Overview of this year’s edition “JAF Grand Prix SUPER GT & Formula NIPPON FUJI SPRINT CUP 2012″ was presented on July 15th at Fuji Speedway in midst of the Formula NIPPON held at the venue. Scheduled from November 16th to 18th, the two premier racings of Japan, SUPER GT and Formula NIPPON, as well as the Legend Cup, which the legendary drivers of all time get together to take the wheel, will all be held in a single weekend. With the prominent “JAF Grand Prix” title at stake, drivers engage in a serious battle every year, offering excitement and alluring fans. With the catch copy “Super-serious fight” of the season-end, the organizer is aiming to create more exciting race than ever for this year’s FUJI SPRINT CUP.
In SUPER GT category, races will be held separately for each class instead of GT500 and GT300 classes running together like in the regular series races, and, in addition, drivers of the same team will have their own 100km-sprint race individually. On Friday the 16th, four qualifying sessions will be conducted for both classes and both drivers of a combination. The first race of both classes will be held on November 17th and the second race will be on the 18th. In another word, there will be a total of four GT races on Saturday and Sunday. Overall winner (JAF Grand Prix) of each class is decided by totaling the points of each team from two races. Moreover, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Award will be given to the winning team of GT500 class.
One of the uniqueness of FUJI SPRINT CUP is the start. In a usual series race, cars start the race by rolling-start method. But in this Fuji event, they start from still. Another uniqueness is that teammates of a team will be racing individually, so a driver can concentrate on himself and push at maximum.
Appearing as a guest of the presentation, Kazuki Nakajima (No.36 PETRONAS TOM’S SC430) said, “Since a series race is usually over 300km, we need to take good care of tires and brakes, but with the racing distance being shortened at FUJI SPRINT CUP, I think we barely need to worry about them. Above all, you always have to think about your partner that you team up with, but FUJI SPRINT CUP is a race that you fight on your own. In that sense, the pressure is eased off and I can be more aggressive. I’m looking forward to it very much.” Nakajima pointed out the excitement of the event and how the drivers themselves are fond of the event.
This year marks 100th year of municipalization of Oyama Town, locality of Fuji Speedway. Variety of collaborations with Oyama Town as well as Gotemba city and Susono city are planned. One notable of the collaborations would be that scrutineering will be held at Sogo Bunka Kaikan, a public event facility, in Oyama town on Thursday, November 15th, which will be opened to public, giving opportunity to see GT machines up close outside of a circuit.
With regards to the Legend Cup, Fuji Speedway said, “We are currently working on the participants, focusing mainly on the legendary drivers who raced in the event last year and hoping to offer plus alpha to the fans. We are also negotiating on the cars to be used in the race to satisfy everyone’s expectation. Please look forward to this also.”
Source : SUPER GT