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Taevion Trampio FTO Race Car |
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( 1998-1999 JGTC Series )
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The All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC) has grown to become the largest race series in Japan in terms of participants, with entries of 40 cars attracting motor sports fans across the country (average of spectator count of 44,486 per event in 2000). As the event is held as a semi-endurance race, the strategy utilized for the routine stop to change driver, tires and refueling plays a very important factor in the outcome; surely a unique point that catches spectator interest in addition to the dynamic power of the cars. Overseeing the JGTC Series is the Japan GT Association (GT-A), which works to ensure that every race offers truly exciting battles every lap, from start to finish. |
Cars Competing in JGTC
Part of the appeal to the JGTC is the variety of car models participating in the series. Out of the approximately 40 entries, there are currently 15 different models competing. The lineup of flagship Japanese GT cars includes the Toyota Supra, Nissan Skyline GT-R and Honda NSX. Also present are familiar world-renowned models such as the McLaren F1 GTR, Porsche 996GT3R, Ferrari 360 Modena, Lamborghini Diablo and Chrysler Viper.
The series has two different categories, and a car competes against other cars in the same category at each event. The categories are GT500 (approximately 500 HP) and GT300 (approximately 300 HP). The sleek stylish bodywork and radiant decals covering the chassis fail to undermine the peak performance of the machines. |
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Although cars of the JGTC are modified greatly from the original assembly line model, each must be in full compliance with the technical regulations drafted for the series. It is these technical regulations that maintain equilibrium among the competing cars' performance and thus ensure that the battles are close through every lap of every race. Each car is required to maintain a minimum weight and that its engine be fitted with an air restrictor. These measures allow strict control of performance and keep the field close together. Additionally, for each class, cars that qualify in the top three positions for each race, cars that finish in the top three positions of each race, and the car timing the fastest lap during each race are each required to carry a handicap weight in the next race. Every consideration is carefully taken to facilitate exciting slipstream battles before the crowd and ensure that spectators never leave disappointed. As a consequence of these measures, there is keen competition in the qualifying sessions of every round, with only a 1sec separating more than 10 cars fighting for the pole in the GT500 class. In the race as well, from start to checker flag, fans witness cars challenging side-by-side and nose-to-tail in every lap. |
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FTO Info