As I discussed in my first Last Bout Tremendous Stage Japan 3 story, to do the occasion justice, I needed to cut up the day up between the pits and driving.
In order that brings us right here, with a take a look at all the on-track workforce drifting goodness from Nikko Circuit final weekend.
For the reason that set up of fences – and much more not too long ago, meshing on the fences – Nikko has turn into a considerably difficult place to shoot at. Luckily, nevertheless, the principle nook stays open for spectators and media, and it’s the proper spot for a team-oriented day like Last Bout.
The Staff 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 observe. They even maintain their very own occasions right here a number of occasions a 12 months.
You’ll most likely discover a slight AE86-leaning bias in numerous my protection, and that’s for just a few causes. On this case although, it’s all due to the standard Hachiroku drifting at SSJ3.
I discussed beforehand that workforce NGWIRC took dwelling the ‘Finest Drivers’ award for the day, and these pictures ought to give a superb indication of why. At occasions like Last Bout, proximity and elegance is all the pieces, and there’s no denying that six fantastically put-together AE86s stacked by means of the principle nook is precisely that.
Whereas we’re with reference to AE86s, Staff 4AGE is one my favourite groups to shoot. And never simply at this specific 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 type supplies sufficient adrenaline so that you can skip your compulsory noon can of Boss espresso, even after a 4:00am observe day begin.
All of us love a automobile with a superb 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 lets you drive your automobile in different international locations with the house nation registration. It’s protected to say that the Australian licence plates flip heads wherever the automobile goes, however that’s a narrative for one more time.
Silvias on Silvias on Silvias! Last 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 occasions, at Gunsai Touge, Sportland Yamanashi, and even beforehand right here at Nikko. It should 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 bought 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 12 months later, I lastly bought the prospect at Last Bout SSJ3. Akira-san was in attendance together with his all-red Over Night time Run workforce, a concord of big-power JZXs.
Last Bout Particular Stage Japan 3 was lengthy overdue and didn’t disappoint. With Japan so huge and providing so many observe days and circuits to drive, it’s uncommon for one singular occasion to carry out such an unlimited assortment of one of the best drift automobiles within the nation, however this one did simply that. I received’t neglect final weekend at Nikko Circuit; it was simply top-of-the-line drift occasions I’ve ever attended.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
