Super GT 2023 Calendar
Edward Standley
Entrepreneur with Master's in Business driving digital innovation.
The Japanese GT Association has unveiled the 2023 calendar for their premier racing series. The eight-race provisional schedule retains this year's six domestic venues - Okayama, Fuji, Suzuka Circuit, Sugo, Autopolis International Racing Course and Motegi.
On each of the six tracks, two races will be held - Fuji Speedway for the opening round on 7 April and Suzuka Circuit in late June. To avoid clashing with FIA World Endurance Championship's annual visit to Fuji circuit, Sugo race in September has been moved back a week; Autopolis takes place October 14-15th.
Fuji Speedway
Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan has been home to this circuit since it opened its gates in December 1965. Not only has it hosted the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix here but also numerous national and international motorsports series over the years.
In 1963, it was originally planned as a Nascar-style high speed banked oval but ultimately converted into an ordinary circuit layout. Originally 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long with only one banked turn, money ran out before construction could be finished.
Fuji Speedway was a legendary circuit for sports car racing in the early 1980s, hosting the FIA World Sportscar Championship from 1982-1988. However, in 2000 Toyota purchased it and redeveloped it to Formula One standards with Hermann Tilke lending his expertise and experience in designing the new layout.
Fuji has long been the host to some of motorsport's premier events, such as the Japanese Grand Prix. Unlike many other high-level international tracks, Fuji never turned down this new form of motorsport and has fully embraced it - allowing the D1 series to visit their track annually and run one or two rounds there.
At the race grounds, there's also a small drifting track used for track days and driving courses. This facility is open to enthusiasts with an NS4 license and you can visit at any time during the week for some high-speed action.
Another unique aspect of the track is its 1.5km long straight, one of the longest in the world and used for local drag races. This straight is certainly its main draw and allows fans to test out their speed without fearing injury on this circuit.
This track has a distinguished history and boasts some of the finest race cars in the world. Its roots can be traced back to 1960 when some businessmen decided to construct an NASCAR-style banked oval at Oyama, Shizuoka-ken, despite lacking sufficient funding.
Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka Circuit has long been a favourite of Formula One drivers and fans alike. It presents a challenging track that requires great skill and precision, yet still manages to be enjoyable to watch. Plus, Suzuka Circuit is known for its high drama, drawing some of Formula One's biggest names such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to compete.
Honda initially built Suzuka as a test track in 1962, and it welcomed Formula 1 for the first time that same year. Although various safety upgrades over the years have made Suzuka safer for drivers, it remains an old-school race circuit requiring great skill and precision from those behind the wheel.
The main straight is a long and fast section where engines run at full revs for around 65% of the lap. Furthermore, this track has notoriously unpredictable weather - making it difficult to predict when conditions will be dry and how much traction there will be available.
Suzuka's unpredictable weather makes it one of the toughest tracks to race at, as even light rainfall can cause major issues with cars sliding on wet asphalt and reducing their speed. With such conditions, cars must adjust their strategy accordingly.
Even worse, Suzuka Circuit is situated in Mie Prefecture on Japan's southeast coast and often experiences heavy rain or tropical storms. Last year, rain nearly forced them to cancel the Japanese Grand Prix due to flooding.
Unfortunately, rainstorms at Suzuka can be a crucial element of the racing experience. When the track becomes saturated during storms, drivers and spectators not only face getting wet but they may find their vehicles stuck on the course as well.
Suzuka circuit stands out with its unusual figure eight layout, which sets it apart from other tracks worldwide. This two-section track connects the front section to the back via an overpass, making it one of two licensed FIA Grade 1 tracks to feature this layout.
Okayama International Circuit
Okayama International Circuit, a 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) track in Japan, is home to some of the world's most renowned racing events. With its challenging turns and fast straights, Okayama has earned its place among other legendary race tracks worldwide.
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In the 1990s, this track was constructed with the purpose of hosting international racing events. German engineer Hermann Tilke designed it - he's also responsible for designing iconic tracks like Bahrain International Circuit and Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Though the track has hosted many races over its 25-year history, it is best known as host to Formula One Pacific Grand Prixs in 1994 and 1995, won by Damon Hill while driving for Williams-Renault.
In addition to offering great racing opportunities, Okayama International Circuit also features a number of features that make it an attractive destination for motorsport fans. The track boasts a large grandstand that can accommodate 30,000 spectators as well as several VIP hospitality suites.
This facility allows guests to watch their favorite drivers compete without ever having to leave their hotel. Furthermore, there are plenty of other entertainment options for visitors at the circuit, such as a restaurant and shopping mall.
The circuit began as an innovative experiment in racing circuit management. Hajime Tanaka, the owner of a golf course, had the vision to use a country club model to promote motorsport by offering exclusive racing facilities to wealthy customers. He believed this model could lead to successful business success for him and his venture proved successful.
After drawing 350 members, Tanaka began construction of the circuit in 1989. He spent $100 million to carve out this circuit from mountainous territory within Okayama Prefecture, Japan.
Despite its remote location, the circuit quickly gained notoriety as a popular venue for international racing events. It hosted Formula One Pacific Grand Prixs in 1994 and 1995, as well as World Touring Car Championship races.
Though no longer host to major international events, the circuit remains a popular destination for racing enthusiasts. It continues to host major Japanese competitions such as Super Formula and Super GT series.
Mobility Resort Motegi
In 2023, the MotoGP returns to Japan for its iconic race at Mobility Resort Motegi (formerly Twin Ring Motegi), located 60 miles northeast of Tokyo.
In addition to races, the track also offers visitors a range of other activities and attractions. From pit tours and event souvenir shops to music concerts, there's something for fans of all ages at this venue.
When visiting the facility, guests have several accommodation options to choose from: hotels within close proximity of the track or campgrounds nearby. Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Motegi is 3.5 mi (5.7 km) away and features several amenities for its guests.
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Motegi offers family-friendly activities, such as its kids' club and pool. All rooms come with flat-screen televisions and wireless Internet access; plus, the bathrooms boast rainfall showerheads.
Only a short drive away, the hotel provides access to numerous attractions like Honda Collection Hall and MOBI PARK. The museum celebrates Honda's history in motor vehicles, while MOBI PARK features go-karting races as well as a cafe.
Motegi, originally known as "Twin Ring Motegi," features two racing tracks: a 2.493 km oval and 4.801 km road course. On March 25, 2022 it was renamed to celebrate their 25th anniversary - now officially known as Mobility Resort Motegi."
The track has hosted numerous international events and sports car races, such as Indycar and CART races, Japanese Super Formula Championships, and Japanese GT races.
North Short Course is a second road course located within the complex that hosts Karting events and an outdoor trials track used by FIM Trials Series competitions.
Motorsports enthusiasts, particularly motorcyclers, flock to this facility every weekend. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., it remains accessible throughout the weekend; however entry to the facility is prohibited after 2:00 p.m.