigue, which came as a consequence of the many hard days devoted to this project and specifically to this vehicle. It is a dream come true to have a team of university students, make it into the final race which has been everyone’s earnest desire since this Le Mans Project started eight years ago.
2008.06.13(Local Time)
On June 13 (Fri), the “Drivers’ Parade” will be held from 18:00 to 19:00 around “Place des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza)” in the center city of Le Mans.
◆Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, “TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER” Team Director:
We were able to clarify issues each time during test day, scrutineering and qualifying practice sessions 1 & 2, and continue to move forward step by step. We do not possess a huge budget for this project because we are a university team; however, we were still committed to running as well as possible while lessening the burden on the vehicle during “time attacks” at each qualifying practice sessions. It was a great achievement to find out our vehicle is capable of making laps at consistent speeds during nighttime drive conditions. Our tactic for the “24 Heures du Mans” is to scientifically control the way of running leading to our initial goals with a minimum run. Our biggest aim is to make it through the finish line. With the current vehicle conditions, I believe that is well within our capacity.
◆Comment by Yusuke Sakamoto, Project Leader, 2nd year Engineering graduate student:
Qualifying practice sessions total eight hours and it is a vast improvement for our team that we were able to run the vehicle for all those sessions (8 hours). Competing time at “24 Heures du Mans” is three times longer than the qualifying practice runs, thus we hope to run steadily stint by stint (1 stint is 50-60 min.) and complete this race.
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| 1st qualifying practice session “24 Heures du Mans” |
2008.06.11(Local Time)
On June 11th, the 1st qualifying practice session started at 19:00. These practice sessions will be held over two days. The first session is from 19:00 to 21:00 and the second session is from 22:00 to 24:00, competing for the fastest lap.
Student team members adjusted parts that were pointed out at the scrutineering on June 10th and prepared in earnest for this qualifying session.
At the end of the day, “TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” marked its lap time at 3 minutes 53 seconds 143 and finished the first night of the qualifying practice at 38th place overall.
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| Successfully passed sporting check and scrutineering |
2008.06.10(Local Time)
Today, public scrutineering, a main event during race week, was held at “Places des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza).” When our well-taken care race car arrived at the plaza, many people surrounded it immediately and watched in earnest while taking pictures; thus confirming that our students’ efforts have resulted in a top quality machine not only technologically but visually too.
At the actual scrutineering, size and various parts of vehicle were carefully and strictly checked but we passed successfully. Organization officials encouraged the team by saying “All the mechanical aspects have been built very well. We hope for this student team to do fine at the race.”
Team members came back to the pit and adjusted the lap counter which had a minor communication instability as pointed out during the scrutineering stage. They also re-checked other parts while making further preparations for tomorrow.
On June 11th and 12th, the “Qualifying Practice Sessions of 24 Heures du Mans 2008” will be held.
“We have been moving forward step by step. I’m looking forward to our students’ great performance tomorrow” said, Team Director, Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi.
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| Final sporting checks and scrutineering adjustments |
2008.06.09(Local Time)
On June 9th, team members conducted their final sporting checks and scrutineering adjustments for June 10th. All team members, including the 19 students that just came in the second and last batch, checked out the race course and participated in the vehicle adjustments. Actual activities included: making adjustments to the shift system and control program. Also, team members polished various parts of the vehicle in preparation for the follow-up public scrutineering scheduled for tomorrow at “Place des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza).”
In the evening, team members practiced pit activities such as refueling and rapid tire exchanges. For the end of the day, an all-staff meeting was held.
Finally the time has come. Today seemed like the start of the Le Mans week!
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| Team morale has been boosted up |
2008.06.08(Local Time)
On June 7th, team members had their first day off since they arrived into France. Students spent their time in their own ways such as walking around the city of Le Mans. This day off was very refreshing for all team members as they were able to recharge their energies in order to handle the upcoming busy schedule towards race day.
On June 8th, team members made more adjustments on the drive system and the electrical system prior to the “Checks and Scrutineering” stage on the 10th. Improvements have been made on the shift system, which has been a small issue since last weekend. Also, test runs were held in the evening.
The second and last batch of team members, which included 19 students, arrived on Sunday night raising the team morale towards the Le Mans week starting tomorrow.
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| Scenes from the team before the Le Mans Week |
2008.06.06(Local Time)
Today team members continued to work mainly on adjusting the shift system at the pit, which has been a small issue since yesterday.
Prior to the test run yesterday, a youth soccer team from Moscow, Russia visited several racing teams’ pit areas and enthusiastically checked out racing cars which will participate at the race. Naturally they stopped by our pit as well.
Today, we would like to introduce “TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” team facilities. A “Hospitality” area has been set up behind the paddock where meals for students as well as the rest of the supporting staff are served to quench their thirst and fill their empty stomachs.
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| Test runs at the Circuit Bugatti |
2008.06.05(Local Time)
Test runs were held today from 14:00 to 18:00 at the Circuit Bugatti.* Driver, Mr. Haruki Kurosawa made 49 laps and team members practiced tire changes and refueling when the vehicle was at the pit. These test runs enabled the team to test practical movements and were a good chance for them to check new engine and each parts of vehicle to increase maturity. After the test run, solutions for flaw occurred to its shift system were considered.
*Circuit Bugatti is a permanent circuit with one-lap of 4.18km. When at “24 Heures du Mans,” combination of this Circuit Bugatti and public road will be the “Circuit des 24 Herures du Mans” with total of 13.629km, so called “Sarthe Circuit.”
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| Ancient building and streets of Le Mans |
2008.06.04(Local Time)
Team members of TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER continuously worked on maintenance and improvement of vehicle getting ready for the race. They also checked electrical system around cockpit and sign board operation at sign guard box. Operation check of new engine that was changed yesterday was their last activity for today.
Let us introduce the city of Le Mans, today. Center of the city is located approximately 30 minutes away by car from the circuit. “Place des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza)” will be the main location of the “Drivers’ Parade” scheduled to be held on June 13th (Fri). On the day of the parade, the Place des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza) will be filled with numerous fans to see drivers and asking them for their autographs. Place des Jacobins (Jacobins Plaza) is surrounded by old city area where you can see many ancient buildings and streets.
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| Preparation toward the race |
2008.06.03(Local Time)
At the pit of TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER, maintenance of vehicle has been conducted throughout all day yesterday and today.
Today, students worked as a center role when making improvements of aerodynamics characteristics and connection of wiring, and loading of irrigation system. Also, transhipment of new engine was held which means preparation for the “24 Heures du Mans” have already started.
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| June 1, 2008 |
2008.06.01(Local Time)
Test run for all participating teams was held today. First test session was from 9:00 to 13:00 and second test session was from 14:00 to 18:00.
Due to the unpredictable weather here in Le Mans, especially because of the sudden rain, many vehicle slipped causing “Red Flag (temporary suspension of the race)” for several times.
As a consequence of its long length of the course, there are some areas that are raining and some are not. Hence, constant monitoring of the weather at the pit was fundamental.
Under these conditions, TOKAI UNIV.YGK POWER was able to cover all the programs that were scheduled and at the end of the day, the vehicle ran 35 laps (477.015 km) in total.
「Comment by Yoshimasa Hayashi, Team Director」
“Today’s test sessions were productive and significant being able to run laps continuously. We were also able to complete the test for rain tires since it rained. In the later afternoon, we planned to conduct high-speed running, however, we prioritized the safety. Currently, we have no apprehensive aspect and our vehicle has been stable.
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| May 31, 2008 |
2008.05.31(Local Time)
On May 31 (Sat), Sporting check and scrutineering was held for tomorrow’s “Test Day” at the “Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.” Vehicle for “TOKAI UNIV. YGK POWER” passed the check.
While waiting for the check, many fans surrounded the vehicle and they were all fascinated that university team is participating for the first time in “24 Heures du Mans” history.
At 16:00, drivers’ and team managers’ briefing was held explaining about precautions during the race. After the briefing, the team continued to prepare for the next day adjusting seat pad for drivers etc.
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| May 30, 2008 |
2008.05.30(Local Time)
On May 30th (Fri), 10 days after the team members arrived at Le Mans, they conducted vehicle preparation and maintenance at the pit No. 30 for the first time before this race.
Other participating teams also started their preparation at their pits and access restriction for area/facilities has started.
It seems that full preparatory operation has been started here at the “Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.”
Yusuke Sakamoto, a student project leader, “After our vehicle arrived to Le Mans safely, we have been conducting maintenance after maintenance and many test runs. Student who arrived earlier has been united and putting all of our efforts. There are some students who experiences a race for the first time but we will do our best not being crushed by pressure,” with hope and his eyes on the first hurdle, “Test Day” on June 1st (Sun).
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