Japanese Super GT

The Super GT racing series is the Japanese version of the DTM. It is promoted by the GT-A and is sanctioned by the FIA.

At first the races were run only on well-known Japanese tracks like Twin Ring Montegi, Fuji Speedway, Suzuka Circuit, but later expanded to Okayama, Sugo, and Autopolis. Now the series has gone internationally with a visit to Sepang (Malaysia) and the occasional exhibit race in the USA.

The series consists of two groups of cars: GT 500 (max 500hp) and GT 300 (max 300hp), and rely on intake restrictor plates (same as NASCAR) to maintain competitiveness. To promote maximum excitement to the race fans, both groups of cars are run simultaneously and points are awarded separately. As if that wasn't enough, the method of success ballast (aka weight handicap) is used. Weight penalties are assigned depending on a cars performance during the weekend. It should be noted that, although the success ballast is used in other series around the world, the Super GT imposes weight penalties much more aggresively, even for qualifying position and individual lap times.

GT500

Lexus Team Petronas Tom's

As the regulations for this class are considerably looser than most GT classifications, teams are free to change engines with most models made by the manufacturer, change engine position, add forced induction systems, however, the engines must be V-8's displacing 3.4 liters. Understandably, the GT500's are generally much quicker to other grand tourer series. The use of most electronic aids, such as ABS, TC, SC are not allowed, as are ceramic brakes.

GT300

Team JLOC

This class is more regulated than their GT500 counterparts so the works teams prefer the latter. The class is a hot bed for privateers which means that the field tends to be more varied in terms of cars entered. Even european exotics, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, ASL, Mosler, and Vemac (Lotus tuner), can be found in the GT300. Chassis clips and re-alignments are not allowed, as are Canards. This is results in a much more affordable racing experience for privateers.

Below you can get a sense of the very competitive racing that is characteristic of the Japanese Super GT. Japanese is spoken, but then again, we all understand the racing language...



Stay tuned for a piece on Subaru's new BRZ GT300 entry.

Source: SuperGT, FIA