We interviewed "Mr. Le Mans" Yojiro Terada, participating in the "Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion" classic car race event, which starts on August 18th. Mr. Terada was invited to participate in the event by Mazda North American Operations, driving the Mazda 787B.

Mr. Terada: "I used to enter races in the US in about the year 2000. But somehow, I've never been to Laguna Seca; this will be my first time driving there. When I look at pictures and the track layout, I imagine that the famous Corkscrew is a fast corner with a huge elevation change, a little like Road Atlanta. I can't wait to run at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

"It's always a thrill taking my first run at any racetrack, and it's an honour to be driving the 787B at Mazda's home track. I really appreciate the opportunity given to me by Mazda. I'll play the beautiful 4-rotor racing sound to Mazda fans in the U.S. - so you can be looking forward to that!

"I heard that the #56 787, in which Yorino-san, Mr. Pierre Dieudonne and I drove in the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours, is also running at the same time. I'm excited to be seeing the #56 car for the first time in 20 years! I can also get reacquainted with the RX-7 GTO I drove at the 1994 Le Mans. These cars bring back so many memories…

"The American owners keep their historic racing cars in good condition. Their attitude is very admirable and I respect them from my heart. I'm looking forward to seeing all the U.S. Mazda fans at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."

Mr. Terada is going to depart Japan on August 16th, reaching Monterey, California via San Francisco, located not far from the track.