This years FUJI SPRINT CUP has a tag line, “THE FINAL.” Firstly, it is the last big race of 2013 racing season. Fans are encouraged to enjoy the event at fullest as this will be the last chance to see in this season. Moreover, this is very important “THE FINAL” for the SUPER GT fans. That is because this is the “last battle” by the current model GT500 cars. As already being reported, the technical regulation (rule for creating a car) of GT500 class will go under a significant change in 2014.
For that, this will be a historic race where the current GT500 cars, which boast a V8 naturally aspirated 3400cc engine and state-of-art aerodynamics bodywork built with the creativity of manufacturers and teams, will reach honorable retirement. Engineers of each manufacturer are more enthused than usual as they consider winning this race will be the culmination of all the hard work they put in to the car. Fans should engrave the sound of V8 engine and the picture of current GT500 car dashing through the high-speed turns and straightaway of Fuji at overwhelming speed in their memory. The overall winner in the GT500 class will be presented with the Award of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Giving the number of honors the FUJI SPRINT CUP provides, it is an undeniable fact that there exist some drivers and teams that are more fired up than in the regular-season races. So, it’s no surprising to see dead-heats in this race every year.
23 prominent drivers are in the lineup including big names who are leading the teams in the SUPER GT as a team manager, like Masanori Sekiya, Kunimitsu Takahashi, Satoru Nakajima, Aguri Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, Masahiro Hasemi, Masahiko Kondo, and Motoharu Kurosawa, former drivers who’s names are globally famous, like Yojiro Terada and Ukyo Katayama, drivers who had lightened up the early days of domestic race, like Kiyoshi Misaki and Masami Kuwashima, and figures who are also famous outside of racing world, like Keiichi Tsuchiya and Koichi Iwaki. In addition, Keiji Matsumoto will assume the role of Honorable clerk of the course.
New difference in this year is the collaboration with GAZOO Racing 86/BRZ Race. Legendary drivers will take the wheel of racing cars from a racing series competed by popular sports cars, Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, but they are not doing it alone, each will team up with a driver from the series. For instance, a legendary driver, Ukyo Katayama, will team up with Nobuteru Taniguchi, who is competing in the 86/BRZ race, to form a dream pair, so the race will integrate the heat of 86/BRZ race and the technique of legendary drivers. Also, special teams will be formed by a father and a son such as Kazuyoshi and Kazuki Hoshinos, Satoru and Kazuki Nakajimas, Haruhito and Masataka Yanagidas, and Motoharu and Tsubasa Kurosawas. There will also be a combination of general manger and driver, Hideharu Tatsumi and Tetsuya Yamano. Masanori Sekiya and Koichi Iwaki will be teaming up with women drivers. It’s not only packed with excitements but also with newsworthy topics.
