KYOJO CUP 2026 Season Round 1

As the KYOJO CUP enters its ninth year, the 2026 season marks the second time that female drivers from here and around the world will compete in a junior-spec formula racing format. 

Last year's champion, Rio Shimono, who was the first winner in KYOJO's formula era, is facing tough competition from a mix of new and returning drivers on the grid. Rina Ito, a KYOJO legend who has been racing since the series began in 2017, is making her comeback to showcase her skills in the transition to formula racing. This is uncharted territory for a seasoned competitor like her.

The 2026 KYOJO season also introduces newcomers, including entrepreneur and racing team operator Ai Miura, who runs the AiWin team with support from its new sponsor, ReFa. Ai races alongside her teammate, Itsumo Shiraishi. Additionally, F1 Academy competitor Joanne Ciconte and karting driver Sara Matsui from its Discover Your Drive are joining the KYOJO grid this year, much to the excitement of fans from both the F1 Academy and KYOJO series.

Screengrab from KYOJO

The opening match of the 2026 season took place in the KYOJO home ground, Fuji Speedway. Sadly, Mako Hirakawa of the #4 NTT docomo Business ROOKIE KC-MG01 and Zhao Yun Chen of the #57 ATEAM Buzz Racing KC-MG01 were absent from the season opener, meaning only 18 drivers took part in the opener.

Riona Tomishita, driving the #39 TEAM OPTIMUS CERUMO - INGING KC-MG01, claimed victory in the season opener. Joanne Ciconte, representing nat team KCMG, made a strong debut in KYOJO, finishing in second place, while Aimi Saito of SCS TEAM TOM'S secured third, completing the first podium of the 2026 season.

The next race is on July 18-19, 2026, coinciding with the 6th and 7th rounds of the 2026 Super Formula season.

Let's Do The News! (May 11, 2026)

     

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The Philippine Senate has cited in contempt and detained a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel who attempted to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Earlier, a majority of senators aligned with Vice President Sara Duterte voted to oust Tito Sotto and replace him with Alan Peter Cayetano. Bato dela Rosa returned to the Upper House by surprise. Bato is placed under "protective custody" by the Senate following arrest threats from the ICC.

- Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team is ready to appear before the Senate, which will sit on the impeachment court. This follows the House of Representatives' vote today, May 11, which impeached the Vice President for the second time.

- Typhoon Caloy has maintained its strength and is moving northward while over the waters east of Eastern Visayas. In PAGASA's Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #8 today, May 11, the eye of the Tropical Depression was located 470 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gusts of up to 55 km/h, and is moving northward at 10 km/h.

- US President Donald Trump says Iran's response to US proposals to end the war is "totally unacceptable".

- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is delivering a speech in response to the ruling Labour Party's downfall in last week's elections.

- The Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster was unveiled, featuring the same 6.5L V12 hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive 1,080 PS of power. All 15 units were sold out before unveiling.

- The upcoming Ultraman Teo TV series casts Amane Kamiya as Emma Kazama, Noa Nakada as Kanna Izumi, Yu Uemura as Rintaro Hiura, Ryoma Morimoto as Wataru Tomabechi, and Yu Kobayashi as the voice of Alien Petit Pucchy.

- Adolescence scored four BAFTA TV Awards wins.

TTFN.

2026 NASCAR Cup Series - Go Bowling at The Glen

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series took place in New York's Watkins Glen for the Go Bowling at The Glen, the first road course action of this season.

From the green flag to the finish line, NASCAR's Watkins Glen race featured several memorable moments. William Byron was hit by Ryan Blaney, which triggered a chaotic situation at the bus stop. Additionally, there was a verbal clash between Bubba Wallace and Christopher Bell, not to mention a tent that ended up flying onto the racetrack. Don't worry, the blowing tent happened before the race started.

Screengrab from NASCAR

After intense moments in the first NASCAR road course action of the season, Shane Van Gisbergen wins the GoBowling at The Glen of the NASCAR Cup Series!

Next race is at Dover Motor Speedway for the NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE this May 17, 2026.

WRC 2026: Vodafone Rally de Portugal

The 2026 World Rally Championship continues with the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, where challenging road conditions have shifted the dynamics for the early-season frontrunners. Taking place in Matosinhos, Portugal, marks the first European gravel rally of the 2026 season, returning the WRC to one of its classic events. Across a total of 23 stages and 344.91 competitive kilometers, crews will encounter a demanding combination of soft surfaces, rough second passes, rocks, and ruts, with renowned stages including Arganil, Amarante, and Fafe.

Screengrab from WRC

Sebastien Ogier was leading the race but had to stop to change a punctured tire on SS22, Vieira do Minho 2. This pit stop caused him to drop from the lead to sixth place, allowing Thierry Neuville to take control of the competition. Neuville, driving for Hyundai Motorsport, entered the Wolf Power Stage with a 14.8-second advantage over Oliver Solberg and successfully completed the stage, securing a remarkable comeback victory on the challenging gravel roads of Portugal. Elfyn Evans completes the podium.

The next event is the FORUM8 Rally Japan this May 28-31, 2026.

2026 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Road To The Championship

Atlanta hosted the 2026 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship as part of the Road to the Championship series. Fans have gathered at the iconic Road Atlanta track to witness thrilling drifting moments from beginning to end.

Screengrab from Formula DRIFT

The finals featured a thrilling showdown between two RTR Mustang drifters: Vaughn Gittin Jr. and James Deane. Both drivers displayed their incredible drifting skills right up to the finish line. Ultimately, the winner, declared by unanimous decision, was Vaughn Gittin Jr., while Aurimas Bakchis secured the final podium spot in Atlanta.

Up next: Scorched at Orlando, Florida, this May 30, 2026.

NTT IndyCar Series 2026 - Sonsio Grand Prix

The season has come: INDYCAR is at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Before gearing up for the big event, the Indy 500, the drivers are getting prepared on the track's road course for the Sonsio Grand Prix.

Screengrab from IndyCar

Christian Lundgaard's 47-winless streak was snapped by winning this season's Sonsio Grand Prix in the Brickyard, beating the likes of David Malukas and Graham Rahal. After the race, Alex Palou remains in the lead with 237 points, 27 points ahead of Kyle Kirkwood. David Malukas is in third with 185 points.

With the Sonsio Grand Prix done, here it comes. The INDY 500 is this May 25th, 2026. Are you ready?

FIA WEC S14 - TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps

The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship featured an event at Spa, but it wasn’t the relaxing kind of Spa Day. Instead, it was a thrilling, high-speed experience during the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Drivers and teams dedicated a quarter of a day to navigating the challenges of this exhilarating race.

Screengrab by WEC

For the first time, BMW achieved a 1-2 victory in the Hypercar category against Ferrari, with the No. 20 BMW M Team WRT M Hybrid V8 taking first place and the No. 15 finishing in second. In the LMGT3 class, the No. 10 Garage 59 720S GT3 EVO secured its first win.

The next race is a significant one: the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking place on June 13-14, 2026.