MAKOTO TAMADA

Birthdate: November 4, 1976
Birthplace: Ehime, Japan
身長：171cm
体重：60Kg
Machine: Honda CBR600RR
Tires: Dunlop
Team: Musashi Boon Siew Honda RacingTamada started racing in the 4th grade in elementary school.  After a series of pocket bikes, and mini-bikes, he is accepted as a team member of the Japan’s finest team, Team Kotake RSC.  His teammates included Daijro Kato, who became Tamada’s friend and rival.

After winning the Kyushu Championshp Title, he stepped up to the Japanese National Championship 250cc in 1995.  Stepped up to Superbike Class in 1999, and became known as the “factory killer”.  Joined the Honda HRC factory team, and in 2001, achieved a double win at SUGO as a wildcard entry in the World Superbike Championship.  After another wildcard win in 2003, Tamada goes on to the MotoGP.  He is the first rider to ride the Bridgestone tires in MotoGP.  In 2004, he scores two wins in MotoGP, one in Brazil GP and an astonishing pole-to-win at Motegi.  This was the first win for Brigestone in MotoGP.  Tamada is the only active Japanese rider ever to win a MotoGP race.

Tamada moved on to the World Superbike Championship as a Kawasaki Factory Rider in 2008.  After two years with Kawasaki, he is once again back with Honda in the World Superbike Championship.

In 2012, Tamada was appointed as Professional Trainer of the inaugurated Asia Dream Cup.  His experience in MotoGP and World Superbike, helped young riders from Asia to become a top class rider.

After 3 years of racing in the Suzuka 8 Hours and a couple of races as a wildcard entry to the World Superbike Championship, Tamada returns as a full time rider in the Asia Road Racing Championship in 2013.