Mutoh trains with Matsui in Japan

Hideki Mutoh Credit: IndyCar Series

In Indianapolis, it's not uncommon to find an IZOD IndyCar Series driver working out alongside another professional athlete as they train at sports performance centers in preparation for the 2010 season. So it made sensethat Hideki Mutoh would take the same approach as he prepares for the season while in Japan.

Mutoh, the 2008 IZOD IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year, spent this week working out at the private training camp of Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo "Kaz" Matsui in Tokyo.

Though the camp is focused on baseball skills, Mutoh has been able to apply the training to skills he uses in racing. Mutoh has participated in speed and coordination training, including sprint drills and games of catch to improve his hand/eye coordination.

Mutoh isn't the only professional athlete at Matsui's training camp. Hideo Tokoro, a MMA featherweight fighter in the DREAM organization, and Koji Uehara, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, are also participating in the camp.

"I have had a good time so far but I think things get a bit more intense on when we are joined by a MMA fighter," Mutoh joked. "It may be safer in the car."

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