Mari Igata
Mari Igata | |
|---|---|
| 井形マリ | |
| Born | March 16, 1958 Bunkyō,Tokyo |
| Died | August 13, 2024 |
| Years active | 1978–1990 |
| Known for | Motorcycling pioneer |
| Relatives | Tomoko Igata (sister) |
| Website | https://www.t-mari.net/ |
Mari Igata (Japanese: 井形マリ, romanized: Igata Mari; March 16, 1958 – August 13, 2024) was a pioneering Japanese professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. She would become the first woman to race in the Suzuka 8 Hours and the All Japan Road Race Championship. A member of the Showa era, Igata is remembered for breaking barriers for Japanese women in sport, as well as creating opportunities for the next generation with her Team Mari racing school. Igata was the elder sister of championship racer Tomoko Igata.