“A new chapter for us”

The Sugawara saga continues on the Dakar. After the glorious years of legendary Yoshimaza who took part in 36 rallies reaching second spot five times (in 1994, 95, 98, 2001 and 2005), his second son dreamt of doing as well. But times have changed and it was hard to compete against the Kamaz and De Rooy squads. Named team director, Teruhito Sugawara has however continued the impressive Hino run of consistency on the Dakar. After first experiencing the rally as a navigator in his dad’s truck back in 1999, he was given far more responsibilities behind the steering wheel as of 2005. He has indeed only finished three times outside the top fifteen in 17 participations. After equalling his best ever performance by conquering a fine 6th spot in 2018, a new era started in 2022 for the Japanese factory team. Indeed Teruhito lined up alongside mechanic Yuji Mochizuki and navigator Hirokazu Somemiya in a brand new hybrid truck. Using a bonnet-type cab (like in 2020), the heavier Hino 600 Series truck (8600kgs) running on its very first hybrid racing system produced far more horse power but struggled with transmission problems. The Japanese crew eventually made it to the finish line but at a disappointing 22nd position. Sugawara returns with the same crew and can hope for a far better performance from his hybrid machine, especially with some of his main rivals out of the way.

T.S.: “I remember with perfect clarity that first Dakar in 1999 with my father. I didn't have any experience. Everything was a big surprise: the wide open spaces, the amazing dunes, the heavy impacts, the tense atmosphere. It was however so long. We managed to finish in fourth place overall and I still have in mind a stage between Zouerat and Tidjikja. It was one of the hardest stages in my life. We spent more than 13 hours just on one stage. My first Dakar as a driver (2011) was perfect and pleasant, with no punctures, a trouble-free machine and no navigation issues.
For the 2022 Dakar, the vehicle equipped with the hybrid system was developed over a period of about two years, and it was a project that was supported by many people. We were not able to meet their expectations due to the troubles that occurred, but all of the problems we encountered cannot be confirmed until the actual rally. I believe that this result will lead to the future. It was tough because we had never had so many problems before, but I think it was tough on the mechanics too. I would like to thank them again. The Dakar Rally, which is said to be the toughest in the world, will open a new chapter for us with the power to forge ahead, the power to never give up, and the power to unite.”