chris walrod

Just back from a third trip to Japan in as many weeks. Preseason testing is now complete.

This track test was a Twin Ring Motegi. The second day on track was steady rain, but rain doesnt intimidate these folks. They were quite happy to test in the wet since they race in it often.

Some video clips

Circuit Safari -- in between sessions, two busses take to the track with media and VIP's to watch the cars run around them -- quite interesting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7OMiz_PVOg


All cars practiced their launch strategy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DIS9Kggl2k


Notice the exhaust glowing out the back, flame thrower!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKCCjZkr_bM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnJaO5cKG4c

chris walrod

As an added treat and since Twin Ring Motegi is Honda owned, the Honda Collection museum staff were shaking down a restoration, circa 1986 Mansell turbo V-6 F1 car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLnTTExvJ7Q

A.Wayne

SWEET ! the shiftcut sounds awesome on the turbo F1 car and bring back memories


Chris , Where you doing wet launch control programming ?

chris walrod

We werent, but I am sure the engine folks were trying different strategies.

fjpdds

What a fantastic sound.
Thanks

Chaos

Thank you very much (sounding like Elvis)

Chaos

What are those ? IRL ?

Meister Fahrer

Yeah, you don't see an open wheel car racing past a tour bus in the rain every day.

Dig that early turbo F1 car too, does have a great sound on the shifts.... thanks for sharing!

chris walrod

Hi Gregg, these cars, while very similary to IRL cars, were specifically designed for Formula Nippon.

chris walrod

LOL - I agree with the bus. Certainly not something one see's much in litigious America

A.Wayne

+10

chris walrod

Some nicer images of this car.

Cory M

The cars look great.

What are the lights on the roll hoop for? Position - like ALMS?