Tatsuro Arata (70) leads Thomas Stevens (55) and David Sadowski (5) at the 1990 Road America AMA 600cc Supersport race. Also in the photo are Scott Zampach (1), Kevin Rentzell (19), Scott Russell (behind Rentzell) and Jeff Farmer (10). (Larry Lawrence photo)

In his first ever AMA race, Japanese rider Tatsuro Arata (70) shocked the 600 Supersport regulars by riding his Sam Yamashita sponsored Yamaha FZR 600 with wild abandon to win the Road America round of the series in July of 1990. Arata battled the entire way with Vance & Hines teammates Dave Sadowski (5) and Thomas Stevens (55) and with defending 600 Supersport Champion Scott Zampach (1), in one of the finest races in the series history.

Unfortunately Arata’s bike ran an exhaust that was not on the AMA approved list, and also had slight frame and wiring harness modifications. Sadowski was awarded the win after the disqualification.

Being disqualified on a technicality did not erase the fact that Arata proved himself to be an amazing racer by riding in the class for the first time on a track he never saw and beating America’s best Supersport riders.

Arata was virtually unknown to the riders and spectators at Road America. In the first heat race Arata served notice that he would be a rider to contend with. Arata led three laps of the heat before being edged out by Thomas Stevens.

Arata once raced the Suzuka 8 Hour with teammate Chuck Graves in 1989. He also had rides in 500cc Grand Prix and World Superbike.