Tsugio Matsuda

Tsugio Matsuda, born on June 18, 1979, in Kuwana, Mie, Japan, is a highly accomplished and respected professional racing driver. Known for his versatility and success in various racing disciplines, Matsuda has become a prominent figure in Japanese motorsport. He currently competes for Nissan and Kondo Racing in the Super GT Series and serves as a team ambassador for KCMG in the Super Formula Championship.

Matsuda's career began in karting in 1993, where he quickly demonstrated his talent, winning the 1996 CIK/FIA Asia-Pacific Championship ICA Class. He graduated from the Suzuka Racing School Formula (SRS-F) in 1997 and stepped up to the All-Japan Formula Three Championship in 1998. His success continued in Formula Nippon (now Super Formula), where he claimed back-to-back series titles in 2007 and 2008 with Team Impul.

Matsuda is most celebrated for his achievements in the Super GT Series. He holds the record for the most wins in the GT500 class and secured two GT500 class championships in 2014 and 2015 partnering with Ronnie Quintarelli, driving for the NISMO team. Beyond domestic racing, Matsuda has represented Nissan in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Intercontinental GT Challenge, even participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His contributions extend beyond driving, as he has also assisted in the development of the Z Proto's instrument panel, lending his expertise to enhance the racing flavor of the vehicle.