SF初優勝のTEAM MUGEN岩佐歩夢選手、JALOX訪問！

SF第8戦東北大会 スポーツランドSUGOにて初優勝を飾ったTEAM MUGEN 岩佐歩夢選手が8月中旬、同氏のスポンサーで大阪に本社を置き国際輸送を手掛けるJALOXを訪問した。岩佐選手の訪問に合わせ急遽祝賀イベントに取り組んだ同社は昼夜問わず準備を行ったという。「みんなで精一杯、岩佐選手の初優勝を祝福しようと手作り感満載でイベントを企画しました。岩佐選手には手作りですが喜んで頂けたら嬉しい」と同社イベント担当者も意気込んだ。今回はJALOX × IWASA AYUMU 初の企画となった「JALOX 岩佐歩夢選手 SF初優勝祝賀イベント」の様子を一部、皆さんにお届けしたい。

穏やかな表情で取材を受けるTEAM MUGEN 岩佐歩夢選手

At the 8th round of Super Formula held at Sportsland SUGO, TEAM MUGEN’s Ayumu Iwasa claimed his first-ever victory. In mid-August, Iwasa visited JALOX, one of his sponsors, a company headquartered in Osaka specializing in international logistics. To coincide with his visit, the company hastily organized a celebratory event, working tirelessly day and night in preparation.

“Our goal was to wholeheartedly celebrate Iwasa’s first victory together, so we put together a very homemade-style event. It may be simple, but we would be delighted if Iwasa enjoys it,” said the company’s event coordinator enthusiastically.

This marked the very first collaboration between JALOX and Ayumu Iwasa, titled the “JALOX × IWASA AYUMU Super Formula First Victory Celebration Event.” Here, we would like to share with you a glimpse of the occasion.

JALOX社内で行われた同イベントはSFで選手紹介の際に流れるおなじみの曲にのって岩佐選手が入場。SF初優勝祝福からはじまり、トークショー、質問コーナー、記念撮影等、約1時間で予定で行われた。岩佐選手は終始、同社からの多くの質問へ対して真摯に受け答えを行い、笑いあり、楽しさあり、笑顔いっぱいでイベントは約30分以上も大幅に延長して終了した。

The event, held inside JALOX headquarters, began with Ayumu Iwasa making his entrance to the familiar tune played during driver introductions at Super Formula. The program, which was scheduled to last about one hour, included a celebration of his first SF victory, a talk show, a Q&A session, and commemorative photos. Throughout the event, Iwasa responded sincerely to the many questions from JALOX staff. With plenty of laughter, fun moments, and warm smiles, the event was so lively that it ran more than 30 minutes longer than planned.

岩佐選手入場とすぐにJALOX社員より花束の贈呈や毎年同社内で行われるJALOX Contributor Award という社内外で貢献された社員に贈られるクリスタルトロフィーも特別授与される予定もトロフィー現物が届かずダンボール製のトロフィーが送られ拍手が贈られていた。本物は後日、岩佐選手のもとに届けられる予定だという。また、同社員一同と特集ページに記載されたTEAM MUGEN岩佐選手への初優勝祝福メッセージを書き込んだ、色紙等（こちらも手作り）も手渡され、岩佐選手の穏やかな微笑も絶えなかった。

Immediately upon his entrance, Iwasa was presented with a bouquet of flowers from JALOX employees. He was also to be awarded a special crystal trophy, normally given annually as the “JALOX Contributor Award” to employees who make outstanding contributions inside and outside the company. However, since the actual trophy had not yet arrived, a handmade cardboard version was presented instead, receiving a round of applause. The real trophy is scheduled to be delivered to Iwasa at a later date. Additionally, employees presented him with handmade gifts, including a message board filled with congratulatory notes to TEAM MUGEN’s Ayumu Iwasa for his first victory, featured in a special company page. The atmosphere remained warm, with Iwasa smiling gently throughout the occasion.

トークショーでは初優勝の率直な感想や今期終盤戦を迎える上での意気込み、またチーム内でのコミュニケーション方法やどのように長期にモチベーションや体力を維持させるか等、仕事に通ずる話から、好きな食べ物、次回、勝ったら是非、鰻を食べたいという岩佐選手からのコメント等、終始レース中には絶対に見せない和やかな雰囲気の中イベントは進行し、岩佐選手や当初緊張気味のJALOX社員も楽しんでいる様子が伺えた。

During the talk show, Iwasa shared his candid feelings about his first victory, his determination heading into the final stages of the season, how he communicates within the team, and ways he maintains long-term motivation and physical stamina—topics that also resonated with the professional workplace. On a lighter note, he also spoke about his favorite foods and even added with a smile that if he won again, he would love to celebrate by eating grilled teriyaki eel.

The event unfolded in a warm and relaxed atmosphere—something never seen during an actual race. Both Iwasa and the JALOX employees, who at first appeared somewhat nervous, gradually seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the session.

手作り感満載の岩佐選手へのインタビュー　風船はTEAM MUGEN色とのこと

このイベントの中でSF初優勝の率直な感想と今後SF終盤戦に向けた戦いへの意気込みを語った岩佐選手。

岩佐選手「初優勝できたことは率直に嬉しかったです。ただ勝てるレースだが優勝をいままで落とした部分もあったのでようやく優勝という形にできた安堵感が一番大きいです。多くの方々にご声援頂き、またサポート頂いてここまで来れていますので応援頂いている皆さんには初優勝まで長い時間が掛かってしまい申し訳ない気持ちもありました。ここからは心機一転、残すところSFも富士・鈴鹿の2レースずつで4戦となります。前回の富士スピードウェイ・鈴鹿サーキットでは表彰台に立ててますし、マシンの状況も良くなっており、ドライバーとしても最高なパフォーマンスをする自信はあります。何よりエンジニアの皆さんが次回の富士スピードウェイではいけると意気込んでいますのでチーム全体で勝ちを掴みに行きたいと思います。目の前のレースをしっかり勝って最終戦鈴鹿につなげ最終的に年間チャンピオンを勝ち得たいと思います。」

During the event, Iwasa shared his candid feelings about his first Super Formula victory and his determination heading into the final rounds of the season.

Iwasa Ayumu: "I was honestly very happy to take my first win. At the same time, there were races in the past that I should have won but failed to secure the victory, so more than anything, I felt a strong sense of relief that I was finally able to achieve it. I’ve been able to come this far thanks to the incredible support and encouragement I’ve received from so many people. That’s why I also felt sorry that it took such a long time to deliver my first victory to everyone who has been cheering for me.

From here, I’m resetting my mindset as we head into the final four races of the season—two at Fuji Speedway and two at Suzuka Circuit. In both Fuji and Suzuka previously, I was able to stand on the podium, and the car’s performance has improved significantly. As a driver, I feel confident I can deliver my very best performance.

Most importantly, our engineers are highly motivated and believe we can fight strongly at the upcoming Fuji round. Together as a team, we want to seize victory. My goal is to win each race ahead of me, carry that momentum into the season finale at Suzuka, and ultimately claim the championship.”

JALOXのウェルカムボードとともに

マシンやタイヤの状況を常に読み取る能力に長ける岩佐選手。終始笑顔でいつも真面目に的確に返答する岩佐選手とその人柄に最後は同社員全員が魅了されたという。

Iwasa is highly skilled at constantly reading the condition of his machine and tires. Throughout the event, he responded sincerely and precisely, always with a smile. In the end, all the JALOX employees were captivated by his personality and character.

JALOX社員のコメント①「一瞬で祝福イベントが終了してしまいました。2025 SFも残すところ4戦、最後まで素晴らしいレースができるよう、年間チャンピオンを勝ち取れるよう一瞬たりとも目を離さずTEAM MUGEN岩佐歩夢選手を応援しようと思います。」

JALOX社員コメント②「正直、車のレースには興味がなかったです。ですが、岩佐選手に来社頂き、人柄も含め優しく礼儀正しい方だと思いました。もうレースも終盤のようですが、岩佐選手を応援したいです。」

岩佐選手はイベント終了後も同社員に囲まれ、写真撮影をこなしていた。

JALOX Employee Comment ①: “The celebration event felt like it was over in an instant. With only four races remaining in the 2025 Super Formula season, I intend to keep supporting TEAM MUGEN’s Ayumu Iwasa without taking my eyes off him for a moment, so that he can continue to deliver great races and ultimately capture the championship.”

JALOX Employee Comment ②: “To be honest, I was never really interested in car racing. But after meeting Iwasa when he visited our company, I realized he is such a kind and courteous person, both in character and demeanor. The season seems to be approaching its final stages, but I now truly want to support him.”

Even after the event concluded, Iwasa remained surrounded by employees, cheerfully taking photos with them.

大阪市中央区に本社を置く国際輸送を手掛けるJapan Logistics (JALOX)

最後にイベント企画担当者からのコメント

「TEAM MUGEN 岩佐歩夢選手、この度はSF第8戦SUGOにて初優勝おめでとうございます。またご多忙の中、JALOXへご訪問頂きありがとうございました！残り4戦で必ず勝ってJALOXでも鰻を食べに行きましょう！最終戦まで全力で応援します！年間総合チャンピオンを目指して頑張れ岩佐選手！」

Final Comment from the Event Organizer:

“Congratulations to TEAM MUGEN’s Ayumu Iwasa on your very first victory at Round 8 of Super Formula in SUGO! Thank you so much for visiting JALOX despite your busy schedule. Let’s make sure to win again in the remaining four races—and then go eat grilled teriyaki eel together with JALOX to celebrate! We will be cheering for you with all our strength until the very last round. Go for the overall championship, Iwasa!”

次戦SFは第9,10戦、富士スピードウェイ（静岡県小山町）で10月10日（金）から12日（日）の予定で開催される。現在ドライバーズランキング2位につけるTEAM MUGEN 岩佐歩夢選手の年間チャンピオンを祈願して最終戦までみなさんの熱い応援をよろしくお願いします。

The next Super Formula races, round 9 and 10, will be held at Fuji Speedway (Oyama Town, Shizuoka Prefecture) from Friday, October 10 to Sunday, October 12. Currently sitting 2nd in the drivers’ standings, TEAM MUGEN’s Ayumu Iwasa is aiming for the season championship. We kindly ask for everyone’s passionate support as he fights through to the final round.

JALOX