2018 Japanese Super GT

[Japanese Samurai]

Behind the scenes of the Super GT brochure shooting.
https://ameblo.jp/nob-taniguchi/entry-12366282198.html

[Japanese Samurai]

http://www.as-web.jp/supergt/355809?all

Autosport web is reporting:
-Honda had introduced pre-chamber engine for SGT/SF last year.
-Lexus/Nissan caught up with Honda by introducing pre-chamber/pre-chamber plugs in this season.

[loon]

The only thing needed to make Super GT perfect is the return of Mazda

[hvr777]

Originally Posted by loon

The only thing needed to make Super GT perfect is the return of Mazda

That would be cool. But with the current condition & new rotary engine is still far from reality, I don't think Mazda has the proper car to compete at GT300 class, except if Mazda turn its head and start to build the GT300 car (or have someone to build it) based on traditional JAF-GT or Mother Chassis spec.

In Japan, so far Mazda is still focusing on Super Taikyu series through various privateers, racing with "street tuner" cars (Mazda MX-5, Demio diesel & Axela diesel).

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by TF110

Right now I think the Japanese makes have a lot more sway to the rules and future of the class/cars than the German's. Three vs two and all, plus the DTM series losing Mercedes puts them in a more desperate mood.

That's true, although the Germans are getting some regret on pushing the DTM ruleset to the Japanese in the first place. That was almost 5 years ago. But yeah, the Class One ruleset needs to be pushed harder or those 5 years of implementing it will be in vain. Personally, I would rather stick them to GTE rules back in 2014.

Now moving onto the topic, I'm hoping that Honda would bounce back from last season's miserable run in the GT500 class, as well as having some success in the GT300 class with their Honda NSX GT3 car.

[Japanese Samurai]

Masahiro Saeki (Honda SGT project leader) told to jp.motorsport.com that this season's NSX-GT has lowered the position of intercooler to lower the center of gravity.
This will be negative for cooling in summer race, so they want to earn championship points in cool season races.
https://jp.motorsport.com/supergt/ne...ayama-1022864/

[Japanese Samurai]

Sunday press conference by GTA (Masaaki Bandoh)
http://www.fmotor.jp/2018-sgt-rd1-gta

*About future of GT500 class.
-Ultimate goal is world championship.
-Before that, there is rule unification with DTM, holding the world final race.
-There is a demand from DTM for development of front/rear fenders and side steps.
We want to use single package throughout the season in GT500.
-Regarding the engine, we would like to leave room for development of each manufacturer. On the other hand, DTM wants to fix to single spec.

*About Jenson Button participation
-I think that this will be a detonator for SGT to be recognized as a world race.

*About change of formation lap style
-It's good for presentation and safety.

*About grid girl ban in F1
-Japanese race queen is hired by each teams, not by organizer.
So background is different with F1 grid girls.

[rich07]

Can’t wait for season opening race

[bentley speed 8]

Honda front row to start the season

[rich07]

Every time I see that UpGarage 86 I think of the RE Amemeiya RX7 of years gone by

[bentley speed 8]

Originally Posted by bentley speed 8

Honda front row to start the season

And Honda finish 1-2. Pole to race win for the Keihin NSX
Upgarage 86 wins GT300. I think that's their first win?

[J Jay]

Is that 8 years exactly since Keihin's last victory? Regardless, it was a well-deserved lights-to-flag win for the #17, and for a suitably strong performance from Honda all-round. Long may it continue.

There was also a fine drive up the field for RE Amem-- I mean, UpGarage 86.

[rich07]

Golf clubs? Now I’ve seen everything

[MagVanisher]

That was a strong performance for both Team Kunimitsu and Real Racing in the GT500 class, they put Honda back into a 1-2 finish!

Meanwhile, I'm impressed that both Team Upgarage and Tsuchiya Engineering got a podium finish too in the GT300 class, mostly with Team Upgarage. Then again, I'm disappointed that the Honda NSX GT3 car didn't do so well at Okayama.

Now then, I'm hoping that the Class One World Championship will come to fruition and I can't wait for next month's race at Fuji Speedway.

[Japanese Samurai]

About golf clubs.
Many SGT driver likes golf as hobby.
They regularly holds golf tournament named four-wheel club.
There, the worst golf player of pro driver is decided.
The worst golf player must go home with a funny jacket.
https://ameblo.jp/nob-taniguchi/entry-12365265847.html

[Japanese Samurai]

Sunday press conference by GTA (part.2)
http://www.as-web.jp/supergt/356920/2

*In SGT, we maintains a conventional aero development area as usual.
On the other hand, in inter-race, 2018 DTM aero regulations (united aero) will be adopted.
*For engines, as well, we will use competitive engines for SGT, and common engine for inter-race.

Bandoh said to Autosport that they will hold inter-race with DTM/GT500 twice in year in 2019.
Candidate venues are Fuji and Suzuka in Japan. Hockenheim is a candidate in Germany.
As for NSX-GT, Honda can participate in inter-race by BoPed.
However, in 2020, Honda may have to prepare FR-vehicle for world final race.

[Japanese Samurai]

Sunday press conference by GTA part.3
https://car.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1115898.html

*About live timing apps
-At the moment there is no plan to distribute apps for Android.

*About grid girls
-Race queen is an entertainer that the team hires.
They are doing as a business with pride.
-We are regulating that there is no excessive sexual exposure as a promoter.

*About starting procedure
There is no plan to change to standing start.

[loon]

I presume a class 1 world championship will mean the end of GT500 in Super GT and the series will be for just GT300

[Japanese Samurai]

In the press conference,
Bandoh admits that pre-chamber ignition is introduced in NRE.

[Hawkwood]

Just watched the race, thoroughly entertaining!

I feel bad for the #23, as the Nismo TV commentators were adamant there was no jump start, but thems the breaks...

[MagVanisher]

Originally Posted by Japanese Samurai

As for NSX-GT, Honda can participate in inter-race by BoPed.
However, in 2020, Honda may have to prepare FR-vehicle for world final race.

HSV-010 revival?

[Japanese Samurai]

According to jp.motorsport.com,
it was Naoki Yamamoto's direct appeal that Team Kunimitsu (#100) chose no-tire change strategy.
https://jp.motorsport.com/supergt/ne...SX-GT-1023553/

[hvr777]

James Rossiter seems to substitute Felix Rosenqvist (#6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500) at Round 3 Suzuka because of the schedule clash with Formula E.
Remember at Round 2 Fuji he will also substitute Kazuki Nakajima (#36 au TOM'S LC500) for schedule clash with FIA WEC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhf-n1MBw9e/

[Japanese Samurai]

Autosport magazine reports the rumor that Honda had introduced pre-chamber ignition engine from 2016(!) season.

[Japanese Samurai]

Team CarsTokai (#2) brings new diveplane for Suzuka official test.
https://twitter.com/mooncraft_jp/sta...67751891423233