The road course at Twin Ring Motegi is known as a demanding circuit, requiring endurance from the drivers and a track that is demanding on the cars. Drivers refer to the track as a 'stop and go' circuit, placing huge demands on brakes and drive trains. It is often a race where difficulties arise in the latter stages of the race. Moreover, it is a track known for its lack of places to pass and its ability for causing drivers to overwork; resulting in the possibility of contact with other cars.


No.32 EPSON NSX In the GT500 class, the machines making their presence felt will be the powerful NSXs. The SUPER GT-spec NSXs are tested mainly at this track, and thus are very well-suited to its particular characteristics. It is, in a word, their 'home track', and nobody knows it better than the Honda teams do. In terms of wins, the NSXs have taken five consecutive victories at Twin Ring Motegi since 2001 - a true demonstration of their strength and suitability to the circuit. When it comes to number of wins, it's the No. 32 EPSON NSX that has shone the brightest, scoring two victories in that time. For the first time, the No. 32 car will have drivers Loic Duval and Hideki Mutoh behind the wheel - it's not inconceivable that this could be the scene of their first win.


No.23 XANAVI NISMO Z Among the Fairlady Z runners, it was the No. 12 CALSONIC IMPUL Z that took its first victory of the season in Round 6 at Suzuka recently; while coming in second was the No. 22 MOTUL AUTECH Z machine. This could be the place they make a powerful counterattack. However, because the weight handicap (success ballast) on the two cars is large, it may turn out to be a race where earning points becomes the main objective. On the other hand, the no. 23 Xanavi NISMO Z may be on for the win.


No.1 ZENT CERUMO SC Also, the SC430 competitors: their power isn't that strong at this track, so for the top-ranking No.36 OPEN INTERFACE TOM'S SC430 and the No. 1 ZENT Cerumo SC, it will probably be a point-gathering event. On the other hand, the Dunlop-shod No.35 BANDAI DIREZZA SC430 could take its second win of the season on the tires that have proved so strong here in the past.

No.61 S.Mitsuyama/N.Taniguchi Looking at GT300, the departure of the No.27 direxiv motorsport from its top ranking in the class sees drivers Shogo Mitsuyama and Nobuteru Taniguchi switch to a new team, the No.61 R&D ADVAN VEMAC 320R, in which they will participate for this race. Although in a new team, the drivers and staff maintaining the machine won't change, so we can expect more of the same strong running from the squad in this event.


No.2 Prevée Zurich ShidenChasing after the Mitsuyama/Taniguchi pair will be the No.2 Privée Zurich Shiden, the No.7 Amemiya Aspara Drink RX-7, and the No.46 Kiccho Houzan DIREZZA Z, steadily catching up on the class leaders. After this Motegi round, there are only two races remaining. At that time, if they're within 20 points of the class leaders, it will be difficult for them to take the title. If they can, they'll go for the victory. In the worst case scenario, finishing within the top five - or retiring - is a situation they'll desperately want to avoid. It is therefore likely to be a very difficult race. Apart from these top runners, the Celica or Z cars look favorable, as does the recently resurgent MR-S