Shinozuka passed away on Monday morning. He was 75 years old at the time of his death.
Shinozuka was battling pancreatic cancer. Eventually, he lost the fight against the severe illness.
Shinozuka made history in his sport. In 1997, he became the first Japanese driver to win the Paris-Dakar Rally (the former name of the Dakar Rally).
Shinozuka joined Mitsubishi in 1971. He competed in rallies while also working as a mechanic and salesman.
He participated in the Dakar Rally for the first time in 1986 and already finished third the following year.
A major fulfillment came on his 12th attempt when he won the Dakar Rally in 1997. Shinozuka also competed in the World Rally Championship. He became the first Japanese winner of the Ivory Coast Rally in 1991.
Shinozuka continued in the Dakar Rally until 2007. Even after that, he continued to be involved in the sport. He drove his last rally in 2017.
Shinozuka’s illustrious career was honored in 2022 when he was inducted into Japan’s Motorsport Hall of Fame.
