Norihiko Katsuta

Norihiko Katsuta, born on November 17, 1968, is a seasoned rally driver from Japan, currently aged 56. He is an experienced competitor in the Japanese rally scene. Katsuta has demonstrated his skills in the JRC – Japanese Rally Championship, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 car, a vehicle he significantly helped develop. He has participated in 73 races, securing 23 wins and reaching the podium 50 times, reflecting a win percentage of 31.51% and a podium percentage of 68.49%.

Katsuta, also known by his nickname "Tarmac King", has an impressive record in the All Japan Rally Championship, winning a total of eight titles. He transferred from Subaru to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in 2021. He actively competes in rallies, demonstrated by his participation in the GR YARIS GR4 Rally, clinching the title with four consecutive wins in the second half of the season, and finishing second in the series in 2022.

Notably, Norihiko is the father of Takamoto Katsuta, a rising star in the World Rally Championship (WRC). In November 2024, both father and son competed in the same WRC event in Rally Japan, with Norihiko participating in the WRC2 class. Takamoto acknowledges his father's experience and ability, offering support while focusing on his own WRC campaign.