Brazillian, but of Japanese descent, hence his name. Raced in touring cars until 1998. Now concentrates on the family agriculture business, real estate interests and a car dealership, as well as having business interests in Europe. The family also runs a snack food and car dealership concern and Norio is also involved with this. The family fortune helped Norio, but he won the Brazilian Formula Ford Championship on his own merit in 1992, and was a front-runner in the Sud-Am Championship the following year, which then led to his Formula 3000 attempt at Pergusa.

Biography last updated 17 Jun 2016