EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - TADASHI SASAKI

MEETING WITH BIREL PACIFIC CHAIRMAN

Birel still active in the Asian markets after the recent earthquake. Goals and plans

Tadashi Sasaki is chairman of Birel Pacific, the Birel Group Company in charge of both commercial and sports areas. We met him to ask about 2011's plans and goals in the light of the recent devastating earthquake. The first question is about how he thinks such event will reflect onto the world of karting in Japan. "The material and moral damages caused by the earthquake, and above all by the tsunami, are beyond calculation. The nuclear issue is still open, as it is difficult to determine the degree of severity it carries. Economy will certainly pick up yet, for swift recovery, so typical in this country, people must be in the condition to fear the nuclear threat no longer. The disaster-struck area also includes the city of Sendai, the home of the Sugo track (owned by Yamaha group) which, from 1977, was the venue of glorious Japan Kart Prix for many years. Zosel won the first 2 races with Birel chassis and, in 1979, Oscar Sala brought Wilson and Forsman who achieved a brilliant double victory.  This circuit holds a wealth of positive memories and, even though it has not been damaged, it will take months to restore the surrounding infrastructures and resume activity. I am sure that Tohoku's people, North Japan, will not only repair the damage but improve their country." - Can you tell us about your karting background, from driver to manager of a Birel Group Company: 
"I first approached karting as a driver when I was 13. Yet, in those days there were as few as around 50 drivers in Tokyo, and the same in Osaka. So, of course, I dreamt of racing in Europe and of upgrading to a single-seater. As you can imagine, my parents did not agree, as they thought I should have given my education the priority. It was thanks to Birel that I enrolled at Milan's design polytechnic and managed to move to Italy. The first world race I say was Parma World Cup in 1977. On that occasion, seeing Oscar Sala in action with driver Corrado Fabi, who was 15, convinced me that I was far too old to become a professional. I therefore gave up karting and upgraded to F3 where I met Gian Carlo Minardi, whith whom I started to work as soon as I stopped racing. I also kept collaborating with Birel, building up my technical skills. As regards motor racing, I worked with Minardi from 1983 to 1993, always keeping in touch with Birel.
Once I took over the sports manager position for Minardi F1 Team I returned to Japan to handle a F1 project for builder Dome. I was busy with it until 2005, also taking part in the F3 Mugen Honda program, JTCC Honda, Indy Car, JGTC Honda and Le Mans 24 Hours. Oscar Sala and I created Birel Pacific in 1995 and started producing Super Winforce chassis for Yamaha brand. I was Birel Pacific chairman for 10 years, supported by my brother-in-law Nonaka who was in charge of operative management. Yamaha decided to dedicate its karting division to engines in 2005, entrusting us with the management of their chassis.  At that point I could no longer cope with two jobs, one in motor racing and one in karting. I had to make up my mind and, seen that I had already tried everything motor racing wise, I told  Oscar  Sala that I was willing to finish my motorsport career just how I had stared it: with Birel" -  What are  Birel's 2011 plans and objectives sports wise?
"The Japanese federation, with one year delay,  is deciding upon the regulations for next year in compliance with CIK-FIA provisions, we therefore still do not have a  Super KF championship and , generally speaking, it will be another transition year for KF classes. Whereas, I am offering the drivers who attend our kart school, supported by Toyota, Yamaha and Birel, a number of opportunities for building up experience abroad in 60 Mini and KF3 categories. The collaboration with MGM and IAME has enables us to have  Super Winforce Parilla on the track  in WSK Euro Series KF1 with Toyota program driver Bryan Mehta and, starting next year, I will do my best to complete the Super Winforce (SWF) team with KF3, KF2 and KF1." - What about plans and targets commercially speaking?
"I believe it is important to carry on with SWF development both in WSK and within the Japanese championship for Yamaha trained drivers, and that it deserves all the support possible, also giving our representatives the chance of racing abroad. Furthermore, the world of N35-X karting is popular with all ages and “Birel N35 Champion of Champions 2010" has greatly developed. And, without creating confusion, we will try to open new horizons in the field of rental karting.  Finally, we are involved in several projects aimed at creating new tracks in   Taiwan, China and Singapore. We are extremely competitive in this market segment, because we not only sell a product but introduce a full project. Among 2011’s innovations, I would like to bring to your attention one of our new developments: a highly efficient catalytic exhaust suitable for indoor karting that we have introduced to enhance air quality."  -  Which are the most interesting market sectors in Asia?
"The Asian area is still waiting for a comprehensive karting market. Business is currently limited to request and offer, with little organization. In this regard, I am pleased to have set up an initial karting promotional base with SL formula in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Just like Easykart in Europe and in America. On the rental side, Taiwan and China are now our most promising markets, not only because they are so huge, but rather because our agent in   Taiwan runs a specialized company which is extremely well organized  when it comes to developing new business.  Their mentality suits our need to promote the rental division.  In addition, their collaboration is excellent, to such an extent that we have prepared a number of projects to carry out in China." - In your opinion, why is Birel Pacific such a success?
"Because we have great collaborators.  Just take our Malaysia agency RL Karting, owned by Richard and Aaron Lim who work 24/24 making the best of each single project they plan with us.  And then, our close synergy with Birel. - So, do you mean your collaboration with the Italian head office is not affected by distance?
"Absolutely, it could not be closer. Oscar Sala is gradually leaving his son Ronni in charge. It is with the latter that we implement all Birel Pacific activities, and our relationship is great. It has been great since the beginning: we exchange our ideas about anything, any time. We are always in touch via mobile or email, so I actually do not realise the distance. What I really miss is a good Monzese risotto or MGM's "tonnato" veal (veal with tuna sauce)!".