Akinori Ogata will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the second time in 2021, this time at the famed half-mile paperclip that is Martinsville Speedway. Last week, the Japanese driver announced he will wheel a car for BJ McLeod Motorsports.
“I’m excited for this opportunity with Shinano Pneumatic tools in the Xfinity Series,” he said. “My first time at Martinsville is going to be one to remember on October 30. The Akinori Performance Late Model Stock program at Hickory Motor Speedway was a great success this season. This has given me the confidence that we will have a respectable showing at Martinsville being a short track.”
Akinori, who is from Kanagawa, Yokohama has competed mostly part-time in the NASCAR Truck Series since 2014. He made his first Xfinity start in 2018 finishing 33rd and most recently competed at Richmond Raceway in 2021 finishing 34th.
As he noted in his announcement, Shinano Pneumatic Tools, which sponsored Ogata in
numerous events, will return for this event. Most of Ogata’s NASCAR starts have come with support from Japanese companies, such as oil company ENEOS, DENSO Auto Parts, SEAVAC and KYOWA INDUSTRIAL.
Shinano Air Tools, serving the world for over 50 years,has focused on the satisfaction of all customers. The development has constantly raised Shinano’s products to a higher performance and great satisfaction of all end users. You can learn more about Shinano Air Tools at www.shinanoinc.com.
–EightyOneMedia —