It was a star-studded five-lap race.
Best Motoring on YouTube has released a throwback race video of some JDM superstars at the Tsukuba Circuit in Japan. Filmed in 2004, the auto magazine brought together the most sought-after JDM sports cars that still hold up in today's time.
The five-lap race was joined by two Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8s (MR RS and GRS), two Subaru Imprezas (WRX STI and WRX STI Spec C), Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, and Honda NSX Type R.
On paper, a victory seemed to be within reach in the Skyline GT-R R34 thanks to its famed 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine paired with an all-wheel-drive system. Plus, the only Godzilla on track was starting at the front of the grid, alongside rally rivals Lancer Evo 8 GSR and Impreza WRX STI.
The Honda NSX Type R, also known as the NSX-R, came with a 3.0-liter C30A V6 engine in the middle of the pack. The Evo 8 MR RS and Impreza WRX STI Type C were at the back of the grid.
After five laps of racing at the 1.2-mile Tsukuba Circuit, the Evo 8 GSR got the bragging rights against other JDM favorites with a first-place finish. The second Lancer Evo 8 went from the back to second place.
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C and Impreza STI came in third and fourth, respectively. Meanwhile, the NSX Type R finished ahead of the Skyline GT-R R34.
But in the time attack segment, the MR-badged Lancer Evo 8 RS posted the fastest time of 1:06.218. The NSX Type R split the two Lancers with a 1:06.505 lap time, with the Evo 8 GSR finishing in 1:06.625. The Impreza WRX STI followed it with a 1.06:896 lap time.
The same case was for the Skyline GT-R R34, which split the two Imprezas with a lap time of 1.06:983. Considering the Impreza WRX STI Spec C was slower by over half a second slower than the heavier Subaru on track, the driver might've not clocked his best time, finishing in 1.07:465.
This throwback race proved horsepower is not everything in racing. Factors like weight and racecraft also play a huge role in staying at the front. But best of all, we love the nostalgia we felt seeing these gems from the Far East once more during their heydays.
Keyword: JDM Superstars Of Early 2000s Battle At Tsukuba In Throwback Video