Takuma Sato is a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and also won the 2013 Grand Prix of Long Beach for AJ Foyt Racing. At the 2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame Induction ceremony he (along with Katherine Legge) became the latest inductee. Sato has won races all over the world when he competed in F3 including a British F3 championship and a win at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix. His Formula One career was mainly with underfunded teams however he managed a podium finish at the USGP at Indianapolis. Sato has always been a popular guy at Long Beach. We caught up with him soon after the LBMWoF ceremony and he filled us in on his preparation for the Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, stories from the past, and his preparation for this year’s ‘Greatest Spectacle of Racing.’ He also gave us an update on ‘With You Japan’ which started as a relief effort due to the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan back in 2011. He’s humble, respectful and nice off the track, yet his “No attack, no chance” attitude on the track makes him a fierce competitor. Enjoy!

NOTE: Sato qualified in the Firestone Fast 12 (10th) at the Indy 500 this year becoming the quickest qualifier in his RLL team. He wound up 14th in the race sandwiched between Christian Lundgaard (13th) and Graham Rahal (15th).

By Larry Mason

Copyright © 2024 Larry Mason

A friendly smile not only greets you at the track, Takuma Sato’s likeness can be seen on the Borg-Warner Trophy – twice!

Takuma Sato is grateful in his speech to the assembled media, fans and Long Beach City dignitaries

Sato (along with Long Beach vice mayor Cindy Allen) unveil the bronze plaque that will grace the sidewalk just in front of the Long Beach Convention Center.

Sato thanks Allen for the honor in front of a large crowd of fans, VIPs and media.

This is the plaque that Sato gets in the sidewalk. His name now appears with racing royalty comprised of champion drivers, team owners and more.

Takuma Sato proudly shows off his mini-plaque that he can hang on the wall at his home.

Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)