RTW: p36 – JGTC / GT500 @ Fuji Speedway

I really wanted to check out some D1, but GT500 was a good 2nd bet. Formally known as the JGTC (Japan Grand Touring Car Championship) it is now the Super GT format, with GT500 being the top Class Involving Nissan (350Z – and in 2008 the new GTR!), Lexus, Honda NSX etc.

Not long after getting back from Nikko I made last minute plans with Christoph’s friend Mayuko to go to Fuji Speedway! Back on road for another 2.5 hours, and the first event was a Tuners Demo. 1 guy was drifiting the whole time and 2 other just wanted to do doughies! Awesome.

After some crapy RC-looking cars the main race was on. Ferrari and Porsche joined the Japanese Legends, and a Lamborghini was the slowest thing on the track! While a Twin Turbo 350Z was up there, damn Lexus took 1st place, but a Supra owned the straight.

Apart from a driver I think i was the only Gaijin in the whole place! I started talking to a guy while getting a drink and he offered us to sit with them, his seats were better than ours and we got a view in the center of the straight!
Loud. Fast. Awesome.
But major traffic made it a 4hr trek home!

RTW: p37 – Tokyo Giants »« RTW: p34 – Golden Week in Nikko

RTW: p8 – Oedo Onsen

Hot Springs, Saunas and Ice Candy. What a great way to escape the cold.

Hajime’s friend Matsu (a drifter) picked us up in his VR4 wagon and drove to Odaiba’s Ooedo Onsen – Kind of a hot spring theme park – doing 160 on the bridge. Nice.
Numerous indoor and outdoor hot springs (natural water dug from way down), alcohol and food on sale, saunas, games and options for massage etc. You couldn’t possibly go back to work after visiting here, its too relaxing. Followed by Kakigori (like a snow cone) and you won’t want to move. I guess thats why they also offer accommodation – And i think it even has Traditional Style rooms, so you can walk through the walls Simpsons’ style!
Odd to think that Sydney was actually hotter on New Year’s Day than the water was! HAH!
U can Keep your 45 degrees!

RTW: p9 – Sakura House / Studio Ghibli »« RTW: p7 – Kokubunji