With only 4 years of experience under his belt, Danzel Waytan has truly fast-tracked his way up the motorsports ladder. The karter turned touring car driver has made a name for himself in a short amount of time—securing multiple podiums, wins, and awards across different local events. Now, the 17-year-old has a new target for 2025 as he takes his races overseas.
Danzel secured the GWA Asian Karter of the Year award in 2023 before making his debut in cars. And what a debut season it was. He was crowned Sporting Class vice champion in the TGR Philippine Cup and AM Class vice champion in the Formula V1 Challenge in the same year.
This got the attention of Team Hero’s of Japan who invited him for private test at Okayama in December.
Driving a VITA-01 (known locally as a Formula V1), his on-track performance proved to be impressive enough to earn him a race seat with the team. He was back at the same circuit just a week later, now sharing a car with Super GT300, Super Taikyu, and GR86/BRZ Cup professional class driver Shunji Okumoto in the Minutes Endurance Race (MEC) 120. Despite his unfamiliarity with the track and local race format, he was quick right from the get go allowing the pair to secure 2nd place in class and 4th overall.
Maintaining the strong momentum, Danzel confirmed that he will continue his races in Japan for the 2025 after Team Hero’s signed him as a full time driver.
His calendar consists of 4 events in MEC 120 driving a v.Granz and 2 events in the VITA Club with a VITA-01, racing alongside Okumoto. The MEC 120 stretches from March ’til December with races at Twin Ring Motegi, Suzuka Circuit, Okayama International Circuit, and Fuji Speedway. Each race weekend will see Danzel compete in 2-hour races with grid sizes reaching 30+ entries. To fill in the summer break, he is entering VITA Club races in Sportsland Sugo and Autopolis Circuit in July and August.
For more context, the v.Granz sits one level higher than the VITA-01. It features more aero, a Halo device, a 5-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifts, and a more powerful 2.0L 4-cylinder M20-FKS engine that’s borrowed from the likes of the Toyota Corolla.
Danzel Waytan: “After my test last December, we saw the opportunities available in Japan. It’s not only cost-effective, but also provides a future for my career in the long term. I’d like to thank Team Hero’s for the opportunity and looking forward to a learning 2025 season.”
For more info and the latest updates, follow Danzel_Waytan on Facebook and @danzel.waytan on Instagram.
