Masami Hirosaka

Masami Hirosaka (広坂正美, Hirosaka Masami^?, born February 26, 1970, Kyoto, Japan)^[1] is a Japanese radio controlled car driver who is considered to be the world's most successful of all with a record fourteen IFMAR World Championships in 1/12 scale electric, 1/10 scale Pan, 1/10 scale 2WD off road and 1/10 scale 4WD, all electric. He was considered to be one of the highest paid drivers in RC racing, until he retired from the race. his last IFMAR race was 2008 world championship in Thailand. and the retirement ceremony was at May 3, 2009.

Early years

Masami was first brought into RC car racing at a young age by his father Masaaki, who was a Yokomo employee. He has been an active participant in radio-controlled racing since the age of seven, and is one of the most popular draws at major R/C racing events; Hirosaka's peers have nicknamed him "Master Masami".

Present day

Hirosaka currently races for Yokomo and Associated Electrics where he helps develop and design new cars and tests the resulting prototypes. Of all his IFMAR championship wins, only his first title was won driving cars from neither of these manufacturers. He was driving a Schumacher CAT XL.

In a 1998 interview with Germany's KEIL DTM magazine, Hirosaka listed his other hobbies as computers and theater. His father who is now semi-retired, runs an RC car preparation service whilst doing contract work for Kyosho. In a 1999 interview with RCCA, he said that he has appeared several times on Japanese TV, and in a cartoon. He also says that he has several non-RC sponsors, such as Pioneer.

Along with his 14 IFMAR World titles, Masami numerous Japan National titles, and Reedy Race wins all over the world.

Throughout his career, Masami has always raced in the green over white with pink flames (similar style to those found typically in hot rods), but since the 1990s, the pink colour has become less dominant part of the colour as he added the orange and red to form part of his current colour scheme.

World titles

IFMAR World Championship 1:12 Electric Track Modified

• 1988 in Holland
• 1996 in Ontario, California
• 2000 in Tsukuba City, Japan
• 2002 in Krugersdorp, South Africa
• 2004 in Kissimmee Florida, U.S.

IFMAR World Championship 1:10 Electric Off Road 2WD

• 1989 in St Ives, Australia
• 1991 in Detroit, U.S.
• 1999 in Rauma, Finland

IFMAR World Championship 1:10 Electric Off Road 4WD

• 1987 in Romsey, England
• 1989 in St Ives, Australia
• 1993 in Basildon, England
• 1997 in Pomona, U.S.

IFMAR World Championship 1:10 Electric Track PRO 10

• 1994 in Sonneberg, Germany
• 2000 in Tsukuba City, Japan

External links

• Hirosaka (Masaaki's company)
• Team Yokomo Main site
• Yokomo U.S.

References

1. ^ informed from Masami Hirosaka himself, updated at July 24, 2011

Persondata
Name	Hirosaka, Masami
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	26 February 1970
Place of birth	Tokyo, Japan
Date of death
Place of death