Hideo Fukuyama
Encyclopedia
, is a former NASCAR
driver. He raced on road courses in his native Japan before driving a NASCAR exhibition race at Suzuka in 1997 for Travis Carter Motorsports
. In 2002, Fukuyama made his Winston Cup debut for TCM at Dover International Speedway
, finishing 39th due to transmission failure. Fukuyama raced three more times in Winston Cup over the next couple of years (including an aborted run at NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year honors), but when TCM closed its doors in 2004, it brought an end to Fukuyama's NASCAR career. He was the first Cup driver from Japan. In Japanese racing his nickname is "Bonsai." His former NASCAR number was 66.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver. He raced on road courses in his native Japan before driving a NASCAR exhibition race at Suzuka in 1997 for Travis Carter Motorsports
Travis Carter Motorsports
Haas-Carter Motorsports is a former NASCAR and USAR Pro Cup team. It was mostly owned by former crew chief Travis Carter and Carl Haas. The team previously fielded entries in the Winston Cup Series before closing...
. In 2002, Fukuyama made his Winston Cup debut for TCM at Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned race track located in Dover, Delaware, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing track, Dover Downs, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino...
, finishing 39th due to transmission failure. Fukuyama raced three more times in Winston Cup over the next couple of years (including an aborted run at NASCAR Winston Cup Rookie of the Year honors), but when TCM closed its doors in 2004, it brought an end to Fukuyama's NASCAR career. He was the first Cup driver from Japan. In Japanese racing his nickname is "Bonsai." His former NASCAR number was 66.