自動車殿堂― それは自動車メーカーの、あるいは研 究者の方々の晴れ舞台だと思っていました。15年前、 晴天の霹靂のごとく、レーサーである私に受賞が伝え られました。大変に驚くとともに、その名誉に心が震 えたものです。ともすれば、危険なイメージが先行し てきた自動車レース。そこに脚光を当てて頂き、自動 車を使ったスポーツに関わった者として、偉大な先駆 者の方々と同列に並べて頂いた。まさにモータースポ ーツ界が自動車殿堂に認めて頂いた瞬間です。これか らも、自動車に携わる多様なジャンルの方々の励みに なるような選考を期待いたします。

The Japan Automotive Hall of Fame: I thought it was a grand stage only for the pioneering enterprisers and the genius engineers in the automotive society. Fifteen years ago, however, out of the blue I was informed that I was nominated an inductee of the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame. I was much astonished by the words and stirred deeply by the honor. I have been concerned with the motor racing which is apt to be considered dangerous by the public. Nevertheless, I was treated equally to those towering superiors. is is a monumental moment when the motor racing community was accepted by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame. I hope the nomination by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame will encourage persons who are engaged in various channels in our automotive society in future.

Kunimitsu Takahashi
Racing Rider and Driver
President of TEAM KUNIMITSU