Tegiwa in Japan – Day 2: Super GT at Fuji Speedway with WedsSport
Day 2 of our Japanese adventure was all about the heart-pounding world of Super GT, and thanks to our amazing friends at WedsSport, it was an experience we’ll never forget.
Super GT, Japan’s premier motorsport series, is a thrilling mix of speed, strategy, and stunning machinery. It features two classes: GT500 and GT300. GT500 boasts heavily modified production-based cars with insane power – think 600 horsepower from a 2-litre turbocharged engine! These machines are aerodynamic marvels that hug the track.
The GT300 class is more diverse, with a mix of FIA GT3 spec cars and some unique Japanese machinery. Races are three-hour endurance battles, with driver changes and pit stops adding to the strategic complexity. Witnessing a Super GT race is a spectacle – from the thunderous roar of the engines to the passionate fan culture, it’s an unforgettable experience.
So, imagine this: you’re rolling into the Fuji Speedway car park and you’re greeted by a sea of legendary JDM metal – GTRs, NSXs, the works. Check out this reel that we made over on our Instagram page!
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First and foremost, WedsSport’s hospitality was legendary. They welcomed us with open arms and guided us around their impressive trade display in the outer paddock to kick the day off.
But the real treat was yet to come. We ventured beneath the track, gaining exclusive access to the garage housing a true beast: the WedsSport GT500 GR Supra.
This machine is a monster in disguise. While it shares the silhouette of its street-legal cousin, everything under the bonnet is a different story. We’re talking a fire-breathing, 2-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine pumping out a mind-blowing 600 horsepower! Add an insane aerodynamic package to that, and you’ve got a car that practically glues itself to the track.
The GT500 class absolutely smokes its GT300 counterpart, lapping them by a staggering 10 seconds. We even witnessed the GT500 team photo shoot and, of course, couldn’t resist snagging a few shots of our own.
Next up, a stroll down the pit lane for a closer look at the competition. The energy was electric, fuelled by the presence of the ever-glamorous race queens posing for photos.
The start/finish line opened for a limited window, and let’s just say it was a sensory overload. Fans packed the pit wall, their passion evident in the endless sea of waving flags and cheering roars. Super GT is serious business when it comes to fan engagement!
One interesting detail we learned: when the grid forms, the fastest cars from both GT500 and GT300 classes make a grand entrance, receiving a huge applause from the crowd – a true display of respect for the pole sitters.
The race itself lived up to the hype. With a rolling start, all 42 cars unleashed a cacophony of noise as they rocketed down the pit straight. It took less than 10 laps for the GT500 cars to establish dominance, lapping the GT300 contingent.
The 3-hour race allowed us to explore different vantage points around the track, each revealing a new perspective of the action. We even stumbled upon a pristine NSX-R with a mere 6,000 kilometres on the clock – a proper JDM unicorn!
As the checkered flag signalled the end of the race, drama unfolded. A GT500 car, mere metres from the finish line, sputtered to a halt – a heartbreaking conclusion after battling for hours. To top it off, a BMW GT3 car’s tyre met a catastrophic end on the finish line, the force of the explosion shredding its rear quarter and sending debris flying. It was a stark reminder of the immense stress these machines endure over the gruelling 3-hour race.
The post-race celebrations were a sight to behold. The cars lined up and the drivers emerged to a round of applause, and the sheer spectacle of it all left us in awe.
Back in the outer paddock, we explored the various brand exhibits, including a stunning GR Yaris nestled in the Yokohama Advan tent.
Escaping Fuji Speedway proved to be an exercise in patience, thanks to the post-race exodus. While waiting for our ride back, Dave and Mitch embarked on a mini car-spotting adventure, scoring sightings of a DC2, a 911 GT3, and a Lotus Exige.
Make sure you check back for day 3 as we make our way to Tokyo!
