I’ve just returned from an incredible trip to Japan, where I attended the sixth annual Mazda Fan Fest at Okayama International Circuit. Tristan Nunez and I were there to drive demonstration laps in the 2016 Mazda Prototype and to participate in a Global Mazda MX-5 Cup demonstration race.
We arrived at Okayama Circuit on Friday. The track is set in the foothills, which made for some terrific scenery. We then had the chance to take laps in the identically prepared Global MX-5 Cup cars, which was a blast. Having driven some practice laps on iRacing, I was shocked not only how similar the circuit was, but also the speeds and gearing for the MX-5 Cup. Within laps I felt as if I had driven the place for days! It was also fun seeing Tristan’s reaction to the car and circuit, as they were both firsts for him. I think we both agreed our favorite parts of the circuit were the fast-flowing and tricky turns 2-4 sector.
The fanfare was immense, with a record 6500 Mazda enthusiasts in attendance. Japan’s popular car club culture meant there were hundreds of Mazdas on display from car clubs. There was even a limited edition Mazda K car, which is similar to a Smart car. There were car owners, race fans, and even racers who were doing laps in all kinds of current and historic Mazdas. There were so many people enjoying the festivities, and we had the opportunity to be onstage for “talk shows,” participate in autograph sessions and take photos with fans.
The Mazda fans and enthusiasts were great, all 6500 of them! These cool gull wing Mazda cars were produced in limited numbers for the Japanese market only.
The MX-5 Cup demo race was a blast. It utilized the exact FIA rules, including the standing start and a proper post-race podium ceremony! We competed with the driver who podiumed in the invitational at Mazda Raceway in September, Yuui-san. He won the race, while I was second and Tristan was third. The podium overlooked pit lane, and fans packed the grandstands to watch. The demo race really showcased the competitiveness of the Global MX-5 Cup car, and it showed both the Japanese fans and racers the capabilities of the car and what the series is all about.
Podium celebration for the Global MX-5 Cup exhibition round!
Our 2016 Mazda Prototype also had the privilege to run alongside THE LeMans-winning 787B for demonstration laps. The sounds that 4-rotor engine made were breathtaking—one of the most unique and intoxicating engine notes I’ve ever heard.
Mazda Prototypes old and new… The 1991 LeMans winning 787B taking to the track along with our 2016 Prototype.
We also got to make a presentation at Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Speaking in front of hundreds of Mazda’s employees, from executives to assembly workers, was really a privilege. John Doonan, Tristan and I discussed the U.S. racing program, and at the end we took questions. We had an interpreter for all of it. The 30-minute presentation was followed by 45 minutes of questions while we all stood around the car. We even did a demonstration of a driver change!
“Being a Driver” (Mazda Japan’s slogan) with employee factory workers.
For a nice change of pace, we got to do some sightseeing, including the Peace Park and Museum where the A-bomb site exists, a very sobering experience. On our departing day, we got a tour of Mt. Miyajima, a very mountainous island just off the Hiroshima coastline. This beautiful island has a temple and shrine dating back to 592AD! It’s absolutely incredible to think about time and history in that perspective.
View of the Shrine from Mt. Miyajima. Originally dating back to 593AD!!
Now that I’m home, I’ve got a quick turnaround before I’m off to SpeedSource to get prepared for our upcoming IMSA test at Daytona next week!