This year's SG Round 1, the 60th Boat Race Classic, is set to open on March 25, 2025, at Boat Race Wakasho in Fukuoka Prefecture. The excitement is palpable, especially following the pre-inspection held on March 24, 2025, where racers gathered to assess their machines ahead of this prestigious event.
Engines play a pivotal role in determining race outcomes, and the results of the engine draws can make or break a competitor's chances. Among the racers, Nishiyama Takahiro and Tsutsui Akihiro have emerged as noteworthy figures due to their contrasting fortunes in the engine lottery.
Nishiyama drew an exceptional engine, known for its winning capability, which has drawn praise from local analysts. One boilerplate from a local journalist remarked, "Nishiyama has drawn one of the top engines, the local 'Four Heavenly Kings' model, promising swift performance on the water." Nishiyama himself seemed optimistic despite suggesting, "Overall, the engine fits my style almost perfectly, but we'll see how it performs during the actual racing per the atmosphere at Wakasho."
On the other hand, Tsutsui found himself in a less fortunate position with the worst possible engine, one that had undergone extensive repairs and was still in a questionable state post-mishap. He shared his disappointment, saying, "The machine I have is subpar, and I truly wish I could have drawn better. It's tough to compete against high-performing engines with this handicap." His frankness offered a glimpse into the tough mental game competitors face when the luck of the draw plays a significant role in their fate.
The day of pre-inspection saw many racers and managers evaluating their machines—some were enthusiastic about their pairings, while others were visibly concerned. One of the standout pieces of machinery featured in the pre-inspection was machine number 11, predicted to perform outstandingly in the races to come. The owner of this engine, Wakabayashi Sho, commented, "The atmosphere seems quite good. But, it's quite heavy, so I'm hesitant on the prop. If I'm in boat number one, I will hit to balance it out." His words capture the mixed emotions swirling around engine performance and the strategies racers likely adopt while navigating uncertainties.
As the racers prepare both mentally and physically for the significant challenges ahead, it’s the contrasting fortunes of their engines that will unfold during the race. On the surface, the smooth and thrilling waves of Boat Race Wakasho hide the cut-throat competition that lies beneath, where milliseconds could define the events that will spark joy or despair.
This year's competition is not merely a contest of speed but culminates in a narrative built on anticipation, failure, and resilience. Each racer is acutely aware that the path to victory is laden with variable factors beyond their control, notably engine performance and the unpredictable nature of race day.
With race day just around the corner, the tension among the racers continues to build. There’s a prevailing hope that those who have drawn the high-performing engines will manage to leverage that advantage into a decisive victory. Conversely, the underdogs, laden with less-than-ideal machines, are set to forge their all-too-common path of resilience as they strive to navigate over obstacles not of their making.
This year’s SG Round will undoubtedly be a spectacle—a clash of fate and skill as racers go head-to-head in pursuit of glory. The 60th Boat Race Classic is shaping up to be an awe-inspiring event that will be steadfastly followed, both by the participants and the fanfare of enthusiasts ready to cheer for their favorites.
As March 25 arrives, many eyes will be fixed on Wakasho's waters, hoping not just for a fair race, but a memorable one where fortunes change and legends are made.
