(Japanese - Born : 13 March 1960) An employee of Ralliart Inc. First started off-road racing in 1979 and has since accumulated impressive results in domestic events before debuting in international events. Attempts first Paris-Dakar challenge in 1987. In 1990 he climbs to victory with an impressive T2 category win (10th overall). After proving that he can handle the Dakar, he finishes 4th overall in 1994 and in 1997 / 1998 he again gets two consecutive 4th overall places. He took 6th overall in 1999 and 2000, steadily building an impressive record in the legendary Dakar Rally. In November 2000 Masuoka went to the Baja 2000, the most famous and toughest off-road event in America. The off-road event held in Mexico is much different from European rallies. Indeed, the Baja 2000 requires that competitors drive their machines over 2,500km non-stop! Masuoka teamed up with 3 American drivers to cross the Mexican Baja California peninsula in a production-based Mitsubishi Montero Sport/Challenger. Masuoka and his team-mates succeeded in taking the Montero Sport/Challenger to victory in class 3I completing the race in a little more than 55 hours, an incredible achievement considering that many doubted they would even finish on their first participation in the Baja. The challenge provided Masuoka with valuable experience for his attempt to conquer the 2001 Dakar. Mitsubishi driver Hiroshi Masuoka proudly represents Japan in the world of off-road racing.

Recent results :
1985	Australian Safari	3rd overall
1986	Australian Safari	2nd overall
	Atlas Rally	2nd overall
1990	Paris - Dakar	10th overall
1992	Paris - Cape Town	20th overall
1994	Paris-Dakar	1st overall
1995	Granada-Dakar	4th overall
1996	Granada-Dakar	6th overall
	UAE Desert Challenge	4th overall
1997	Dakar-Agades-Dakar	4th overall
1998	Paris-Granada-Dakar	4th overall
1999	Granada-Dakar	6th overall
2000	Paris-Dakar-Cairo	6th overall
	Tecate/SCORE Baja2000	International Class3 : 1st overall