Overtake! The Racing Anime I Love

Other than motorsports, I'm a laid-back anime fan. I've watched a bunch of awesome shows, like Naruto, Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Hunter x Hunter, and many more. However, my anime list is almost nonexistent when it comes to racing and motorsport-themed series.

"Initial D" is probably the most popular car anime that has a rich history and following, it garnered fans around the world and I can boldly say it had its part to play in the JDM culture we see among car enthusiasts today. Initial D isn't about racing on circuits or tracks though, which is quite a shame, it centers around Touge and street racing with Japanese cars from the late 80s to the 90s.

The animated movie "Cars," while not Japanese anime, is one of the few animations that has a strong connection to motorsports, specifically oval racing like NASCAR in the USA.

My eyes lit up when my mate told me about an upcoming anime centered around Formula 4 racing, and I couldn't contain my excitement. It felt like my prayers had finally been answered, and I was eagerly anticipating its release.

"Overtake!" is a story about a high school teen named Haruka Asahina racing in the Japanese Formula 4 championship. He races for the family-run team Komaki Motors, which lacks sponsorship and the funds needed to compete effectively for podiums and wins. Haruka's path crosses with a photographer who decides to help him in achieving his dream of reaching the podium.

One aspect of this anime that I find fascinating is how they manage to educate the audience about certain racing terms and vocabulary that might be technically complex for the average viewer, all without overwhelming us with the intricacies of the sport.

If you're into motorsport and anime in any capacity, I'd strongly recommend giving it a watch.