2005 Nismo speed festival at Fuji-speedway
Shizuoka Dec 4th 2005 With temperatures bearing the single digits, I hopped in my trustworthy Silvia, set the navi, and headed north to Shizuoka-ken.
Why Shizuoka? Well this year, Fuji speedway was given the privilege to hold the inaugural 2005 Nismo Speed Festival. For those who don’t know, Fuji speedway had been closed for roughly 2 years while a major renovation were undertaken.
Upon arrival I was greeted with a rather large array of spectators awaiting shuttle service. And judging by how stuffed the parking lots were, I just figured there must have been at least 15-20,000 spectators in attendance.
Once I arrived at the main pavilion area, I was utterly stunned to see so many tuner vehicles on hand. Zele international had several of there premier Nismo badged vehicles on display. Yet, I couldn’t track down Mr. Inoue for the life of me.
Other tuner cars to mention would be the Tomei Engine Specialists R32, Mine’s garages R34, Endless garages R34 along with many others.
Going beyond the tuner vehicle area, there were many other D1 spec, Super GT and Super Taikyu series race vehicles on hand. They even had a medium sized podium set-up where the cars would drive up, and the driver would be given a short interview. On a personal note, I wasn’t all that interested in the interviews, but rather more interested in listening to the titanium race exhaust systems on the Super Taikyu Fairlady’s.
Soon after the pavilion area settled down, I headed over to the grand stands where a few classic GP cars were awaiting a few test laps. Just the sight of these classic racers, with the screaming open header exhaust had me drifting off in remembrance of my first time watching James Garner, in the 1966 drama Grand Prix.
Shortly after a few exhibition races, old Mother Nature opened up her thoughts, and drew down a light flash of snow fall. This didn’t stop the short time exhibition laps, as they went on way deep into the afternoon.
Overall, I was delighted with the day’s events. And to think this was my first Japan based historical exhibition event. I feel now with all motor racing dreams and energy surrounding me, Ill definitely be going back next year.
Adam S. Truesdale
Japan based exporter.
Random images from the event
