So here are the cars I went expecting to see during the JCCA Endurance. Touring style modified cars that the typical consumer would identify with, if we were back in the 60s and 70s.
Even though I was enamored by the presence of the open wheel formula cars, the selection of vintage Japanese and European saloons was simply astounding. Seeing and hearing Japanese greats mix it up with Porsches and Alfas is an experience I won’t soon forget. I always believe cars are built the be used, and these were being pushed hard with no regard to rarity and value. Perfect.
This is a definite must see event for any vintage motor sport enthusiast One thing I didn’t understand was the “Endurance” name that the event held. The longest heat was only a bit over an hour. However, this provided me plenty of time to tour the facilities and look for different vantage points to catch each car as they ran spaced out sessions.
Since there are a ton of pics to cover, I’ll leave the parking lot finds for another post.
This was the first group to go out on the track after the formula cars finished.
The lineup was pretty diverse. It’s not often you get the pleasure of seeing a Fairlady, 911, Elan and, Giulia preparing to do battle…
With a fully stripped and caged ’60s era Prince Skyline.
This particular Honda roadster caught my eye with its patriotic (USA) livery.
I would be seeing a lot of those Honda Twin Cam Club decals throughout the day.
Love the lines on this Alfa Giulietta Spider.
The smooth yet quirky hood details around the headlights on this immaculate Triumph TR4 looked pretty cool. It contrasted nicely with the rough bumper venting.
The owner of this S800 was mentally preparing for the upcoming task.
Quick and effective cooling management with duct tape. This Nissan Bluebird (Datsun 510) wearing BRE livery turned the fastest times of the day.
The Prince Skyline in for a tuneup after a few laps.
The teams were pretty well accessorized. From lap time focused items like tire warmers…
To period correct scooters to navigate the premises in style.
Perhaps the most meaningful accessory was attendance stickers from the past. This early 911 had the most and proved that experience pays off. He had the fastest time in his class that day.
In the southern staging area of the paddock a huge group of Nissan Sunnys were gathered.
They appeared to fill their own class.
Many of them were sporting pretty rare wheels.
You would almost believe these TOSCOs are easy to acquire judging by the number of cars using them.
More than any of the other owners, the guys with the Sunnys went out of their way to find a secluded area to work on the cars.
Not sure what secrets they were discussing, but there were around 4-5 guys gathered around the rim and front rotor that was removed.
Off to the side of the Sunnys was a bit of a haphazard handful of cars. The most exciting one being this Ginetta G12. Nothing quite prepares you for how tiny these cars are in person.
He was probably meditating in order to avoid the onset of claustrophobia.
The first couple vantage points I went to were a bit obstructed so I took a look around.
Until I found a better view on the central grandstands.
From there, I looked across and saw this field littered with highly modified Japanese classics. I had to check it out.
So I went back around to the southern staging area and followed this S30 Fairlady Z around the service road.
I was greeted by a few of the cars I just spotted heading out to the track.
Ridiculously wide.
It was a bit odd staring the passenger of this Hakosuka straight in the eye through my lens.
This Kenmary Skyline looked ready to pounce but I never saw it being run in anger.
One of my favorite first gen Celicas. I had only seen it online before this event. The owner was resting inside under the shade of that black shirt.
There was a nice selection of Works style Hakosukas in attendance.
My friend Danny and I fell in love with this pristine flat tailed first generation Celica. I think this guy would agree with us.
Nice purple on this TE27 Corolla.
On the way to the east side grandstands, I found this Bluebird (Datsun 510/1500) sitting on its own.
There was almost always some sort of action out on the track.
Beautiful ZG
It is great how close you can get to the action at many of the Japanese tracks.
Racing against the ambulance?
Unfortunately, the G-nose equipped Fairlady couldn’t take the heat.
The fastest Porsche of the day. Same car with all the attendance stickers lining the fender.
Something about cars going through the Dunlop arch was pretty cool.
Fairlady on the hunt.
I couldn’t believe it when they took this old sedan out.
The driver looked over at the grandstand every time he passed.
When it came time for the cars from the lawn to come back in, I found a great spot to catch them all from above.
After their session, I walked down to see what was going on as the day wound down.
Many cars had their hoods open to let off some heat.
Many of the engine bays were a bit on the rough side so I didn’t capture many of them.
The flowers probably add 50hp.
Deep dish trash can anyone?
Cool period details.
❤
What a sight. Like a car geek picnic.
As the last session prepared to take off, I decided to head back to my car.
Seeing an open spot on the way through the parking lot, I couldn’t resist moving my Hakosuka and snapping a pic of it under the stands.
VicariousGear 