Akinori Ogata, a long-time competitor in NASCAR’s National Series, has formed his own NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series organization ahead of the 2025 season, which will be known as Akinori Performance, in partnership with Kyowa Industrial.
The organization will field the No. 63 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro on a part-time basis in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025, beginning with the second race of the year at Atlanta Motor Speedway (February 22).
NASCAR Whelen Euro Series competitor Kenko Miura is slated to join the organization to compete in the three road course events for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, at Lime Rock Park (June 28), Watkins Glen International (August 8), and Charlotte’s ROVAL (October 3).
In addition to long-time partner KYOWA Industrial, Akinori Performance will also have additional sponsorship support from Mooneyes, YKK AP, and other partners to be announced at a later date.
“This is a huge opportunity for me, but this will be a huge challenge this season,” Ogata said of the opportunity. “I have a great Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and great help. I’m ready to fight all season.”
Ogata has recorded 15 starts over the last decade in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, debuting with Win-Tron Racing in 2014 at Phoenix Raceway. Several of Ogata’s Truck Series starts came with Mike Mittler, who the No. 63 pays homage to.
Further details regarding a schedule of events will be announced at a later date.
