Akihiko Nakaya


Akihiko Nakaya is a successful racing driver in the Japanese Touring Car Championship and F3000, as well as regular presenter on the Japanese motoring show Best Motoring. Nakaya offered a distinctively analytical approach to reviewing cars on the show, providing detailed analyses of various vehicle components and explaining certain driving styles that were best suited to their characteristics. He was a regular driver of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions during Best Motoring races involving the I, II, III, IV, V, VI, Makinen editions, VII, and VIII of the car, often recording lap times significantly quicker than other drivers of the same vehicle.
Nakaya's name was applied to a special preface-build of the Mitsubishi FTO – the Nakaya-Tune FTO, which appeared in 1997.
Nakaya was considered for a Formula One ride with Brabham in 1992, but the FIA would not grant him a superlicense on the grounds that Japanese F3000 was not considered a stepping stone to F1. The ride eventually went to Giovanna Amati, who was more known for her wealth than talent.

Career results

Complete World Touring Car Championship results

YearTeamCar1234567891011DCPoints
1987 Ralliart AustraliaMitsubishi Starion TurboMNZJARDIJNURSPABNOSILBAT
ovr:5
cls:4		CLD
ovr:9
cls:5		WELNC0
1987 STP Mitsubishi RalliartMitsubishi Starion TurboFJI
ovr:10
cls:5		NC0

† Not eligible for series points

Complete Bathurst 1000 results