Filthy Casual for Life

Episode 2: Enthusiasm and Spirit

Madoka decides he wants to sponsor the team, however, he has no idea what that entails. When Haruka sees the picture that Madoka took, he instantly wants to break the camera. As Madoka talks to Haruka, he tells him that watching his driving made him remember what it means to try your best. Haruka gives Madoka a dose of reality on what it means to sponsor a driver.

Madoka learns from Mr. Komaki that he was on a team with Haruka’s father. Haruka’s mother passed away and then his father in a race. After a few years of living with family, he showed up at the Komaki’s doorstep.

Dejected from realizing he couldn’t be a sponsor without copious amounts of money, he leaves Komaki Motors. He receives a call from Sae-chan offering him a job with Belsorriso Motors. He enthusiastically takes the job.

Immediately upon arrival at the Belsorriso garage, he notices the difference money makes. He uses his time on the job to learn more about the money situation and how much the sport costs. On his own, Madoka makes a list of potential sponsors to take back to Komaki Motors.

However, Haruka fails to place at the next race and, the potential sponsors all back down. Madoka apologizes to Haruka for doing a poor job of presenting, but Haruka says it is his fault. Madoka tells Haruka that he takes off when he is excited and that his ex-wife, Sae-chan, used to get mad at him for it. Madoka tells Haruka that he will take his time finding a sponsor who understands the sport and sees Haruka’s potential.

Just as soon as he tells Haruka that he will take his time, he realizes that they can sell advertisements and place them on the car. Of course, the Komaki team already knew that this type of sponsorship exists. Madoka grabs Haruka and they go around to the local shops to find ad sponsors. Unfortunately, they receive small gifts of product and no ad sales.

Madoka tries to cheer Haruka up as they partake in all their snacks received from going store to store. Madoka asks whether they can be considered sponsors even though they didn’t buy ads. A young boy comes out and asks Haruka if he is a racer. Then the boy starts talking about Raceman and how Raceman says all you need is spirit to win. He gives Haruka a sticker and it is the first thing added to the white ad-less car.

THOUGHTS

This was a very informative episode! I know nothing about racing. I always knew it cost a lot of money and required a lot of sponsors, but I didn’t know exactly how much. Madoka was quickly schooled on how much resources and time goes into F4. I believe Madoka’s enthusiasm and spirit are what the Komaki team need to add fuel to the proverbial fire. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to believe in you when things haven’t been going your way.

Previous Episodes

Episode 1: The Man Who Races