As I discussed in my first Closing Bout Tremendous Stage Japan 3 story, to do the occasion justice, I needed to break up the day up between the pits and driving.
In order that brings us right here, with a have a look at all the on-track workforce drifting goodness from Nikko Circuit final weekend.
Because the set up of fences – and much more just lately, meshing on the fences – Nikko has grow to be a considerably difficult place to shoot at. Fortuitously, nevertheless, the principle nook stays open for spectators and media, and it’s the right spot for a team-oriented day like Closing Bout.
The Group Surprise S13, S14, and S15 trio was certainly one of better of the day. That got here as no shock to me contemplating the quantity of seat time they get at this monitor. They even maintain their very own occasions right here a number of instances a yr.
You’ll in all probability discover a slight AE86-leaning bias in plenty of my protection, and that’s for just a few causes. On this case although, it’s all because of the standard Hachiroku drifting at SSJ3.
I discussed beforehand that workforce NGWIRC took residence the ‘Finest Drivers’ award for the day, and these images ought to give indication of why. At occasions like Closing Bout, proximity and elegance is every little thing, and there’s no denying that six superbly put-together AE86s stacked by way of the principle nook is strictly that.
Whereas we’re with regards to AE86s, Group 4AGE is one my favourite groups to shoot. And never simply at this explicit occasion (they’re a comparatively native workforce to Nikko), however in any respect occasions they drive. Having been a passenger in just a few of the automobiles, I can attest firsthand that their aggressive driving model supplies sufficient adrenaline so that you can skip your compulsory noon can of Boss espresso, even after a 4:00am monitor day begin.
All of us love a automotive with story, and this S13 definitely has one. Shipped from Australia in late 2023, Jake, the proprietor, has been touring the nation on a Carnet de passages doc – a authorities scheme that permits you to drive your automotive in different nations with the house nation registration. It’s secure to say that the Australian licence plates flip heads wherever the automotive goes, however that’s a narrative for an additional time.
Silvias on Silvias on Silvias! Closing Bout Tremendous Stage Japan proves that there’s nonetheless loads of S-chassis to go round, even after their mass export from the nation. I’ve shot virtually all of those automobiles quite a few instances, at Gunsai Touge, Sportland Yamanashi, and even beforehand right here at Nikko. It can by no means stop to amaze me how properly these automobiles current even in spite of everything the driving.
Low Mind is a workforce of selection. 4A-GE-powered Toyota Corona, BEAMS-driven Mark II, and an RB-planted S13 – they’ve received it.
Ever since taking pictures Akira-san’s Mark II Cresta in Yokohama Bay, I’ve spoken to him about making it out to an occasion he’s working at to seize just a few pictures. A yr later, I lastly received the prospect at Closing Bout SSJ3. Akira-san was in attendance along with his all-red Over Evening Run workforce, a concord of big-power JZXs.
Closing Bout Particular Stage Japan 3 was lengthy overdue and didn’t disappoint. With Japan so huge and providing so many monitor days and circuits to drive, it’s uncommon for one singular occasion to convey out such an unlimited assortment of one of the best drift automobiles within the nation, however this one did simply that. I received’t overlook final weekend at Nikko Circuit; it was simply the most effective drift occasions I’ve ever attended.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
