On March 4, 2025, at Nagoya Keirin Stadium, Hiroki Fukaya, aged 35 from Shizuoka, clinched victory at the G3 Kinshachi Hai Championship, marking his 23rd overall win at this level and duplicative success following his triumph in Shizuoka just last month.
The competitive final race was held as the ultimate event of the G3 Kinshachi Hai Championship, part of the celebration for Nagoya's 75th anniversary of Keirin, where Fukaya showcased remarkable skill and strategy. Fukaya rode confidently, moving up strategically from fourth position along with Hiroki Gunji, who initially took the lead.
The race saw Fukaya break from Gunji’s draft at the perfect moment, making his move as they approached the final corner, before speeding past Gunji to take the lead. The configuration of the final placements included Gunji finishing second. Third place was secured by Nobuyuki Tosaka, completing the local stable's dominance over the event.
After the race, Fukaya expressed his satisfaction: "I was able to run with good tension at venues where it's exciting to compete, like Shizuoka and Toyohashi, and I was able to work well with my local Aichi competitors. I felt well-prepared having followed Gunji on the first day." He reflected on the nostalgia and adrenaline of competing against familiar rivals, hinting at how the local atmosphere motivated his performance.
Fukaya also highlighted the intense preparation and mental focus leading to this win, stating, "I had time to think about my own approach as the speed of the race increased, which helped me remain calm." This victory not only reinforces his status as one of the leading competitors but also boosts morale within the local supporters.
Fans met the news of Fukaya's second memorial victory of the year with excitement and cheers, anticipating his next race at the F1 round 'Sports Hochi Shimbun Cup,' which starts on March 10. He encouraged local fans, saying, "I want to be acknowledged as one of the local favorites, and I look forward to pushing myself even harder for the Derby coming up next month." Fukaya's positive outlook shared his determination to continue improving and achieving success.
The day also witnessed noteworthy payouts, where the three-way exacta result paid out 431,570 yen, though deemed 397th popular. The historical payout record for keirin remains with Nara Keirin's impressive 4,760,700 yen on September 21, 2006. This adds to the legacy of excitement surrounding Keirin racing.
The success of Fukaya in the G3 Kinshachi Hai Championship has not just been about individual glory, but rather it embodies the competitive spirit and camaraderie shared among local riders. Hiroki Gunji and others have played significant roles, making the local racing scene thrilling.
The upcoming events, especially the April Derby, promise to deliver more excitement for racing fans, setting the stage for top athletes like Fukaya to once again shine. The goal to perform well and make the local community proud resonates strongly as Fukaya looks toward future races.
With Fukaya’s victory and his heartfelt connection to local fans, it’s clear he is someone worth watching closely as the season progresses. His combination of skill, local support, and determination paints a bright picture for the remainder of the racing calendar.
The Keirin racing community eagerly awaits Fukaya's next moves and the performances from all riders slated for future competitions, ensuring the thrill of the chase remains alive and well.