JDM Legends Race At Tsukuba in Retro Video

A Glittering Five-Lap Race

Best Motoring has released a nostalgic racing video on YouTube of some noteworthy Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles competing at Tsukuba Circuit in Japan. Filmed in 2004, the automobile magazine lined up the most sought-after JDM sports cars that remain popular to this very day.

Two Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo 8s (MR RS and GRS), two Subaru Imprezas (WRX STi and WRX STi Spec C), a Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, and a Honda NSX Type R took part in the five-lap race.

A triumph was seemingly attainable on paper with the Skyline GT-R R34 and its renowned 2.6-liter dual turbocharged inline-six motor joined up with an all-wheel-drive set-up. Furthermore, the sole Godzilla was beginning the race from pole position, knee-to-knee with the Lancer Evo 8 GSR and Impreza WRX STI.

インプレッサ スペックCが国産最強軍団に挑む!!【Best MOTORing】2004

The Honda NSX Type R, also called the NSX-R, brought a 3.0-liter C30A V6 motor to the scene. By comparison, laying at the end of the line were the Evo 8 MR RS and Impreza WRX STI Type C.

Following five circuits of hurling around the 1.2-mile Tsukuba track, the Evo 8 GSR proudly earned bragging rights over other JDM favourites by clinching first place honours. Its stable mate Lancer Evo 8 had a stunning sub-run, working its way up from the back of the pack to take second place.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C and Impreza STI secured third and fourth respectively, whereas the NSX Type R outperformed the Skyline GT-R R34.

But in the time attack section, the Lancer Evolution 8 RS bearing the MR badge put up the topmost performance with a time of 1:06.218. Slipping between these two Lancers, the NSX Type R scored a lap time of 1:06.505, with the Evo 8 GSR managing a 1:06.625 stopwatch timestamp. The Impreza WRX STI was close on the car’s trail achieving a 1.06:896 lap time.

The identical situation was also applicable to the Skyline GT-R R34, which outpaced the two Imprezas with a lap duration of 1.06:983. Bearing in mind that the Impreza WRX STI Spec C was slower by around half a second in comparison to the bulkier Subaru on track, the driver might not have attained his ideal time, concluding in 1.07:465.

This nostalgic race demonstrated that horsepower alone is not enough for successful racing; criteria such as weight and discernment also play a huge part in maintaining a top position. Furthermore, we genuinely delighted in the throwback to these classic Far Eastern vehicles during their golden era.