Hiroshi Fushida

Hiroshi Fushida (10 March 1946 - Present): Japanese racing driver who became the first Japanese driver to enter a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix and the first to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Made history by entering two Formula One Grands Prix in 1975 with the Japanese Maki team, though never successfully qualified or started a race. Attempted to compete at the 1975 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, driving the Maki F101C updated chassis with sponsorship from Citizen Watches. Suffered a blown engine during practice at Zandvoort that prevented him from starting the race, his Formula One debut ending before the green flag.

Made his second and final Formula One attempt at the 1975 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, again driving the Maki F101C. Failed to qualify for the British Grand Prix, unable to match the pace required to make the 26-car grid cutoff. Was replaced at Maki by British driver Tony Trimmer following his two unsuccessful Formula One attempts, never again entering a Formula One race. Despite his Formula One disappointments, achieved extraordinary success in Japanese domestic motorsport across three decades.

Won the Fuji 1000km endurance race four times (1968, 1969, 1971, and 1979), dominating Japan's premier sports car event. Claimed victory at the Suzuka 1000km twice (1968 and 1971), establishing himself as one of Japan's greatest endurance racing drivers. Made history in 1973 as the first Japanese driver to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, partnering with Tetsu Ikuzawa in a Mazda 12A-powered Sigma MC73. His Le Mans appearance represented a significant milestone for Japanese motorsport, paving the way for future Japanese participation in international endurance racing.

Also competed in American racing series, demonstrating his versatility across different racing disciplines and continents. His four Fuji 1000km victories and two Suzuka 1000km wins established him as one of Japan's most successful sports car drivers during the 1970s. Though his Formula One career consisted of two failed qualification attempts, Fushida's pioneering role as Japan's first F1 entrant and first Le Mans competitor secured his place in Japanese motorsport history. Remained active in Japanese motorsport for decades, mentoring younger drivers and promoting international racing participation.