Kenko Miura will campaign the #74 Team Japan Needs24 by RDV in the V8GP championship in 2026 – The highly experienced Japanese driver wants to make his presence known in both Europe and United States
- Kenko Miura aims for a full-season campaign in the V8GP division
- The Japanese driver is a former Challenger Trophy champion
- Miura wants to raise awareness about NASCAR in his native country Japan
No Asian driver has made more appearances in the NASCAR Euro Series than Kenko Miura and for the 2026 season, the Japanese driver wants to add more to his tally. After returning to the podium positions in 2025, the Tokyo native is eager to do more pure racing action and confirmed his plans for a full return with his team Team Japan Needs24 by RDV in the V8GP championship.
Miura is a true veteran of the official European NASCAR championship, having been present in the series since 2017. The Japanese is a former champion of the Challenger Trophy, V8GP’s special classification for elite amateurs. He is also an automobile expert off the track, thanks to his day job as a sales strategist for a famed manufacturer in his country.
The 46-year old has not been able to compete full-time since 2019, but Miura keeps his fitness in check so that he’s ready to compete whenever the opportunity arrives. This dedication was validated in 2025 when he finished in the OPEN podium during the NASCAR GP Spain in Circuit Ricardo Tormo, a proof that the old fox has not lost his edge on the track.
“I have been competing since 2017 as the only Asian and Japanese driver and during that time, I have won the Challenger Trophy. However in recent years I haven’t been able to compete in a full season and have been unable to follow the championship. This year, I want to pursue the championship as much as possible and once again make my presence felt in the V8GP division,” Miura stated.
“The technical skills of my technical partner, RDV Competition are very high, and our relationship is excellent. I want to do my best to get off to a good start from the opening race in Spain.”
Miura also aims to make a bid for a NASCAR appearance in the United States in 2026. He made a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start in 2022 and also entered the Chicago Street Course race in 2024. With the increased international presence in the sport and NASCAR hosting a showcase at Fuji Speedway in 2025, Miura thinks that there’s no better time to inspire fellow Japanese talents to give NASCAR a go.
“I’m also aiming to compete in NASCAR in the United States again this year,” adds the Tokyo native. It’s still rare for Japanese people to race in Europe or America. I want to continue taking on this challenge and help bridge the gap between Japan and other countries.”
“NASCAR is not very well known in Japan, mainly because it has never been broadcast on television. However, several drivers, including myself, are competing in NASCAR in America and in Europe. I hope to gradually increase awareness for NASCAR in Japan.”
Witness the Japanese trailblazer as he contests the highly competitive 2026 season that will visit six of the best European tracks. Spain, France, the UK, Czech Republic, Italy and Belgium will welcome the NASCAR Euro Series for an electric new era in the V8GP championship.
Featured image by NASCAR Euro Series / Nina Weinbrenner
