KC Motorgroup Ltd. (KCMG) will make a full-time return to the Super Taikyu Series in 2023, with Paul Ip, Marchy Lee Ying-Kin and Ho-Pin Tung teaming up at the wheel of a Honda NSX GT3 Evo 2 in the ST-X category.
In addition, Ip’s GT World Challenge Asia teammate Edoardo Liberati will join the squad as a fourth driver for the Fuji Super TEC 24 Hours, the Japanese series’ flagship event, with a fifth driver to be confirmed at a later date.
The plan was originally to compete in the series in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the squad to put their Super Taikyu programme on hold.
Ip and Ying-Kin have raced together recently, winning in the Italian GT Championship at Mugello in 2022, before also sharing a car at the FIA Motorsport Games.
Meanwhile, 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 winner Tung makes his return to full-time racing. The Chinese-Dutch driver previously competed for KCMG at Le Mans in 2013, when both he and the team made their debuts at the world’s biggest endurance race.
The series visits Japan’s most well-known racing circuits, including Suzuka, Fuji Speedway and Okayama. KCMG will be present at the pre-season test at Fuji on 23 February.
Paul Ip, KCMG Founder: “It’s a great feeling to be competing in Super Taikyu Series this year. Racing in Japan is always exciting, the circuits are fun and we’ve got a good line-up and team behind us. The Honda NSX GT3 is great to drive, so I can’t wait to get on track for testing and then for the main event in March.
Marchy Lee: “I’m really excited to join up with KCMG once again to compete in Super Taikyu Series this year. We’ve got a strong line-up with Paul and Ho-Pin and I enjoy driving the Honda NSX GT3. KCMG is such an experienced and professional team, so I believe we can have a successful season in Japan.”
Ho Pin Tung: “With the world fully opened up again, it’s a pleasure to return to racing with KCMG in Super Taikyu Series. We made out 24 Hours of Le Mans debuts together in 2013 and a decade later we re-unite for this new challenge! I’m looking forward to teaming up with Paul and Marchy, and with a strong team behind us we’re aiming to add some more trophies to our cabinets.”
Edoardo Liberati: “I’m very happy to join Paul, Marchy and Ho-Pin for the Fuji 24 Hours. I can’t wait to be on track next week for pre-season testing to prepare for the campaign. KCMG have a strong line-up so I’m sure they can be very competitive this year!”
Ryuji Doi, KCMG Head of Motorsport: “Super Taikyu Series is a competitive championship but one I’m confident we can fight at the front with the team and the driver line-up we’ve got. Paul and Marchy have experience of racing the Honda NSX GT3 together and we’re delighted to welcome Ho-Pin back to the squad. To add Edo into the mix for the 24 hour race in Fuji will only make us more competitive, so I’m excited for the season to start!”
