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Woman Spotlight Wednesday: Aimi Saito

Writer's picture: Ramiza DonlicRamiza Donlic

Written by Ramiza Donlic, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri


Aimi Saito (R) and her husband Sho Tsuboi (L) won both their respective races on the same day | Credit - Aimi Saito via X
Aimi Saito (R) and her husband Sho Tsuboi (L) won both their respective races on the same day | Credit - Aimi Saito via X

Women have played an influential role throughout the history of motor racing. Many have taken to the wheels of motorsport machines, while numerous figures have worked tirelessly on the sidelines in various roles, shaping the racing world to the present day. 


Woman Spotlight Wednesday aims to look at the tales of these superwomen, who have surpassed hurdles to reach where they are today.


This week, we shine the spotlight on Aimi Saito, a distinguished Japanese racing driver. She has made significant strides in motorsport, particularly in the Kyojo Cup series. 


Born on August 18 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Saito began her racing journey in 1999 with a third-place finish in her debut kart race. Over the years, she has built an impressive career, culminating in her first Kyojo Cup championship title in 2024.


Racing in her fifth season of the all-female Japanese series, Saito clinched the title with four wins and five podium finishes. 


The Kyojo Cup is a Japanese racing series started in 2017, where “women compete against each other on equal footing.”, similar to the F1 Academy, which follows the same aim. The series is staged around circuits located in Japan. 


 Credits: Aimi Saito on X 
 Credits: Aimi Saito on X 

Her early years were marked by consistent performances across karting competitions, leading to multiple victories and podium finishes. In 2024, Saito secured her first round with a narrow four-point lead over two-time champion Miki Onaga, the championship poised for an intense showdown. 


Aimi Saito's qualifying performances were impressive, consistently starting in the top six, with three pole positions serving as clear proof of her speed.


The season finale at Fuji Speedway was particularly dramatic, with Saito starting from pole position, but Onaga initially seized the lead. However, a lock-up at the first turn caused Onaga to drop out of the points contention, allowing Saito to regain and maintain her lead. 


Despite slight variations in pace compared to her competitors, Saito delivered exceptional performances when it mattered most, dominating the field and securing the title with a commanding 38.5-point lead.


Ayumu Nagai and Rio Shimono completed the podium, finishing second and third respectively. This win marked Saito's inaugural championship win.


 Credits: Driving Athlete
 Credits: Driving Athlete

Notably, the 2024 season was the last for the VITA-01 cars, as the series plans to transition to KC-MG01 F4 vehicles in 2025. 


Saito is also the wife of reigning Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi, the duo making history by winning their respective races on the same day. 


In recognition of her achievements, Saito has been featured in TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's 2025 motorsport team setups in Japan, highlighting her as a prominent figure in the racing community.



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