Mitsubishi Triton Achieves 4th and 5th Place Finishes at XCR Sprint Cup Hokkaido "ARK Rally Kamui"
Date: July 7, 2025
Source: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Public Relations Department
Triton Excels in Challenging Cross-Country Rally
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, which provided technical support, announced that its pickup truck, the 'Triton', successfully completed the XCR Sprint Cup Hokkaido "ARK Rally Kamui" held from July 4th to 6th in Niseko, Hokkaido. The 'rallyproject' team, with driver Kei Takeoka, secured 4th place in the XC-2 class, while the 'FLEX SHOW AIKAWA Racing with TOYO TIRES' team, driven by Masato Kawabata, finished in 5th place.
The XCR Sprint Cup Hokkaido is a cross-country rally featuring a wide range of vehicles, including pickup trucks and SUVs, competing in the mountainous terrain of Hokkaido. The rally has seen increasing participation and attention in recent years, attracting both amateur and professional drivers. The "ARK Rally Kamui" event, the third round of the series, was held concurrently with the All Japan Rally Championship organized by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), drawing strong competitors and diverse vehicle types.
The "ARK Rally Kamui" covered approximately 400km over two days, with 11 special stages (SS) totaling about 100km. The stages traversed the mountains of Niseko, Rankoshi, Kutchan, and Makkari, known for their high-speed sections. This year, a new forest road stage was introduced in Kyogoku, located on the east side of Mt. Yotei.
Day 1 Performance
The first day consisted of SS1-7. Many of these stages were narrow and winding, demanding precise handling. The Triton's maneuverability proved advantageous, with Kawabata consistently placing high, finishing the day in 2nd place in his class. Takeoka experienced a slow puncture on SS7 after hitting the side of the course, but utilized the Triton's excellent off-road capabilities on the mixed gravel and paved surfaces to secure 4th place in his class.
Day 2 Performance and Overall Results
Day two featured SS8-11. SS8/10, "SUNFLOWER" (16.01km), was the longest stage of the rally and presented a challenging mix of high-speed sections initially, followed by a technical, twisty course. Kawabata, who was in 2nd place after day one, faced a time loss due to an off-course excursion, resulting in a 5th place finish. Takeoka, demonstrating the capabilities of Mitsubishi's renowned 4WD system, maintained his 4th place position despite the challenging conditions, concluding the rally successfully.
Additionally, the 'Eclipse Cross PHEV', driven by Akihiro Asai and Kazuki Furukawa, also competed in the XC-2 class and achieved a commendable 2nd place finish.
Driver and Team Comments
Kei Takeoka (rallyproject) commented:
“Although we encountered vehicle troubles, including punctures and other issues throughout the two days, we were unable to gain significant time. I am grateful that we were able to complete the rally, and I believe we have identified areas for improvement for the next event. I am confident that by addressing these challenges, both myself and the team will be well-prepared for the next rally in Hokkaido.”
Masato Kawabata (FLEX SHOW AIKAWA Racing with TOYO TIRES) commented:
“As a driver, I focused on adapting to the vehicle and went through a process of trial and error. However, there were still areas where I felt I couldn't fully adapt, and I unfortunately went off course this time. The Triton's performance has significantly improved compared to last year, but driving it on the rally stages revealed several aspects that we want to enhance further. I look forward to clearing these challenges in collaboration with the team as we prepare for the Rally Hokkaido.”
Sho Aikawa (FLEX SHOW AIKAWA Racing, General Manager) commented:
“Both Masato and the team are disappointed, but we are glad they were able to finish the rally. We have identified areas for improvement, and I believe Masato and the team have gained valuable experience that will benefit them in the Rally Hokkaido. Thank you for your support!”
XCR Sprint Cup Hokkaido Round 3 "ARK Rally Kamui" XC-2 Class Results
| Rank | Driver / Co-driver | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Akira Bamban / Madoka Umemoto | 1 hour 28 minutes 50 seconds |
| 2nd | Akihiro Asai / Kazuki Furukawa | 1 hour 34 minutes 42 seconds |
| 3rd | Koto Haneda / Kyoko Hoshino | 1 hour 36 minutes 53 seconds |
| 4th | Kei Takeoka / Masaki Yamada | 1 hour 37 minutes 15 seconds |
| 5th | Masato Kawabata / Atsushi Nakatani | 1 hour 40 minutes 03 seconds |
| 6th | Takashi Miura / Haru | 1 hour 42 minutes 37 seconds |
| 7th | Reita Tachibana / Yuya Watanabe | 1 hour 45 minutes 45 seconds |
About the Mitsubishi Triton
The 'Triton' is a 1-ton pickup truck that traces its roots back to the 'Forte', launched in 1978. Over the past 45 years, five generations have been produced, with approximately 5.7 million units sold in about 150 countries worldwide, making it Mitsubishi Motors' global strategic vehicle.
The current 'Triton' was developed under the product concept of "Power for Adventure." Its design, chassis, and ladder frame have been completely renewed, along with the engine. Production began in Thailand in July 2023, followed by its introduction in Japan in February 2024, with a phased rollout to 100 countries. The Triton is designed to expand possibilities for outdoor activities such as marine sports, winter sports, and camping, embodying Mitsubishi Motors' spirit of catering to customers' adventurous desires. Furthermore, the 'Triton' received the "Design Car of the Year" award at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year.
