GRAN PRIX THE CHAMPION

The cartoon Gran Prix il Campionissimo (original title Arrow Emblem Grand Prix no Taka), belongs to the anime genre of motor racing, such as At full throttle, Supercar Gattiger, Ken Falco and others, but among all it is the one that has had the greatest success with the public, especially because of the various topics covered. The 44-episode series was produced in 1977 by Toei Animation and arrived in Italy in 1980, with the beautiful theme sung by the Superobots.

The protagonist is Takaya Todoroky, a boy who has a passion for motor racing and dreams of being able to become a Formula 1 driver. Takaya Todoroky gets to spend all his money, kept aside doing various jobs, to build a car on the base of one of his projects, which will allow him to participate in races on an automobile circuit. Despite his inexperience and defeat, he is noticed by a former Formula 1 champion, Nick Lans (characterized on the basis of famous driver Niki Lauda) who manages to understand his talent and brings him to Katori Motors. Here Takaya enters into competition with Oynata, a pilot who does not hide his dislike towards him, but who later turns out to be a great friend. Takaya begins to experience racing, driving in Rally and Gran Turismo circuits and chooses the hawk as a symbol. During the various episodes Takaya will always be accompanied by his friend Suzuko, a beautiful girl who has taken care of the little Ongoro, whose parents are missing.

Takaya is subjected to grueling training by Katori Motors' technical chief, Daisaku Kurama, who demands perfection from him. Takaya does not know that in reality Mr. Kurama is his father, whom he believes has been dead for some time. There will also be sentimental implications in Takaya's life when he meets Isabella, the daughter of a famous Spanish bullfighter, who has numerous suitors, including Antonio, also a pilot who tries to oppose Takaya. Unfortunately Antonio will be the victim of a serious accident, in which he will lose his life. His brother Gida will accuse Takaya of being responsible for his death, so he devises a plan to kill the young pilot. Isabella, who has learned of the trap, runs to the track to warn Takaya, but he inadvertently does not have time to brake and runs over her, killing her. This will upset Takaya's life, to the point that he decides to give up motor racing. But that's not all, in fact, in a bad accident, his great friend Oynata will also lose his life. However, the greatest pain will be felt by the death of Daisaku Kurama, when he discovers that it was his father, who had the great dream of seeing him participate in Formula 1 races. Driven by the desire to redeem his father Takaya's dream Todoroky, will resume racing aboard the Katori Special (a car equipped with 6 wheels) and winning in the Formula 1 circuits, beating champions of the caliber of Mario Anderline and Jim Shunt and becoming the very champion of the Grand Prix. After becoming world champion, Takaya Todoroky will participate in the races of the elusive Formula 0 circuit, in which he will have to compete with super-technological racing cars, all with impressive speed and designed by the best scientists in the world. Katori Motors must support the costly expenditure of money without being subsidized by Japan and only Takaya's victory will be able to bring the necessary aid and sponsorships to enter the various grand prix. The car with which Takaya will compete is called Samurai and consists of 8 driving wheels. After a succession of races and suffering Takaya will also be able to understand that the greatest love of his life is Suzuko, his great friend who has always remained by his side in all moments of difficulty.

by Gianluigi Piludu

Grand Prix video the champion

Grand Prix the champion is copyright Toei Animations. All rights reserved.