(c)LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the first round of the 2026 AIR RACE X Series, the world's premier air racing championship, took place, marking the official start of the new season. Yohei Shimoda of LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING, who finished second in the 2025 series, kicked off the season with a podium finish, securing 20 total points—5 points for qualifying second and 15 points for finishing third in the final. With only an 8-point gap separating him from series leader Aaron Deley, Shimoda remains firmly in contention for the season championship. The team will now intensify its efforts to strengthen overall team performance, aiming for the ultimate goal of winning the annual title. ■ A Fierce Opener: Shimoda Secures Podium with 2nd in Qualifying, 3rd in Final The opening race of the 2026 season featured intense competition among the world's top pilots. The victory went to Aaron Deley (Australia), who joined the series last season. Longtime rival Martin Sonka (Czech Republic) took second place, while 2025 champion Patrick Davidson (South Africa) finished fourth—marking a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Amid this fierce field, Shimoda advanced through qualifying in second place, earning 5 points, and delivered a steady flight in the final to secure third place and 15 additional points. Highlights of the AIR RACE X 2026 season opener are available on the official tournament YouTube channel. ■ Just 8 Points Behind Leader: Title Contention Within Reach Starting the season with 20 points, Shimoda sits just 8 points behind the series leader. In a championship decided by cumulative season points, this gap remains well within reach for a potential comeback. The strong opening performance lays a solid foundation for a serious title challenge. ■ United as One: The Road to the Annual Championship The strength of LEXUS PATHFINDER AIR RACING lies in its team cohesion, with pilots and engineers working seamlessly together. Following the fi