History 1990s

Kenjiro Shinozuka

Overview Achievements Vehicles Style & Legacy Teamwork

Overview

Kenjiro Shinozuka, born in 1948 in Japan, was a trailblazer in international rallying for his country. Active through the 1980s and 1990s, he became one of the first Japanese drivers to compete successfully in both the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally. In the 1990s, Shinozuka played a key role in Mitsubishi’s rally programs, balancing WRC appearances with cross-country competition. His historic Dakar Rally win in 1997 made him the first Asian driver to win the event outright, solidifying his legacy as a global rally ambassador for Japan.

🏆 Major Achievements

Shinozuka’s Dakar victory and WRC consistency brought international recognition to Japanese rally drivers and Mitsubishi’s global efforts.

Vehicle Highlights

  • Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution: Used to claim his 1997 Dakar win—designed for speed and durability in extreme off-road conditions.
  • Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 / Lancer Evolution (Group A): Drove these in select WRC rounds during the early and mid-1990s, especially in endurance rallies like Safari and Côte d’Ivoire.

Shinozuka’s mechanical knowledge and smooth driving allowed him to preserve equipment in events known for attrition and unpredictability.

Driving Style & Legacy

Kenjiro Shinozuka was admired for his resilience, strategic mindset, and composure across long-distance events. While never a full-season WRC challenger, he left an undeniable impact as one of rallying’s most influential figures from Asia. His 1990s accomplishments symbolized Mitsubishi’s strength in global rallying and opened doors for future Japanese competitors on the world stage.

Navigation & Teamwork

Shinozuka partnered with several skilled co-drivers during the 1990s, including Henri Magne in Dakar events. Their collaboration relied on expert roadbook reading and mechanical awareness, vital for survival in both African rallies and long-range cross-country terrain.

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