Japan’s Akinori Ogata will make his second-career NASCAR Xfinity Series start this weekend at Richmond Raceway in the No. 52 Jimmy Means Racing Chevrolet Camaro. Ogata will have sponsorship from Kyowa Eidemiller for the effort and he will sport a special white, red and green scheme celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary.
Ogata’s one previous NASCAR Xfinity Series start came in 2018, driving for MBM Motorsports in the No. 66 entry at Phoenix. Ogata started 33rd and finished 33rd in that race, completing 179 of the 200 laps.
The 48-year old driver has made a total of 12-career starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series ranks, including three starts this season. Ogata’s best finish in Truck Series competition was an 18th-place effort at New Hampshire in 2015.
The No. 52 Means entry has been piloted by a myriad of drivers in 2021, but their primary driver — when funding can be found — has been Gray Gaulding.
According to the team, they still have driver opportunities available for the upcoming events at the Charlotte Roval, Texas Motor Speedway, Kansas Speedway, Martinsville Speedway and Phoenix Raceway.
At this time we have driver opportunities in the @NASCAR_Xfinity Series available for Charlotte, Texas, Kansas, Martinsville & Phoenix. Drivers must have sponsorship in place. Serious Inquires only please. contact me at nw52jmr@gmail.com
— Jimmy Means Racing (@MeansRacing52) September 5, 2021
