--- title: "Super Formula Driver Miraculously Survives Violent Crash at Suzuka’s Infamous 130R" description: "Super Formula driver Ukyo Sasahara suffered only a concussion after an incredibly violent crash at Suzuka." date: "2023-10-29" modified: "2023-10-29" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/super-formula-driver-miraculously-survives-violent-crash-at-suzukas-infamous-130r" categories: - "News" --- # Super Formula Driver Miraculously Survives Violent Crash at Suzuka’s Infamous 130R ![]() *Motorsport TV* The level of safety seen in modern race cars boggles my mind. During the [Super Formula]() race at Suzuka, drivers Ukyo Sasahara and Hiroki Otsu collided and violently crashed into the barrier. Without any context or commentary, it would be easy to think the crash was fatal from the video. Thankfully, Sasahara's concussion is the only injury to come from it. In the video, you can see Sasahara's green TOM'S car and Otsu's white Nakajima Racing car heading into [Suzuka]()'s infamous 130R corner. For those who aren't die-hard racing fans, 130R is one of the most dangerous corners of any circuit in the world. The left-hander is usually taken at speeds upward of 150 mph, so if cars spin and hit the barrier, they're hitting it hard. https://twitter.com/Formula\_Nerds/status/1718172934664052762 After Sasahara and Otsu rubbed tires, both cars spun but Sasahara's car hit the absorbing barrier first, shredding through it as if it were tissue paper, and then hit the crash fence. It's hard to see what exactly happens next but, at some point, the car broke in half and was sent up in the air. The passenger cell, with Sasahara inside, reportedly went over the crash fence and rolled down the hill behind it, as the emergency crew could be seen tending to him at the bottom of the hill. The engine and gearbox half stayed on the inside of the fence. The fact that Sasahara only has a concussion after all of that carnage is nothing short of astonishing and a testament to the incredible [safety technology ]()in modern race cars. Otsu's car was thankfully less damaged. It did flip onto its side but at least it avoided the crash fence and Otsu is said to be OK. “In the early laps I passed several cars and it felt like I had the pace to go even further if I continued that way," said Otsu, according to *[Motorsport]()*. "But while I was using the Overtake System I went side-by-side with another car, we made contact and crashed." Sasahara was kept at a local hospital overnight but can leave as early as today. Due to the concussion, he won't be able to race in the Super Formula finale but I think the world is just happy he's OK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWAlcw7Bk\_s *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()