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Lagano

si
Posts: 1739

Location: Slovenia West side
Occupation: Taking it easy
Age: 24
V$: :$V
#201   2019-03-18 16:16          
That was some proper time attack action there!! I see you've gotten quite popular at Tsukuba. :D Well, you're a local after all! Getting a lap time under a minute is quite an achievement but the Evo is a beast with much more room for improvement! And i hope to see that S15 on the track one day shredding the competition ;)

Added 44 seconds later:

# BigSmoke :
Hyper Experience: The Debut!










Welp, I did say that I'm going to buy 2 new cars. Well, here they are now!
But wait, there's actually more than that, and that is.........
Finally I'm entering my first competitive event!
What else I can say other than let's jump into the update! :D











[11 Mar 2019]
Paycheck time! Another V$750 landed into my account. So, at the end of the last update I was teasing you about buying two cars, one being from Eastern Europe and the other on still inside Japan. Well, it is time to buy and unveil what are those things. Get yourself ready, 'cause you might be delighted, baffled or even laughed at the reveal! :))

First one is the one from Eastern Europe. When I'm looking for cars in this region, I asked myself: "What is the cheapest car I could get around here?", seeing as Pavol(palino6666) got himself a Skoda Felicia way back then for V$380, while AJ(RocetBunnyS13) and Muza(Niatross) got themselves LHD Euro-spec S13 for cheap, around V$2200-2300. Point is, is there anything cheaper than those? Could it probably cheaper than my steering wheel? (The cheapest ones are Momo Tuner 350mm on my HR34 for V$198).

By a huge luck, that question has been answered in a hilarious way, but it's actually brilliant in insight. How this would be brilliant? I'll tell you soon about that. But anyways, cue the drumroll and please welcome, probably the cheapest, and the most oddball, and the most hilarious project car ever to make appearance here........Daewoo Tico!

Yes, you read that right, I'm going Tico Mode by buying a friggin Daewoo Tico! I've got them from the hilly lands of Romania for V$90 as the ad shows. Combined with shipping cost, it costed me V$150. "But Smoke, isn't Daewoo a Korean brand?" Yep that's correct. "Then why bother importing one from Europe?" Strangely, I can't find ads for Ticos in Korean websites, all I found was the succesor of Tico, which is Daewoo Matiz. And that thing is.....uh.....ugly to me. The one in Europe are built by Polish auto manufacturer, FSO, which you might know for producing Polonez models as well as Fiat 128 for Eastern Europe markets, also nicknamed as Polski Fiat. Another thing is, the Tico is also sold in Japan as Suzuki Alto. The regular Alto, not the flagship model that is the Alto Works-"Then why don't you find them instead?" I can barely find one across the internet, and not even one dipped below the V$200 mark. So here it is, with a consequence of being an LHD model.

Oh yah, technically the car isn't here yet, the car will arrive to Japan around 1,5 week to go. Being an LHD kei car, I wonder how difficult overtaking would be..... :)) ah yes, the Tico packs up a 800cc single-cam naturally aspirated engine joint-developed by Daewoo and Suzuki (instead of the ususal 660cc engine or lower generally carried by kei cars in Japan) producing around 48 BHP with manual transmission. Yeah, not a lot indeed, but I'm not really worried about that. Why? Here comes the explanation on why I bought this thing.

I'm sure most of you guys already know what Kanjozoku is. If you haven't, let me give a short explanation: Kanjozoku is a group of street racers in Osaka, who races at the Osaka Hanshin Line highway. At this highway, there are some sections that when connected would form a big loop, kind of a figure 8 loop. This loop is called the Kanjo loop. You can liken those guys to Wangan Line racers, and you'd be right since they're both race on highways and basically are outlaws for the public. But you'd be wrong as well,because each highways require different approach.

The Wangan Line is basically a huge, wide straight line, so if one is going to build a Wangan car, the build priority would be top speed and high-speed stability. Meanwhile the Kanjo loop is twisty and narrow, consisting mostly of two-lane motorways, so the main focus for a Kanjo build is cornering stability, grip and agility on the drive. "Wait Smoke, but how about the C1 loop?" Yap, it has the same characteristics as Kanjo loop actually, but you can tune a Wangan build car to run rings around the C1 loop, and you can bring a Kanjo build car to run here as well. In fact there was a Kanjo build here that runs at Tokyo instead of Osaka, which is AJ's CR-X that sadly has been sold. But one thing that makes a Kanjo build unique is this: Because Honda Civics are cheap to get, light, grippy and easy to tune.....you guess it, most of Kanjo builds are Honda Civics hatchbacks, mostly late 80's to late 90's ones.

AJ's build was already unique for being a CR-X instead of a Civic hatchback. Well, I'm here to turn the uniqueness to not just 11, but possibly 121 (which is 11^2 or 11x11). Have you seen a Tico going fast alone? Chances are you'd almost never could find one. To add more power and to keep the Kanjo spirit, I'm going to swap a Honda engine inside. Not a K-series since it'll be an overkill, but not a B-series either since it might not fit well either, and it's rather pricey (except for B20B, but who uses that here?). Also since the car is quite light, having huge power inside them could turn this thing into a death rocket, and I don't really want that. So for these reasons, I've decided to put a Honda D16 inside it. Another reason to put it inside is two garages has done exactly this before, so at least I'll have a guideline to follow.

Other reasons to pick the Tico are.....since this is a kei car, it'll be handy to be used inside a narrow road, like one that I, AJ and Muza encountered in Akibahara earlier this year. And it is worth to know that ex-Kanjo racers used their Civics as track day toy. Well yes, I have my Silver Queen for the job, but it could be useful if the Silver Queen is out of action for a while (hopefully not), or simply if I want a new experience. This could be useful as touge racer too! Of course I won't drive it like Shingo Shoji did. But picture this thing as a pint-sized FWD rally car, like Peugeot 306 or Seat Ibiza of the 90s. And uh, it can be a sapre daiy as well, but that's if my passenger can bear with the Honda engine scream and the dour-looking velour interior. See? Behind a boring, underwhelming and pitiful car, there's a lot of potentials to be gained if you're know what would you do with it.

Anyways, moving on to the second car. I only gave a hint to it as Ford Fiesta's Japanese cousin, and it indeed is true, because what I bought here is.......Mazda 2, or should I say a Mazda Demio since it's the Japanese version. Yes, this car shares the same platform with the 6th generation Ford Fiesta, which is broadly lauded for being fun to drive no matter which model you brought. Yep, it doesn't require to ST version to make you chuckle after you throw it into a corner. What I got is the 90 BHP atuomatic 1.3 liter naturally aspirated petrol version, and I paid for it for just V$200.

What are my plans for the Demio? Frankly unlike other builds I currently own, it won't be a racer of any sorts. If you follow my updates regularly, you might remmeber that my Silvia S15 isn't streetlegal as it's intended to be a full-on time trial car, unlike my Silver Queen which doubles as my daily. The Demio, aside from being yet another spare daily, will be a tow car to tow the S15 to the track. Yes, I could use a towing service, but I don't really want to pay everytime I'm going to use it. And it can be a parts car as well if I fit a roofrack on it. And because it shares the same platform as Ford Fiesta, it could be capable as well for, say, yet another tuge run or even light-level backcountry explorer.....the Fiesta is a rally car after all! :)) But still, to augment it's towing capability, I'm going to do light mods for it, namely ECU tune, cams and big valves.

Also after purchasing these cars, I surfed for a bit more and stumbled upon this announcement: Tsukuba Circuit will host the Hyper Meeting at Sunday, which includes the famous Option Super Lap Battle! Other events including Time Attack and 5-lap Circuit Race, RevSpeed Clubman Championship and RAYS Challenge. Other events including live talkshow with D1GP commentator, Manabu Suzuki or Mana-P, and with time attack veteran Eiji Yamada, also known as Tarzan Yamada. There's also car meeting sponsored by KW Suspensions as well as demo rides from various tuning houses.

The Super Lap battle itself is only open for selected entrants, including Yasuhiro Ando, better known as Fire Ando with his extremely bewinged Escort Racing Evo IX. The TA and 5-lap Race is only open for selected tuner houses. The good news is, the RevSpeed Clubman Championship and RAYS Challenge is open for everyone. But the RevSpeed Clubman Championship only accepts 20 entries and apparently all has been filled, while RAYS Challenge still has some entries left, becaus ethey accept 30x2 class entries, making it 60 in total.

As apparently RAYS Challenge is dedicated for build with less extreme aero builds, I quickly signed up for it. The registration feeis quite cheap at V$160, compared to RevSpeed Clubman Championship which stands at V$200. Now, to be honest, the original plan was to enter competitive events when the S15 has been completed, but because I can't wait to have one while possible+to see how the Silver Queen stands among other cars, I decided to enter with my Silver Queen. Also look, I don't need a tow truck for this :D

It's official:
Silver Queen has joined the server!

The rule states that safe driver overall is required, which at minimum consists of full-face helmet, shoes, gloves, trousers and long sleeve suits. I already have those technically, but because this is a competitive event and higher tier events such as Attack Maximum Challenge requires FIA-approved, fireproof race wears, I decided to shop for these. These are what I got:

All of them are clubman to national level race wears I should admit, but they're FIA-approved, so quality shouldn't be really an issue. Plus they look comfortable to be worn at long time, as the RAYS Challenge is divided into two 25 minute sessions: One at morning at one at midday. With all preparations done, I continued my work and planned to pick up the Demio the next day. This is going to be a busy week......

Oh yeah, speaking about Attack itself, it turns out every single Attack Maximum Challenge always have different classes for each event, but the most regularly contested ones are NA and Turbo classes. For the Tsukuba event, starting this year, there's one more class called Real Tuning class. This class allows any kind of participant and builds.....as long as the car has minimum to no aero tunes at all (e.g. canards, GT wings, diffusers and flat floors are not allowed, no aero part can be wider than the car itself, and the aero addition may not add the overall car length longer than 30mm and wider than 20mm. But front and rear lips as well as OEM aero parts are allowed). Exactly what I've done to my Silver Queen, then. So I decided if I can't complete the Silvia by the next Attack event, I'll use my Silver Queen instead to enter in Real Tuning class.

So now here is the structure and rules of the classes at Attack Tsukuba:



[12 Mar 2019]
The Mazda Demio I bought is located at Sapporo, Hokkaido. Obviously with the great distance the travel would be, it'll be a hectic occasion if I'm about to go there by car, and having a friend riding with you doesn't really help. So I went there with JR express train, famous for their Shinkansen bullet train armada. Honestly it is remarkable how the engineers made the trains quite comfortable, you barely feel the inertia of the train whilst it's going around 500(!!)km/h. After a while, I arrived at the location. Whilst I have a chit-chat with the dealer owner while I'm resting my back, the car delivered upon my eyes.

Quite a cute thing, isn't it? Certainly could blend well with your everyday traffic but still can attract people in general. Am I the only one that thinks it looks rather feminine though? Either way, we all know that both Mazda 2/Demio and Ford Fiesta are reliable and has a brilliant fuel consumption. So after receiving some long-distance driving tips from the dealer owner (this is much longer than Tsukuba-Tokyo or even Tsukuba-Osaka), I took upon myself the challenge to do hypermile driving (as in highway endurance driving, not going into supersonic speeds) inside the Demio. The Demio passed the test brilliantly.......but truth be told it was rather uneventful even with radio constantly on. At least my back didn't hurt that badly......

As the sunset nearly ends, I arrived back to my crib. Now here comes another problem: My garage and driveway is already full with cars! But it looks like the house across mine is currently empty for one or another reason. It's been a long time since I have a chatter with the house's owner anyway. So for now, I'll park the Demio in front of their garage. Don't mind if I do........



[13 Mar 2019]
At this point, all my parts that I've listed in the last update (S15 stock fuel line, Evo steelies, HR34 stock wheels, open diff and hub knuckles) has been sold for a grand total of V$1560. While I'm at it, I ordered some parts for my S15, and they're quite important to have the RB26 running. First one is custom driveshaft from MazWorx to suit the Nissan CD009 transmission. I opted for thicker steel construction, seeing as I haven't even stepped in high power league for the S15 but certainly wants a strong diff, costing me V$475. The other one is rather difficult to find, but quite a blessing. This is the custom front mounted intercooler kit from CX Racing, designed for RB swap projects onto any kind of S-Chassis. It looks like the intercooler itself can be replaced with other brands as well. Quite a deal for V$459.

In the meantime, I was informed all my suits order will arrive the next day. If you actually shop for a helmet once, you'll know that they're sold mainly being in plain white or simply bare carbon. And obviously, bare carbon helmets are expensive. So you can guess on what state my helmet will arrive. I'd like to have my helmet stylized as a personalization mark and so I won't lost it on raceday. The problem is, I'm not really a fan of modern day designs: Too many colours and patterns mixed into one places. I prefer helmet desgins like those of F1 drivers from early 80s to early 2000s, where they used simple stripes and swishes with minimum sponsor marks. Good examples of these includes Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher (in particular in early F1 career), Mika Hakkinen, Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard's helmets.

Then I remembered about VS Garage having their new Tsukuba branch since the end of last year. I wondered if they also accept helmets as well, so I gave them a call. Fortunately, they actually do receive helmet paint and detailing requests, where they charge V$400 if you want them to choose the graphics or V$200 if you want to do the graphics yourself. I'd like to try it by my own, so I picked the latter option, and the crew sent me the graphics template to paint on. I spent the rest of the day pouring my ideas over the design......you'll see them soon.



[14 Mar 2019]
All my race wear orders has arrived! I was ecstatic to wear them on in front my bedroom's mirror, like a girl trying to pick a dress for a date. I mean come on, this is my first time wearing a legit racing suit! Bought with my own money as well! :D everything fits well and I felt comfy wearing these, which is a good thing because you might already know that sitting in a racecar for hours means risking having yourself roasted inside your car. It's quite hot it'll help you lose some body weight after racing! The undie tops also means I can walk around in the paddock with the race suit tied around my wait nstead of being fully worn while cooling myself post-race.

And then there's the helmet: It actually has no branding on it, so it's quite convenient to design the graphcis on it. Soeaking of which, at the afternoon I delivered the new helmet and my homemade design to VS Garage Tsukuba. As I mentioned way back then, it's located near the school where the girls I picked up with Rantaro is in. Thankfully though, it was still active school hours.

Just like the one in Tokyo, I was greeted with a big neon sign in front of their garage.

One of the crew welcomed me and told me to get in. I told him to call up the detailing crew for some chatter as well.

Turns out I came at the right time as they're on pizza and lasagna break.....just like when I waited for AJ at VS Garage Tokyo :)) They offered me some but I kindly rejected since I already had one before going to the garage. We chattered about the techs and techniques they used to do the painting and detailing, as well as some designs they've done previously. I also told them about the VS Garage Tokyo boys, and that AJ had some of his liveries done by them. Quite a fun chatter, I should say, and their attention to detail is quite amazing. They said the helmet detailing process will be fnished in next 2 days.

Before I left the garage and trusted my helmet to the crew, Brandon(DEADMANE) messaged me to my phone. He offered two of his wheels, one of them which I could take for free as a token of appreciiation for helping him sourcing parts via my updates and comments. I was surprised by this to be honest, but nevertheless I appreciated his offer by taking a set of Enkei RPF1s with stretched Dunlop Dirrezas on it. And as a thank-you gesture, I offered and agreed to pay for the shipping cost, which was V$80. Should be handy for my HR34 build :D


[16 Mar 2019]
The FMIC and driveshaft for S15 has arrived! But before installing them, I went back to VS Garage Tsukuba to pick up my helmet. The streets was quite crowded today, and I can already seem to see some Hyper Meeting entrants making their way to Tsukuba Circuit. Trailers carrying cars and trucks are spreading along the highway. What a time to be alive, especially when you can be a part of them ;)

After discussing about the works done to my helmet and thanking the crew, I went back to my crib. Also, here's my new shiny helmet!



Quite a looker, isn't it? I ended up mixing elements of 2000's racing helmets with modern ones. Also, yes, I've made my personal logo using my initials.

After storing the helmet inside my bedroom, I installed the FMIC and driveshaft inside my S15. I can tell you, the driveshaft installation is pure hell if you don't do it while standing. I mean, the stock driveshaft almost fell upon my body, and worse still, it was already loose near the beginning of the procedure......and the loose part is the front one, which means near my balls. I had to hold it with my right foot during the uninstalling process. Imagine risking your future kids while working on stuff........

The FMIC meanwhile is rather easy to install. Some adjustments required to fit them properly, but at least you don't have to lay below your car.

The only problem is.....who thought this kind of piping construction is acceptable? But at least they're far enough from the ground. Welp, I can't really know yet if yet would survive soooooo........
(well, blame the 3D modeler)

After listing the S15 stock driveshaft for sale at V$320, I decided to take early sleep at night to give myself more time to prepare and go for the Hyper Meeting. I can't wait!



[17 Mar 2019]
4.00 am
TODAY'S RACEDAY!! See, I have to type them in bolds and capitals just to show how excited I am :)) One of the unwritten rules of racing is you have to come in early morning, since driver's briefing and car scrutineering is held at morning, and you can't be late at both occassions, or else you'll be fined. After a freezy shower and preparing for stuffs to bring on the track (my helmet and a bag with my race suit inside as well as 2 spare common undies), I went off to the track as dawn arrives. It was cold, misty, foggy, with my Evo's 4G63 engine breaking the silence.

I arrived at the gates at 04.30, where lots of cars and trucks already queued for entry. Thankfully, the spectators and the entrants gate are splitted. I received my ID card, timer beacons and car start number stickers at the gate, then proceeded to enter the paddock. My heart was already beating fast as I enter the paddock, unlike when I attend my usual track days.

At the paddock, I unpacked the race suit and fireproof undies, as well as my helmet, timer beacon and the number stickers. First off, I attached the stickers and timer beacons to my Evo. The Silver Queen looks fittingly race-ready with these numbers attached. Then I went to the public locker room to change into my race suit. It is a good thing I don't have to change inside my car.


When I went back, some photogaphers and fans has been swarming around my car. As I walk back to the Silver Queen, I was rained with questions, mainly why I choose this car, since when I own it, whether if I also daily it, what I've done to it, who designed the Silver Queen sticker and the helmet graphics, and many more. I also honestly told them this is my very first event, with many of them wishing good luck. Well, this is why I love Japan :D

With the impromptu interview session over, it is time for driver's briefing. I reported to the stewards that my car is ready to be put in parc ferme condition (i.e. ony the stewards can touch the car) before walking to the press conference room for the driver's briefing.

6.00 am
Driver's briefing and car scrutineering has started. The briefing itself is simple: It's consisted of a lecture about general racing rules, racing format of the day, driving schedule and what to do in certain scenarios (e.g. if you crash or had to stop at trackside), followed by QnA from the drivers and the head of steward commitee. As for the scrutineering, you guessed it, the stewards will check your car for any violations towards the rules. Thankfully, my Silver Qqueen passed all the rules. As I've mentioned earlier, the RAYS Challenge will be held in 2x25 minutes of free runs with 50 minutes of running window, since there are 60 cars participating. The first one will be held at 8.10 am-9.00 am, shortly after the first run of Option Super Lap Battle, while the second one will be held at lunch break, at 11.50 am-12.40pm.

Speaking of which, the main highlight of the event is obviously the Super Lap Battle. Unlike other race events that only has two runs held, the Super Lap Battle has four runs from early morning to afternoon, and it serves as bookends for the event (it's the first and the last race to run). Tthe format is also different from other time attack races: Whereas all other races are free run sessions, the Super Lap employs one-shot format where you have one lap to get off the pits, one lap to score your time and one lap to get back to the pits. This is also why they have only 10 minute of running window in each session.

7.00 am
After an opening ceremony by the organizer commitee, pit lane is opened, parc ferme condition is lifted from all cars and the Super Lap Battle participant enters the pit lane to stand by. I decided to hang around the pitlane for a while to see the track conditions. It was clean and cold. Half an hour later, as crowds fill in the grandstand, I return back to the paddock to empty my bladder. Y'know, it won't be ideal if nature calls you while you're racing.

8.00 am
The event officially starts as all the Super Lap Battle participants exited the pits. Meanwhile, the RAYS Challenge participant are randomly divided into 6 groups consisting of 10 cars. First three groups will run at 8.10 am-8.35 am, while the latter ones will run at 8.35-9.00 am to reduce traffic congestion. As the Ssuper Lap cars exited the pits, the first group lined up near the pit exit. I myself has been chosen to lead the second group.

8.10 am
After the first group exited the pits, I and 9 other cars lined up at the pit exit. It feels like my heart's going to explode, I clearly had a starstruck moment. Guess I shouldn't peep the Super Lap racers earlier......but here it is, the Silver Queen's debut against the big boys.

Then the steward gave the signal to enter the track. Alright, time for heating up the tyres.

Tthe main prblem was there aren't a lot of rubber yet on track, and it's still relatively cold. And I have lots of cars behind me, so I already have to push the car a bit to heat up the tyres while not messing up with other driver's pace.


The crowds and photographers have filled up almost all the spots available, which made me a bit happy but also a bit nervous. Dang, I thought not a lot of people would come! But then there's a lot of star-studded guests here soooo......


As I approached the last corner, I took a deep breath and pray for pretty much everything quickly. Then it is time to enter the competitive territory.
3....2......1.......START!!


I'm trying to bring the Silver Queen on the ragged edge just like the last time I brought her here. With the new 17 inch wheels I can feel the limit of the car much better so I can push it around with better precision. I'd like to say to the Silver Queen "DAMN GIRL YOU GRIP AND STICC!" but obviously there's no time for that. I have to continously pushing it around for 25 minutes straight.


Around 10 minutes later, rubbers starts to fullfill the track. A good time to cook the tyres to their maximum, then. Just don't throw any early traffics please!


12 minutes later, with the sunray start to blind me less, I and everyone else was signalled to get ready to come back to the pits as our time was over. Even if it's the first session Ii'm already sweating a hell lot from the intensity and the hype of driving inside a big event. I really need to calm myself down man.


8.35 am
I returned to the pits and went straight to the paddock. The talkshow stage is going to start but I'm yet to see Mana-P yet, so I used the remaining time to have another go to the restroom, change to a dry undie, trying to dry my fireproof undies a bit, redress myself by tying my race suit to my waist, and bought a cold drink. Along the wait for the next session I also watch the RevSpeed Clubman Championship runs, and also socialized with other drivers by comparing notes from our runs and talk about our cars, as well as wishing each other good luck.

The Silver Queen continues to gain attention as well, with more photographers and fans forming a crowd around it. It looks like the main reason of why everybody's interested on them is it's unusual for an older Evo to attend time attacks, since most Evos attending are Evo VII-Evo X, and occassionally some Evo VIs as well. To be fair, there's a GC8 and even a GF8 wagon here, but then there's only one of them each. Almost everyone asked me the same questions as those before the first run, but that's okay. Everybody seems to have positive opinion over the SIlver Queen. Indeed as they say, old school is cool school ;)

11.00 am
After the second run of the Super Lap Battle, I decided to get an early lunch. To be honest, I planned to have lunch after my second run instead, but I have a fear that if I did, there's a possibility that I'll lost my concentration mid-run from hunger and could perhaps end in a crash, and there's an even bigger possibility that I'll ran out of lunch as stalls areserving a lot of people as I do my run. Well, I can only hope I can dump any kind of excretes before I do my run....as I explained before, having the call of nature as you're on the run is one of the worst scenario imaginable.

11.30 am
Welp, it is a good thing nature called me at the barely right moment. After emptying my stomach from everything and have one last drink to keep myself hydrated, I wore my race suit properly again, enter inside my Silver Queen, and waited the signal to stand by at the pitlane. Just like at the first run, I'll be leading the second group of the free run. As I'm sitting inside the car, I can overhear discussion about the procedures if rain falls upon the track. Then I looked outside and indeed the cloud darkens near T1.......but at the bright side, the air is cool so it'll be good for the 4G63 engine

11.50 am
Just like the first run, I and 9 other cars set off from the pit exit 20 seconds after the first group got off the pits. Shortly before I lined up the car at the exit, I noticed the asphalt temperature didn't drop so much, but it is now quite dusty after seeing so much track actions. Nevertheless, time to hit the road again with my Silver Queen.

Thanks to that barely dropping asphalt temperature, the Silver Queen can be deployed for a better warm-up than she did in the morning run. Sso far she's unfazed by the dust on track. I hope I could keep things to go like this until the end of my run.

As I approached the last section before my hotlap starts, I try to pray again as I approached the final corner.
This could yield a game-changing results so going fast in this session really matters not just for me, but pretty much for everyone here.
3....2......1.......START!!

I'm trying to give everything I've got, so much I felt like a madman driving it. But eh, at least I still can control my mind and focus while running. The Silver Queen weaves, twists and flows quickly following my hand movements. She really likes to dance here I should say, the more you extract from her, the better she responds.


This run was so intense, I countered some traffic at some moments and accidentally challenged them to overtaking duels :D The stewards didn't seem to mind, and the crowds certainly looks pleased as I can hear them cheering for me and everyone. It feels like a dream come true! The intensity! The raw power and aura is just beyond the eyes and head man!


12.37 pm
Finally, after a lot of intense laps, the stewards gave us the signal to come back to the pits. I'm already sweating even worse than I did previously it felt like I had a very hot sauna session, and I'm not even sure if I wet myself during the run. I calmed myself down as I returned to the pits.

Y'know what? I think one of those moments when you told yourself you're going to tell this moment to your child and grandchildrens. It's so fascinating and memorable you want to share it to everyone. Wwhatever the results, I'll never forget this day.


12.40 pm
Finally parked my car back at the paddock. The stewards commandedus to uninstall and return our timer beacons, so I did. Afterwards I went back to the car to take back my clothes from before the first run, and went to the bathroom. I have a cold shower, have yet another dry undie, removed all the race undies and switched the top undie to a t-shirt I wore previously in the morning. The undies are incredibly wet from sweat.

Once again, a sizeable crowd gathered around the Silver Queen when I come back. We chilled out together, talked about lots of things, compare notes betweeen racers.....it feels like we're all become a gigantic family, bonded by our love to cars, speed and achievements. We spent a lot of time talking, discussing, checking other cars and watching other races while waiting for thr results to come out.

14.10 pm
THE RESULTS ARE IN! Cue the drumroll..........
At the first run I scored 59.698 seconds as my best lap. Well, there was minimum level of grip soooo. At the second run I scored 59.264 seconds as my best lap, which is also my overall best lap of the day. Personally, this is a huge improvement from the last time I came here when the Silver Queen still wear 16 inch wheels, where it set 59.8xx as it's best. I'm quite happy to see a set of wheel can set a huge difference.

Sadly, this wasn't enough to even snag Top 10 overall position. The winner was an RX-7 FD which scored 56.7xx laptime, being one of only two cars which dipped under 57 seconds mark. The 10th position scored 58.9xx seconds, which is rather a far cry from my best time. I was placed 12th overall with my time. But hey, at least I didn't tumble too far in the results :D As a consolation award, I won V$240, which will be transferred at the next day.

After the podium ceremony for RAYS Challenge and RevSpeed Clubman Cahmpionship finished, I watched the final run of the Super Lap Battle to end the day on higher mark.

15.45 pm
I skipped the last event, which is a merchandise raffle. I returned to my car to chill for one last time, while unbeknowist to me, I quietly crying inside as I lay my back. I know probably I can do better, but I don't even know if it was tears of happiness or dissappointment. After sitting for a while, packed up my stuff and drank some more water, I drove back to my crib.

17.15 pm
I arrived at my crib safely. After I ripped off the number stickers and returned my stuff to my bedroom, I fell asleep quickly.



[18 Mar 2019]
Yet another paycheck time! V$750 enters my wallet again, and additional V$240 also comes in consolation reward from RAYS Challenge. I also got a message saying both the Tico and RPF1s from DEADMANE will come at the middle of the week.

By the way, at the end of this week, there will be another open time attack event at Tsukuba, which is Clever Circuit Trial. Before and after the time attack session there will be open track day sessions, and the morning session is also open to motorbikes. How cool is that? The fee for the time attack evet is V$200. If any of you want to attend either the track day session or also participating in the time attack with me, feel free to tell me in the comments! :D














Whoo finally done updating! This one took 8 hours to write :D
Let's see how my wallet managed to survive after the time attack shenanigans:















That's all my updates for now, thank you for stopping by and see you soon!

Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#202   2019-03-18 18:43          
Hey, man. Can I have an S15 drive shaft for my girlfriend? Which that driveshaft came from, AT or MT? My girlfriend got S15 AT.
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#203   2019-03-18 18:59          
# Soju : I guarantee that was a very emotional rollercoaster :)

Congrats again for getting under a minute, and still there are lot of stuff that could be done to the car and yourself.

Always be steady but go into the steps thoroughly :)

Well indeed it was man. Gutted for not being able to enter Top 10 but at the same time extremely happy for attending my first competitive event :D
I really need to improve myself before jumping into my S15 :))
Thankd for the kind words :D

# Lagano : That was some proper time attack action there!! I see you've gotten quite popular at Tsukuba. :D Well, you're a local after all! Getting a lap time under a minute is quite an achievement but the Evo is a beast with much more room for improvement! And i hope to see that S15 on the track one day shredding the competition ;)

Welp I didn't expect crowds gathering around my Silver Queen I should say :D turns out indeed older Evos appearing here is quite a sight.
Well I do hope the S15 is rolling soon man, thanks for the kind words :D

# Buzzsaw : Hey, man. Can I have an S15 drive shaft for my girlfriend? Which that driveshaft came from, AT or MT? My girlfriend got S15 AT.

Sure thing man, you're quite lucky as it was from an AT as well. V$320 and we're set! :thumbsup:
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#204   2019-03-18 22:30          
# BigSmoke : Sure thing man, you're quite lucky as it was from an AT as well. V$320 and we're set! :thumbsup:

I take it, where you from man?
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#205   2019-03-18 23:16          
# Buzzsaw : I take it, where you from man?

Around the suburbs of Tsukuba, 18 kms from the circuit, roughly 1.5 hours from downtown Tokyo. Feel free to come around if you want to! :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#206   2019-03-18 23:54          
# BigSmoke : Around the suburbs of Tsukuba, 18 kms from the circuit, roughly 1.5 hours from downtown Tokyo. Feel free to come around if you want to! :D
I'm coming in two days to collect, you would drooling my rare bone stock PS13 CA18DE MT.
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#207   2019-03-19 00:04          
# Buzzsaw : I'm coming in two days to collect, you would drooling my rare bone stock PS13 CA18DE MT.

I'll be waiting boii :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Niatross

bd
Posts: 430

Location: Bangladesh
Occupation: topkek
Age:
V$: yes
#208   2019-03-19 04:29          
You're further intimidating my E46 build here boiii :))
Well then again, its already almost getting on the time attack car territory. just gotta find the time to write my update

But anyway, Silver queen looks just at home darting around Tsukuba. Set a time that says the same too! :thumbsup:


Current owned cars:
- Toyota Supra GA-JZA70 Mk3
- BMW E46 M3
- Nissan Skyline ECR33 GTS25t
- Nissan 200SX Hatchback
- BMW E92 335i
- Nazda RX-7 FD3S Type RS
- Mazda RX-7 JF1FD (USDM)
- Nissan Silvia S14

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#209   2019-03-19 05:36          
# Niatross : You're further intimidating my E46 build here boiii :))
Well then again, its already almost getting on the time attack car territory. just gotta find the time to write my update

But anyway, Silver queen looks just at home darting around Tsukuba. Set a time that says the same too! :thumbsup:

*w/ creepy host impersonation voice* When will you bring the E46 here maaaan? :))
I really love her even more with her incredible result! Feels like we're resonating harmonically to each other during the event :thumbsup:
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#210   2019-03-24 15:03          
S E C O N D // I M P R E S S I O N










After a week of time attack shenanigans, Silver Queen is back for MORE!
Aside form yet another time trial event, the second car that I bought has arrived safely to the Japan shores.
And someone from the forums also visited my crib!
Welp, it's all gonna be clear when we jump into the update! :D













[18 Mar 2019, continued]
As you've read from the last update, there will be an open clubman level time attack event called Clever Circuit Trial, courtesy of Clever Racing Japan. But turns out not only they held a time attack event, they also open a workshop to obtain JAF National A license, which is basically Pro license for national level racing in Japan. With this you can compete in various of Japan's national top level events from Japan F3, Super Taikyu, D1GP, to even premier events like Super Formula and Super GT. But nah, I'm not going that path :)) but it's still useful for some time attack events like Attack Maximum Challenge and RevSpeed Festival, in particular for venues that requires pro license such as Attack Sugo and Attack Suzuka.

If you wonder if I have a race license already, well of course I did. I received my JAF National B license around 8 months before I bought the Silver Queen. It's open for everyone and you don't even have to have a car first (you need a driving license still) so whilst I'm working at weekdays, I attend the B license seminar at weekends. I tell you what, their driving test was fun and easy to do since they use small cars like Swifts, Vitzs, 86s and MX5s to test you. And if you're an avid fan of racing in general and know the general racing rules, passing the written and driving test is easy. The B license allow you to attend amateur and semi-pro racing events around Japan, including Hyper Meeting I attended at the last update. I think this also covers championships like D1SL/D1 Lites, MSC Drift Cchampionship and Drift Muscle/Drift Kingdom.

To obtain A license you have to own B license first. And Clever Racing has an interesting offer: If you attend both the A license seminar and the Circuit Trial, you'll automatically obtain A license without having to attend further driving test. You don't have to win, all you need is to attend both events. Cool deal don't you think? So I applied for the full package, costing me V$310. And oh I should also add, since this is a clubman event, thankfully racing suit isn't compulsory, but helmet and gloves obviously does. This means I don't have to bring a bag full of spare clothing and undies. Or at least my load will be lighter, I might still need undies, given that I was drowning in my own sweat at Hyper Meeting's RAYS Challenge at the last update. Or, god forbid, if I have a code brown moment........

Registration done, I got a phone saying that the Daewoo Tico I ordered from Romania has approached Japan shores, and will be arrived on 2 days. I was asked whether I want to pick it up myself or have it ordered to my crib via tow truck service. Given that it's an LHD car, I need to have a first taste of driving it. Basic driving won't be a problem in these, but as I said previously, Overtaking will be an utter nightmare since your vision over the opposite lane will be significantly limited. Imagine you decided to overtake another car in a whim only to have a truck in the opposite lane. At that moment only you'll now you've commited a grave mistake (no pun intended). I decided to pick it up on my own, so I'll have to go to Tokyo Dockyard and meet the importer service at D-day.

Just like when I'm picking up the HR34 the other day, I aksed Rantaro for help via my phone. That way not only he can transport me to the meeting point, but I also can have him monitor the surrounding traffic on the way back.

"Rantaro-san, it's me Edo. I might need your help"
"Oh hey Edo-kun what is it? Is it urgent?"
"No not really, just hoping you're not busy"
"Uh, okay, just spill it and I'll let you know"
"Remember that time we picked my Skyline? So I bought another car and I want to pick it up on the spot"
"Oh so you want to have me drive you again? Goo-hang on a minute you bought another car?"
"Yap, and it'll be arrived in 2 days"
"Oh perfect timing, I have a business to do in Tokyo. You want to come along?"
"Sure man, I'm not under deadline or something. I might be able to help you as well"
"Nice! Oh anyway what car is it?"
"Hmmmm I can't tell you yet, it'll be a surprise. All I can say is it's an LHD car"
"Wew boi, an import?"
"You bet. I'll explain when we meet"
"Great stuff boi, can't wait to see what is it!"
"I like that kind of spirit, see ya later man"
"Later"


Welp, he's never gonna see what's coming.......



[20 Mar 2019]
Time to pick up the Tico! I have Rantaro pick me up at 9am wth his Merc II-I mean, Mark II and we immediately hit the motorway. It was a sunny day, but per the weather report I saw before setting off rainfall might happen at midday or afternoon. Nevertheless, spirits was flying high on the air as we have lots of banter along the trip.

"So uh, what sort of car you're going to buy?" Rantaro asked me, continuing his curiosity.
"Hmmmmm you'll see" I answered, tyring to keep it secret from him.
"Oh come on, you said you'll tell me"
"Ah okay, as I said it's LHD, came from Europe, manufactured in Europe as well"
"So it's a European car?"
"Could be"
"What kind of body? Sedan? Coupe?"
"I can't say, but it's lightweight"
"Oh, a track toy?"
"Nah, but can be turned into one"
"Interesting! Say, from where did you import it?"
"Romania, land of green hills, smooth roads and dracula, and Dacia as well"


"Uh, so it's a Dacia?"
"Definitely not"
"Uh, okay. Tell me the price"
"I'm not joking, I'm being honest here. This car cost less than your steering wheel"
"WHAT THE HELL?"
"I swear to my every single cell of my body"
"Okay ignoring the car aside, how did you get it so cheap?"
"I'll tell you, UK and Eastern Europe is a used car heaven. Lots of cheap things there"
"Really? Dude I gotta save up"
"Well you should. And if you buy it from UK, they're RHD so you can use it here easily"
"Holy! Though spare parts for euro cars is still a problem here"
"Yeah, that's another story. I'm going to swap the engine of the new car anyways"
"What would it be?"
"Something Japanese, compact and cheap. Just like an Ariel Atom"


Some hours later, we arrived at Tokyo. It looks like it's going to rain, but somehow it isn't so humid. Well yes the air was heavy and wind blows like a hairdryer to Rantaro's car, but we aren't in a hurry anyway.

"So where are we going first?" I asked, unsure of Rantaro's own agenda.
"Akibahara. I'm going to pick something as well"
"Seems interesting. Something electronic?"
"Exactly, a hardware. My office was able to secure some good PC components and I'm grateful for that"
"Whoo glad to hear that! Is it server-spec or just office-spec?"
"Only one of them is server-spec but that's okay. Also currently I'm testing stuff from AMD, but results aren't so convincing enough"
"Hmmmmmmmm I think you should consult abou that as well"
"That's the gameplan as well, if I can meet my friend. he's a local"
"I think I could take some notes from him"


Some time later we arrived at the center of Akibahara. Whilst Rantaro went around the city on foot to pick up some various PC parts, I split up from him and grab some UCC Coffee for the rest of the trip. These coffee really brought me back to the days when I was hanging with Muza(Niatross), AJ(RocketBunnyS13) and Marc(Macaron_moon), as well as Rifky(Shez). I plan to visit them again on summer and have fun, and I think I'll bring more than one car there.

One and half an hour later, Rantaro finished his shopping list and went back to where we parked. Sadly his friend was occupied with something else, so we proceeded straight to the dockyards.

"Woah that's a lot of stuff. Let me help you loading them"
"Thanks man. Load these to the back seat, I'll have these inside the boot"
"Oh yah, I've bought coffee as well"
"That's nice of you"


Two hours later we arrived at the dockyard. The meeting spot is at the impoter's office which is right on the edge of the dockyard, so while we wait for the ship we could talk inside while enjoying the salty sea breeze and the calm ocean. The sea itself is tainted with oil from ships coming in and out, but heck, this ain't a beach so their presence is inevitable. On the other hand, we felt like we're stumbling into an action movie scene. Not necessarily scenes of shootout prelude, but rather those shady, mysterious negotiation scenes. Rantaro's Mark II certainly augmented that feel.

We stopped near the door of the office. I and Rantaro went off the car and meet the dealer who arranged my import, all while surrounded by rather tight security but thanks to my coffee supply, we could have a relaxing chit-chat in front of the office. The dealer told me about the business he done everyday, as well as telling me which ship and cargo box the Tico would be in. Weather was getting fine too contrary to the weather report earlier, so the ship should be able to come on time.


45 minutes later, the ship has arrived and docked in the dockside. We saw the cargo unloading procession with excitement. Then the delaer notified me that my cargo has been unloaded and ready to be opened. I jokingly loaded 'Sicko Mode' to my phone, play them as the cargo box is ready to open.

As it's being opened, I shouted the lyrics from the top of my lungs:
Gone on you with the pick and roll,
Yuan Edo, he's in Tico Mode~


Yep, there it is ladies and gentlemen, the Daewoo Tico I bought for V$90(+V$60 for shipping) from Romania. Probably the most ridiculous, hilarious, different and unusual project car ever to pop here. As you'd expect, Rantaro looked at me in disbelief, as if my sanity has been thrown somewhere into the vast ocean ahead of us. Meanwhile, I can't hold my laughter anymore and blasted it off my chest, while the dealer understandably smiled and shook his head.

"YO WHAT THE--OI WHAT DID YOU DONE MAN?" Rantaro, still in disbelief, rained me with questions.
"WELL HERE IT IS!LHD, came from Europe, lightweight!"
"BUT WHY A FRIGGIN DAEWOO TICO OF ALL CARS?!"
"It's lightweight! It's a Kei car!"
"Why not getting one from South Korea?"
"Can't find them on internet"
"Wait this is also a Suzuki Alto right?"
"Yes. The answer is there's nothing cheaper than this, even after combined with the import price"
"I see, I see.......so what's your plan for it?"
"Spare daily, Kanjo car, spare trackster, mini Kit Car.....you name it"
"You also said you're going to swap the engine......."
"Yap, with Honda D16. Two garages in Poland already did it"
".......good god you're a mad genius, I should say"
"I haven't lost my plot yet but hey, thanks"

After all papers has been signed, we went off the dockside and return to Tsukuba.......but not before doing a size comparison by parking the Tico beside a truck. Indeed if I have an accident with one of those, it's going to be deadly.

"Now Rantaro, this is an LHD kei car, which means overtaking is difficult, it's going to be slow, and it can turn into a death trap if I pull it incorrectly"
"Yes, I could imagine that"
"So I'm going to ask you a favor"
"What is it?"
"You can either lead me or tug behind me"
"Uh, explain?"
"If you lead me, I'll follow everytime you overtake something. If you tug behind, tell me what's on my right heand side"
"Oh okay bossman"
"And uh, don't leave me behind. And don't let my name appear on tomorrow's newspaper obituary"
"Welp, okay mate"
"Thanks, I'll trust your driving"


And so, the trip back to Tsukuba became a long haul with these two cars, with Rantaro leading me. It was fine hours of banter as Rantaro roasted the performance of the Tico's 800cc engine ("Yo how's it going?"-"70 kmh and I'm in full throttle!"-"HAHAHAHAHHAHAH you're gonna get far boi"). It could be worse though: Everytime a truck passed us, the Tico vibrated so badly I screamed in fear everytime it happens ("Truck on your side"-"What the-*truck passes*AAAAAAAAAAAAAA"-"AHAHAHAHAHAHAH"), not to mention the vast size difference demonstrated earlier. Seems like Rantaro has the moment of his lifetime........

As we approached downtown Tsukuba, I've got the hang of LHD driving, so we split up to our own cribs to see if I can manage it alone. Well, the results are not too shabby as I could make it in one piece. As I've mentioned in the previous update, my own crib's already full of cars, so I had to park the Tico on the house across mine.Well Rantaro could pull his roasts back when the Tico project has been completed, but it's still a long way before it does happen.



[21 Mar 2019]
After the Tico, comes the 18in RPF1 set from Brandon(DEADMANE), complete with stretched Dunlop Direzzas. The fact that it came off an ER34 means installing it on my HR34 should be an easy job. But first, I'm quite curious of the tunability of my Mazda Demio. I mean, it shares the same platform with the previous generation of Ford Fiesta, so though it has a different engine, I'd like to see if I could make it as fast as, um, at least the Ford Fiesta R2 rally racer. That thing is a efficient and effective tool for rallying basics as well as, obviously, fun and fast to drive.

What I've done at the moment is having it's cam tuned. I don't expect a huge power jump to be honest, all that matters is these power would result in better towing and load lugging performance. And oh, it's been registered as well!
(I accidentally broke the mod while trying to find slots to fit a tow bed, hence no side windows)

Light tuning done, time to move to my HR34. It doesn't even took an hour for me to fit these, and it certainly fits the car better due to it's bigger size compared to the R33 stockies previosuly fitted. The R33 stockies will act as spares from now. Now all I need is better control arms all around as well as coilovers so I can get the tail lowered in better form, and obviously so I can go sideways even better! ;)

If you've seen the replies of the last update, you'll notice that Jimmy(Buzzsaw, hence my preference to call him Buzz) is coming to my crib to have a deal and pick up my stock S15 driveshaft. Buzz himself owns an S13 with CA18DE inside, while he said his GF owns an AT S15 Spec-S, similar to mine...well before I took out the SR20 and replaced it with an RB26 that is. Well arguably the stock driveshaft out of my S15 is fresher so I can see why he wants one. Just after I've done installing the RPF1s, he came with his shiny S13.

It's bone stock, has almost no mods done to it apart from transmission swap from AT to MT, with transmission taken off an S14. Given that a hell lot of S13s has been modded these days, it's quite refreshing to see something positively plain like this. Comes in my favourite colour too! (Though not in my favourite tone) Buzz has clearly shown a lot of care to his S13, given the condition of this car. Certainly feels like something that you'll see in auto museums or even better, you'd enter in a concours event. I wonder if he's a fan of James May? (James also enjoy concours events, as you can see several times on his days in Top Gear)

With the deal done and V$320 handed, Buzz went back to his crib at Tokyo. But before that, we talked for a long time about buying cars via Yahoo Auctions (which is how Buzz obtained his S13). He said lots and lots of cheap cars are sold there, and given I'm recently bought 2 new cheap cars initially I wasn't really interested. Still, I'd like to give it a shot.

Many hours later, cue myself unable to sleep and rolling in bed for not buying any car from Yahoo Auctions. I mean, there are a lot of great stuff being sold there like S13, S14, S15, Civics, even Evos and Imprezas that can be bid on from as low as V$10(!!!). Then BIN price though, if any, is still reasonable. Some are still in great condition, some has been normally used, some has been....crashed or damaged in any way. Why the hell didn't I went to this site earlier?



[24 Mar 2019]
TODAY'S RACEDAY!But unlike the Hyper Meeting event, I don't have to get up so early in the morning just to enter the track. The seminar starts at 12pm and the race will be held at 2pm, so I decided to go at 9am. All I brought was my racing helmet, the rest of the coffe I bought previously, a spare T-shirt and a spare undie. What I'm wearing today are the race shoes and socks, a denim, a T-shirt under a jacket, and racing gloves.

I arrived at the track around 10.15am. Before the Clever seminar and Circuit Trial, there's a trackday open for cars and bikes courtesy of WITH ME Racing. I decided to skip the trackday session to save tyres and fuel, though I'm fascinated of the idea of running together with bike riders. Also I saw a familiar small bike running around........but I could be wrong. Meanwhile I went to the stewards room to confirm my registration for both seminar and trials, as well as picking up my race number and timer beacons. Once again I selected number 41, just like when I'm attending RAYS Challenge.

After I'm storing my spare clothes on the public locker room though, my suspicions were confirmed. It's Kenichi and his Honda Grom! Turns out he indeed attend today's trackday with his Honda Grom. I wonder if he's safe between all the bigger sportsbikes and cars though?

"YOOOOO KENICHI MY MAAAN!"
"Oh, Edo-kun! Are you attending trackday as well?"
"Nah, but I think you know there's a time attack event later"
"Oh, you're joining that? Cool! I should watch it then"
"Yap, that's why my Evo has race numbers on it. Oh Kenichi, I have an idea"
"What is it?"
"Be my spotter for the day, can you?"
"Um, what do you mean by spotter?"
"Since none of us have radios and I can't use my phone whilst driving, all you need to do are this. Please take note"
"Okay, tell me"
"Before I'm off to the track, tell me the air and asphalt temperature, weather prediction, as well as wind speed and direction"
"Okay, got it. Anything else?"
"When I come back here, tell me the same things I've mentioned, as well as any cars other than mine that seems going fast"
"Cool, got it. Seems a bit difficult but I'll try"
"It's okay, do your best. For the infos before racing, feel free to ask officials or browse via internet"
"Okay mate, I got your back. Uh, may I take a rest here with you? I'm a bit tired"
"Oh sure sure, there's still a lot of time before the seminar"


And thus we spent the time having cans of coffee, a lunch break and long banters together. We also have some chatter with other drivers and riders attending the trackday and/or participating in the time trial. Turns out some knew me from the RAYS Challenge and participated in it as well! We compared notes about our cars and bikes and also did some car and bike spotting in between.

11.55pm
I went for the seminar, while Kenichi went back for the trackday session. The seminar went on around 1 hour, consisting of a lecture and a written test. Th electure itself contains a lot of racing knowledge, mainly consisting of advanced racing rules (e.g. how to serve a penalty, judging track limits, driver changes, safe pitstop release etc.) and racecrafts (e.g. wheel-to-wheel/door-to-door dueling manners, maintaining space while racing, what to do if you crash or having mechanical problem, how to rejoin the track if you went off it, clean overtaking, etc.). Watching races, reading racing magazines and playing sim racing games for years helped me to understand those quickly as well as passing the written test easily.

13.00pm
Driver's briefing started. As per the previous event, it consists of a lecture about general racing rules and racing format for the event. For Clever Circuit Trial, the format is two free run sessions for 22 minutes, with each racers having a max quota of 25 laps per session. Drivers are divided into three classes: A class for A license holders, B class for B license holders, and C class for those without racing license. There are 16 A class drivers, 30 B class drivers and 10 C class drivers for today, making today's attendance consisting of 56 cars. I've been chosen to lead the first pack of B-class racers. After the driver's briefing was over, I went back to Kenichi to gather infos. He provided quite verbose information and wished me luck.

14.15pm
With A class driver runs almost over, I and other 9 cars lined up for the start of our first session at the pit exit. Since I've already had my first taste of competition and this one's a clubman level event, I felt a bit relaxed compared to when I'm attending RAYS Challenge.


Lights went green and we went to the track. Knowing how to heat up my tyres properly now, I went at fast and relaxed rhytm for the warm-up lap. Less mind pressure is good for me and my Silver Queen. Track is also suitably hot and full of rubbers.



As I approach the final sector, I prayed while keeping myself calm. And all in a sudden, the last corner disappears from my eyes. Welp, here we go then........
3....2......1.......START!!


I unleash everything I've learned from RAYS Challenge, and steadily builds my momentum with my Silver Queen. It's still a bit aggressive but I can definitely feel everything somehow went smoother and flows clearly. The harmony is real on this one.


Lap by lap passes by with ease, I've got a good feeling. But it's still too early to judge if this is going to be a good run.



After a rather long time, my first run is over. I finished my last lap under full speed before cooling down for the trip back to the pitlane.

I'm a bit curious about the conditions for the second session. Asphalt will cool down quicker but there will be a lot of rubber and dust on it. This could be a huge call for a game changer......well let's see. Since my Evo is AWD, hopefully this doesn't result in heavy understeer, particularly after I found the harmony this quick today. With these thoughts in mind, I went back to the pits.


14.45pm
I parked my car and went back to the paddock to find Kenichi. He confirmed my predictions as he could also see a huge buildup of rubber, at least in the first sector. Some car also spun and went into gravel, worsening the conditions for later. Thankfully all of this happens when I'm already returned to the pits, when it's the C-class turn to go to the track. Some of them drive kei cars, which caused me to have a sudden interest to field my Tico here :))

Aside from track spotting, I and Kenichi also exchanged notes with other drivers, particularly on how to deal with such conditions. Y'know what? Racing doesn't have to be intense when you're off the track......we're all united by our love over cars after all ;)

15.15pm
After further observation of the track with Kenichi and several other racers as well as seeing the A-class starts their second session, I led the first pack of the B-class again. I and 9 other drivers lined up once more at the pit exit.


Light turns green and we are off for our second runs. I'm still not sure if I can go faster in this condition but eh, let's throw these thoughts out from the window now. No time to doubt about things. Even the legendary Colin McRae himself said 'if in doubt, flat out'. Just don't literally do it irl though, a lot of report of cars being upside down or ditched are caused by comitting said quote without knowing what actually to do :))



As I approached the final sector, yet another prayer is spoken from my lips, then I took a deep breathe. Will this run change anything whatsoever? Well let's see. 3....2......1.......START!!


As I approach the first corner, I can feel dust affecting the track surface. At least cooler asphalt means it helps over tyre consumption, but it won't help at all for hotlaps. I think I have to push like a madman again.



I pushed quite hard I'm screaming "GO!COME ON!" to myself in every lap. It was intense but fun as well, feels like those late-race moments when you fight for every single positions you could. I mean, this could be the very moment you would win or lose. The intensity felt real in my eyes and chest as time goes.




It feels like time has went off the server. And then near the end of the session, it's almost evening as sky starts to darken. Well the pic doesn't justify it, but amount of sunlight decreases slowly as I went to end the session.



Finally, my second run is over. I slowed down for the cooldown lap as I try to gulp everything that has happened and went back to the pits.


15.50pm
I parked back at the paddock, with almost all car has finished their runs. Kenichi reported the current condition to me completely. I'd say if my S15 has been finished, I think I'll have him as my crew chief for TA events :D And thus I went back to the stewards room to return the timer beacons, as well as to the locker to have a shower, then change my T-shirt and undies. I was incredibly sweaty, and having shower after intense TA runs definitely helped me to cool down and reflect on everything better.

16.15pm
The results are in! Cue the drumroll......
So first, bad news, since I only clocked 59.421 at the first session and dropped a bit further to 59.833 at the second one. Definitely far from my personal best of 59.264 I scored at the RAYS Challenge. But now, the very, very good news.......

Turns out the first session time is enough to secure THIRD PLACE IN CLASS!! And it's not that bad it could still stand at 8th overall aswell. So not only I snagged my first Top 10 result, I also snatched my first podium as well! Yes, it's a class podium and this is a clubman level event, but you know what they say: A win is a win! I and Kenichi shared hugs and high fives, and some other drivers congratulated me as well.

As this is only a class podium instead of overall podium, I only get a medal instead of trophy. But of course I've secured other prizes as well, which are V$500 for the class podium and V$300 for the overall Top 10 finish. Hopefully this will be one of many podiums to come in the future, if I can snatch another one again that is......... ;)

The prize money, along with the brand new National A license will be delivered at Monday next week. After thanking Kenichi for his hard work, we went our separate ways as we went home to our own cribs. Still overwhelmed in joy, I blasted Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" along my way home :)) What a day in my life man!














Yap another update done! Took almost 9 hours to write..........
Let's see what comes and goes around my wallet:












That's all my updates for now, thank you for stopping by and see you soon!

This post was edited by BigSmoke (2019-03-25 02:24, ago)
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Soju

kr
Posts: 1247

Location: South Korea
Occupation: Smuggling Soju
Age: 122
V$: Broke
#211   2019-03-24 15:20          
That's a solid update and welcome to the Tico club my man :D

Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#212   2019-03-24 16:30          
That sweet update, thanks about driveshaft. My GF would thank you.

Maybe one day, I would become James May, lol.
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
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#213   2019-03-24 16:31          
# Soju : That's a solid update and welcome to the Tico club my man :D

Thanks man! Glad the SK Tuner King himself here approves my ownership of the Tico :thumbsup:

# Buzzsaw : That sweet update, thanks about driveshaft. My GF would thank you.

Maybe one day, I would become James May, lol.

You're welcome mate! Glad I could help you and your GF :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

11000rpm

kr
Posts: 391

Location: South Korea
Occupation: a human
Age:
V$: idk
#214   2019-03-24 17:01          
Seeing you apexing through Tsukuba makes me to fly to Japan
My e36 would be a good match against your Silver angel haha. nice update!

BigSmoke

id
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#215   2019-03-24 17:16          
# 11000rpm : Seeing you apexing through Tsukuba makes me to fly to Japan
My e36 would be a good match against your Silver angel haha. nice update!

Thanks man! Definitely your E36 will look and feel like home when it sets its feet on Tsukuba ;)
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Franklin

00
Posts: 301

Location: --- Tokyo, Japan
Occupation: Yesn't
Age: 30
V$: 7585
#216   2019-03-31 06:04          
Nobody : ...
Smokey : buys a car and import it to japan for less than 160$ and magically runs
that's another level of brokeness lmao
i can't wait to see that tico with the d series, maybe we can put a leaf blower to help that engine to SUCC
maybe we can make it a shitbox ready for track, you're giving me the fucking temptation to buy a shitbox for less than a grand and just kill myself (?

i can't wait to see how it turns.

in other note

that evo is gorgeous, i saw it in the track and is very good, that awd helps a lot.
I'm waiting for you to blow a screw in your head and do a thousand crazy things to that evo, from a turbine the size of the seat, to paint it pink only because you can, lmao
Now seriously, that evo want crazyness, i'm waiting to see you going crazy

This post was edited by Franklin (2019-03-31 06:10, ago)

Chill Life, Good Life ド陰の越
Hotboi Gang (テヂ椅)

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
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#217   2019-03-31 06:09          
# Franklin : Nobody : ...
Smokey : buys a car and import it to japan for less than 160$ and magically runs
that's another level of brokeness lmao
i can't wait to see that tico with the d series, maybe we can put a leaf blower to help that engine to SUCC
maybe we can make it a shitbox ready for track, you're giving me the fucking temptation to buy a shitbox for less than a grand and just kill myself (?

i can't wait to see how it turns.

in other note

that evo is gorgeous, i saw it in the track and is very good, that awd helps a lot.
I'm waiting for you to blow a screw in your head and do a thousand crazy things to that evo, from a turbine the size of the seat, to paint it pink only because you can, lmao
Now seriously, that evo want crazyness, i'm waiting to see you going crazy

If this is Danganronpa I could have received the 'Ultimate Broke Petrolhead' title by now :))
But eh, it's also a challenge itself to turn what people think as a mundane, whack car into a serious multi-tool racer ;)

Well just get one I'd say, there are lots of potential stuff out there for even less than V$1000 :D
At the moment I haven't done anything to the Tico yet, gonna save some money first for the engine

My Silver Queen (the Evo's nickname, in case you haven't seen it yet) is already nutty enough man :))
She's packing 450 BHP and punches me quite hard in the face everytime I do hard acelerations, even with WRC gearbox ratio :))

This post was edited by BigSmoke (2019-03-31 07:07, ago)
Still following the damn train since 1992

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Franklin

00
Posts: 301

Location: --- Tokyo, Japan
Occupation: Yesn't
Age: 30
V$: 7585
#218   2019-03-31 06:13          
# BigSmoke : If this is Danganronpa I could have received the 'Ultimate Broke Petrolhead' title by now :))
But eh, it's also a challenge itself to turn what people think as a mundane, whack car into a serious multi-tool racer ;)

Well just get one I'd say, there are lots of potential stuff out there for even less than V$1000 :D
At the moment I haven't done anything to the Tico yet, gonna save some money first for the engine
hahahahahahaha, i love it

but you are right, is so great turning a shitbox into a serious build, you're tempting me, but also i have to buy new wheels and slick tires for the Sup, and do things to the 180, fucccccccccccccccccc
maybe i will find something...

Chill Life, Good Life ド陰の越
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Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#219   2019-03-31 09:00          
Did somebody say race? Imagine, if I join the race, it would be E36 vs Evo vs Honda S2000. *insert thonk emoji*
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

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#220   2019-03-31 09:32          
# Buzzsaw : Did somebody say race? Imagine, if I join the race, it would be E36 vs Evo vs Honda S2000. *insert thonk emoji*

That was quick and unexpected :))
Nah no plans for racing yet, but indeed the more the merrier :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Buzzsaw

uk
Posts: 192

Location: United Kingdom
Occupation: Supermarket Store
Age:
V$: 375/w
#221   2019-03-31 11:23          
# BigSmoke : That was quick and unexpected :))
Nah no plans for racing yet, but indeed the more the merrier :D
It would be epic. :thumbsup:
Click here for to my RP thread.

MACKAY

jp
Posts: 712

Location: Japan
Occupation: Ranter
Age: 25
V$: ∞
#222   2019-03-31 14:26          
Don't forget me Biggie, you know I am down to join, there is couple of cars that I need to test in Tsukuba in upcoming days! Also very solid time my man, you keep getting better and better, I am still wondering how would you do if you were put into true race car when I see you drive, high expectations and biggest support from me man! :thumbsup:

When April and proper warm season kicks in, be prepared for more track days, you going together haha!

BigSmoke

id
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Location: Indonesia
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Age:
V$: Broke
#223   2019-03-31 14:59          
# MACKAY : Don't forget me Biggie, you know I am down to join, there is couple of cars that I need to test in Tsukuba in upcoming days! Also very solid time my man, you keep getting better and better, I am still wondering how would you do if you were put into true race car when I see you drive, high expectations and biggest support from me man! :thumbsup:

When April and proper warm season kicks in, be prepared for more track days, you going together haha!

OOOOOOOOH MACKAY HAS JOINED THE SERVER :bananajump:
I would wonder as well.........that'll be answered when S15 has been completed :))
Let's have trackday sessions sometime! :D





------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------








United Colours of Petrolheads










After yet another week of time attack shenanigans,it is time to slow down a bit.
There's not much happening during the course of the week other than some car sleuthing.......
And meeting lots of people including forum members in the weekend!
Let's find out how it all goes in this update! :D














[25 Mar 2019]
Paycheck time! V$750 has been secured to my wallet. But paycheck money isn't the only thing coming today. As you can read at the end of the last update, at this point I also received the JAF National A racing license, as well as some reward money from Clever Circuit Trial results: V$500 for finishing 3rd in class and additional V$300 for finishing in top 10 overall. Hmmmmmmm I can feel the good life coming back, but I do aware I'm actually short on money at the moment. So for this week I'm planning to not spending anything for my cars at the moment.

There won't be any trackday or time attack events at the weekend, since the circuit will be used for national racing events at the end of the week. There's a gymkhana championship event at Saturday and two bike racing events at Sunday. You might wonder if Kenichi would enter the race event, but sadly there's no class open for his bike, so the answer is no, he won't participate. With no plans so far for the weekend, I think I'll spend the weekend by simply kick back and finishing all translation requests.

I also want to drift my HR34 in any kind of racetracks, but I doubt there will be any tracks that has any drift events at midweeks. Also, I still need to hone my skills better. I mean, Tsukuba Circuit is in fact one of the fastest place to drift your car along. Any kind of rookie mistake might end in your car smashing the armco, especially if you choose to go sideways at the last and the first corner (and if you're a pro, you can link them by pulling a Sanpatsu. In fact, the D1GP round here has drivers having to pull Sanpatsu at the main straight by placing clipping points along the straight. In fact, the selected layout is almost 75% of the entire circuit!). And obviously I don't want that happen to me and my HR34.

To be fair, I can go to Nikko Circuit, which is around 2 hours from Tsukuba. But uhh.....I can't be arsed to go there at the moment. Also My HR34 definitely needs better suspensions and perhaps a bit more power for better sideways action. From what I see usually cars running at Nikko tend to have upwards of 300 BHP, while I don't even know how many horses my HR34 produces yet. Gotta find infos for dynos at Tsukuba......


[28 Mar 2019]
While I'm working on translations I've received a message from the ProMods garage contact from Tokyo that they're now has a new branch in Tsukuba, which also includes dyno. They'll going to start operating from next week. Finally! I mean, I have 2 cars that I need to dyno so I can know how much my upgrades has affected them.

After I finished all my works for the day I spend some time surfing and browsing on various cars and towing top tips......and turns out I bought a wrong car for the job. So I'm planning to use Mazda Demio for the job, and in stock form it can only pull up to 800 kg of rear load. That's not even enough to pull my S15, despite all the weight shaving I've done to it at the moment. So in a bit of frantic fashion I looked up for a cheap replacement. Yeah I know, I'm an idiot for buying it only because it was sold for quite cheap.

After some researches, I found two great candidates for the towing and spare daily job. The cars that I picked are 2nd gen Toyota Estima in base form and 1st gen Volvo 850 in either base, turbo, GL/GLT or T5 model. Both will pull 1600 kg of rear load, so it definitely can pull my S15 and the trailer it's on. They can alo load some more 100 kg at the roof. And because both are people carriers, naturally they can carry loads of stuff in the back, so the roof rack can act as additional baggage and style enhancer. Both are 7-seaters so they can also be a nice people carrier. Both can be bought for less than V$2000. Now let's analyze the good and bad points for each cars:
2nd gen Toyota Estima
+ Has captain seats for 1st and 2nd row seats, good for relaxed driving
+ Quite powerful and big NA inline 4 engine
+ Being a Japanese car, spares would be easy to find
+ Looks cool for an MPV I should admit, and blends easily with traffic
+ Can be easily sourced inside Japan, obviously
+ I've ever driven one!
- Quite heavy for an MPV, hence needing big and powerful engine
- Uhh.....it's an MPV
- Visual tunability is limited, admittably
- No turbo option. There are bolt-on turbo kits and TRD-issued OEM superchargers, but would I need them?
- Driving experience might not be suitable for spirited driving



1st gen Volvo 850
+ It's a Volvo, cool and B R I C C factor ++
+ Has inline 5 engine so it'll be a smooooth sailing driving one
+ Being an European car, can be sourced outside Japan for even cheaper
+ It's an estate, certainly cooler than an MPV
+ Has racing pedigree thanks to Volvo's popular BTCC effort with 850R at mid-90s
+ Could adapt quickly between relaxed driving and spirited driving
+ It's a Volvo, so it's a mobile safe haven and as strong as a tank and B R I C C
+ Actually lighter than the Estima!
+ Some people here owns or have owned 850s at one point
+ Visual tuning options is vast and variable
- It's a Volvo, B R I C C styling might not look good for some
- Being an European car, spares might be difficult to find inside Japan
- Inline 5 engine could be rather hard to maintain
- Might actually need to be sourced outside Japan, rarely any Volvos under V$1000 in Japan


Now how about the Mazda? Since it can't serve a better purpose than the Estima and the Volvo, I want to get rid of it. It's a cute, plucky little car that is good to drive, really, but that position has also been filled by the even smaller Daewoo Tico. It can also be a track or rally car, but that is obviously has been filled by my Silver Queen Evo. So there is pretty much only one option: Get rid of it. I could either sell it or trade it for the Estima/Volvo purchase.

I'm putting an ad for the Mazda here and the classifieds. Since I've tuned it a bit and I can clean it to showroom or even concours quality, I decided to sell it for V$1500 (+V$80 shipping if you're outside Japan), but bargains are welcome up to 50%. If nobody's interested in it, that's okay, I'll use it as bargain tool for the Estima/Volvo purchase instead. But if you're indeed interested, feel free to PM me :D
FOR SALE!
SOLD!!


2008 Mazda Demio (DE3FS)
126,000 kms
Powered by Mazda ZJ-VEM 1.3 liter NA engine
4-speed AT Transmission
Black velour RHD interior, light purple exterior colour
Rarely driven on my hands and has been cleaned to concours-worthy condition
Everything is showroom stock, only adjusted stock cams for slightly more power
Road legal, taxed and registered, obviously has sha-ken cert
Great material for cheap RP starter, daily driver, track toy, autocross, gymkhana and rally racer
Price: V$1500 (+V$80 shipping if outside Japan), bargains welcome up to 50%
Location: Tsukuba, Japan




Additionally, feel free to share your voice and/or comment what I should get between Estima or Volvo 850! I really want to see people's opinions about them :D


[29 Mar 2019]
After lunchtime, Rantaro called my phone. I had a bathroom break so there are some missed calls......

"Oh hey Rantaro-san, sorry man nature called me earlier. What's up?"
"Listen up Edo-kun, words on the streets says there will be a car meet tomorrow night"
"Wew boi, where?"
"Tsukuba uni. I've already told Ryuji as well"
"He'll come as well?"
"Yap, with his Clio-driving friend"
"Oooooo nice, been a long time since the last time we saw Genzo"
"Ah so that's his name. You in?"
"Of course man, have nothing to do at this weekend. Usual lot?"
"Usual lot, yes"
"Okay-oh, I have an idea"
"What is it?"
"Can I have my Tokyo friends tag along too?"
"Hmmmm sure, from what you've told me back then they must be an interesting bunch of fellas"
"They are, man, they are. I had good times with them and I want you to have one as well"
"Cool enough. Anyway gotta back to work, see ya tomorrow"
"See ya man"


Great news! Rantaro really saved me from weekend boredom this time. I proceeded to call Muza(Niatross) in excitement.

"Hey Muza, how's it been? Are you working right now?"
"Not really man, it's a slow day here in Omori, relax. What's up?"
"Uh, are you free tomorrow?"
"Sort of, perhaps going for Wangan run with my Supra. You in?"
"Nah man, it's the other way around. There will be a car meet here in Tsukuba"
"Wow that's interesting! I think I could show up"
"I was asking you to come so obviously come in man! You can do both highway run and car meet in one day, how cool is that?"
"You're quite a genius man"
"Ah yes, tell the boys if they could
"Good idea, I'll tell them. Also, where's exactly the meet?"
"Tsukuba University. I'll send the exact location where I usually hang around"
"Alright. Oh there's someone coming in, gotta work again. Thanks for the offer fam"
"No problem bossman, see ya tomorrow"


Yap, Muza and his co. has joined the server as well! Some question remains though: How many of the gang will come? And what sort of cars they'll bring to the meet? Dang, my head was filled with excitement!

Also at night I had nothing to do, so I toyed with photoshop and do some edits. If you're an avid fan of JDM culture and racing games, and has experienced the PS2 era, I'm sure you've played or at least know the existence of Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2 (US) or Kaido Racer 2 (EU). I've played Kaido and it's one of my favourite games of all time. It is basically a touge racing simulator (no damage though), where you'll race on various Japanese touge routes, some are famous from Initial D appearances such as Mt. Haruna, Mt. Akagi, Mt. Usui, Mt. Myogi, Irohazaka and many more. There are some cheeky pop culture references thrown in as well, both from racing-related ones such as Initial D (obviously!) and Over Rev (Initial D but with female protagonist), to non-racing related ones such as Hokuto No Ken ("Omae wa mou shindeiru"), various tokusatsu series and idol culture in general. At day, you'll be competing in various sanctioned events taking place at the route and attract sponsors, while at night you'll be doing Initial D-style touge duels with various drivers and cars. It was developed with inputs from Nobuteru "Nob" Taniguchi and Manabu "Max" Orido, who was also touge racers at their youth. Even you can drive their respective icon cars inside the game! (Nob S15 and Ridox Supra A80)

Usually in night touge racers, when you select a rival, they'll say something to you before a race in a dialog pop-up. You can also view their biography before racing, and some of the bios can be hilarious or inspirative to read, e.g. there's a driver that has no sense of direction outside touge races, there's another one that tours around Japan inside his car and has kitchen utensils inside while racing, there's another one that brought along his idol merchandises while racing and so on.

So how does the UI look like? Here it is, though the biography is slightly modified. If I'm were a character in the game, it should look like this:

I also made some more for some of the users here, I'll drop some here or feel free to check all of them here. All pictures are courtesy of the RP car owners here.


[30 Mar 2019]
It's the car meet D-Day! After finishing the paperworks for the day, Rantaro has notified me that he's already there. Damn he's quite quick.......certainly excited for the car meet it seems. So at 4.15pm, I prepared my racing gloves, powerbank, papers and the medal I earned from the Clever Circuit Trial, and went to the uni parking lot. I don't think there's anything wrong over flexing about your first podium :))
The traffic is rather filled along the trip, hopefully it'll dissipate by night so Muza and co. can come here easily.

16.30
I arrived at the parking lot and can already see Rantaro and his car. He was talking with Rantaro's younger sister, Ryoko as they wait for me, Ryuji and Genzo. Another thing I can see is Kitagara-sensei's AE86 Notchback. It is a good thing he came here today, as most of the papers I brought was meant for him. He might also going to attend the car meet. See, I'm killing two birds with one stone here ;)

As I'm going to park, Rantaro gently pulled Ryoko aside and said "Make way for Edo-kun and his Silver Queen". Ryoko, a bit confused, asked him, "Silver Queen?". Rantaro said I'll have to explain about it later and signalled me to park my Evo beside his Merc-err....Mark II. So I did. At this point you might already familiar with the car, so I'll just call Rantaro's Mark II as Merc II.

"Traffic's stacking but still normal, how did you come here so fast?" I said as I get off my Evo and high-fived Rantaro.
"Well that's why I came here earlier! I don't want to be late because of traffic, and trsut me it could be worse later on"
"Hmmm I can imagine that," I replied. "Oh hello Ryoko-chan! Looking quite fresh today!" Then I greeted Ryoko.
"Hi Edo-san! Long time no see, and uh, what does Rantaro-san mean when he talked about 'Silver Queen'?" Ryoko asked me.
"Ah, Silver Queen is my car's nickname. You see, it is actually a chocolate brand in my home country....." I answered, then I proceeded to tell my story to Ryoko about the chocolate itself, as well as that moment when my right brain went berserk, fuelled my creativity and had me to do now-77 slap stickers in a single night. I think some of you has seen all of them, but if you haven't feel free to check it all here!

Then I, Ryoko and Rantaro went to the back of my car to show her the 'Silver Queen' sticker on the back of my car. Well I'm sure you've already seen it multiple times, but eh, since I really like it+it actually doesn't show well in the pics, I'll show it here as well.

"Hey that's awesome! The girl looks cute here!" Ryoko told me in excitement. "Is she an anime character?"
"Ah no, that's a game character. Glad you like her, she's a fan-favourite here in Japan," I replied. Then I showed her who is she. After some small talks, I asked Ryoko where Kitagara-sensei is. Ryoko said he might still be in his office, so I went there while carrying my papers for him.

17.00
I arrived at Kitagara-sensei's office room. We exchanged some banters as he inspected my works.

"So how's you and your car been?" Kitagara-sensei aksed me.
"I've improved a lot of things since last year, sir. I bought lots of parts for it when I was in Tokyo."
"I see. Um, pardon me, but how's your finances after all those parts? I was also a young man like you, so......" we laughed after he said that.
"Ah, it's not really good sir, but not because of the parts.....more like I have some more cars now."
"Oh that's interesting, what are they?"
"An S15, an HR34, a Mazda Demio and a Daewoo Tico"
"Wait hold there, describe why you buy them one by one"
"S15, time attack racer. HR34, drift car and spare daily. Demio, spare daily but I'm going to sell them. Tico, spare track car and kei car"
"I do remember the Tico is based on Suzuki Alto, so that's reasonable. Anyway, you said the HR34 is a drifter, yes?"
"Yes sir. I'd like to drift sometimes besides doing track days and time attack competitions"
"I see, I guess I should have you come along with me sometimes. And you said time attack competitions....have you entered one?"
"Oh that's so nice of you sir, thank you for the offer. And yes, I've entered two, came 3rd in class at one of them."
"That's a good start, congratulations. You did a good job, let's get back to the parking lot"

When we come back to the parking lot, Ryuji and Genzo came with their respective cars. I also notified Muza via text chat that I'm already at the spot.


"I know you'll come with your boys. Are you guys attending tonight's car meet?" Kitagara-sensei asked me cheerfully.
"Ah yes sir, Rantaro-san told me about it. And my friends from Tokyo will come as well later." I duly answered.
"Oh, really? That's interesting, because I have my friend from Tokyo coming as well. He has a rare car, you know."
"Eeeeeeh? What kind of car is it?"
"You'll see"

As we finished our banters, Ryuji and Genzo has already parked their cars, and Ryuji had a chat with Ryoko about my car. Meanwhile, I took some initial squad shots.



17.45
An hour has passed, and other cars has started to come. One of them is this RX-7 FD, that parked at the same lot as all of us.

The owner is Akechi (29), coming all the way from Gunma. Turns out he's that one guy who got popular at Tsukuba's paddock for having his FD resembling the RedSuns FD from Initial D. Akechi has since updated his car, with a new front bumper and new wheels. Performance wise it only has an increased turbo boost. Akechi himself doesn't appeared in Tsukuba Circuit as often as he did these days due to his business as a high-level employee, but when he does have a track day session he really enjoys it. He sasy a bit more of working and he'll be promoted to executive positions.

18.30
"Hey Edo-kun, you said your Tokyo friends will come. Or will they?" Rantaro asked me as the sun started to set.
"They will, but when exactly they'll come is the question. I hope they don't hit traffic" I answered in a worried tone.

But then, 10 minutes later, we hear an unmistakable sound of a Toyota inline-6 engine. Finally I'm able to see Muza's peak masterpiece so far, his Supra A70! :bananajump:


Following him in the back is Marc(Macaron_moon) with his shiny, brand new Subaru Impreza WRX STi GRB hatch. Well he's an Evo guy to his body cells, but given he's working for Subaru and uh, his Evo X not hitting the road for a very, very loooong time, I guess he indeed had to buy a Subaru as a daily driver. Not that I'm complaining, I love GRBs. Big and comfy enough for daily usage but of course still has that rallying pedigree.

And then, in the back of the convoy is AJ(RocketBunnyS13), driving his S2K that has been modded and lowered since the last time I saw and have AJ drive it along with me and Muza, when it's still bone stock. Once again, AJ shows his magic on lowering cars without having it scraping the tarmac all the time. He's truly a genius in styling. Also he could have brought his lovely Ichigo the S15 here, but.....given what happened to his S14, I'd say bringing the S2K instead is a safe and wise move.

As everybody gets off their cars, we shared fist bumps and high fives, followed by me introducting the trio to my fellows. Ryoko looks interested in AJ, with his nice looks and all. But then Muza told me:
"Hang on, there's one more of us. Halt the banter"
"One more? Who? Rifky(Shez)?"
"Nah, even better. You'll see by yourself"

5 minutes later, a loud, screamy V8 engine echoes through the parking lot.

I don't remember any of us having a friend who dailies an Italian car, nor someone who has bought one.......but then I remembered that someone from the forums DID bought a Ferrari recently.

"Holy sh-is that what I think is is? Tell me is he who I think he is?" I asked Muza in excitement.
"Well you better see it by yourself" Muza answers in full-on secrecy.

Then a Ferrari rolls into the lot.........

And then parked beside Muza's Supra A70. A moment later, the driver got off the car slowly, and said in a deep voice:
"Sorry for being late guys, ran into traffic earlier"
I know that voice and I can't believe the voice owner is now standing in front of my eyes.

It's the man, the myth, the legendary MACKAY himself!! :O

"YO HOLY NUMBER NINES IT'S MACKAY HIMSELF?!" I exclaimed my feelings in front of Muza.
"Yep, go ahead and greet him" Muza cheerfully confirms my guess. Then I run into Mackay and his shiny brand new 458.

"HEY MAAAAACK!!" I greeted him as I, Muza, AJ and Marc ran to him. Then we all shared fistbumps, high-fives and bro-hugs. I can't beileve myself the legendary fabricator and tuner himself has decided to pay a visit here! And in a gorgeous Ferrari as well! I felt like being ascended to another dimension. To show just how loud his 458 is, after I captured a squad pic in my phone, Mack decided to move his 458 from Muza's side to AJ's side.

After moving the 458, I introduced Mack to my fellows. While I was introdcuing him, Ryoko can be seen totally fangirling over Mack, so I added this to my introduction: "Sorry Ryoko, Mack's already married". Mack confirms this in brutal honesty: "Well yeah, he's right". Ryoko grunts and pouts in a cute manner, while Rantaro pats her head to comfort her while I, Rantaro, Muza and Marc laughed out loud. Even Rantaro almost rolled on the ground laughing! AJ and Mack simply giggles in agreement.

We continued our banters as the Tokyo crews and my fellows told each other about their own backstories. It feels like a campfire night, except there's no fire here and it's filled with awesome rides.

20.00
As the night fell, the car meet has officially began. There were a grand total of 63 cars attending, but I'm only going to cover those that gathered in our lot, since there are obviously too many to cover. There are 13 cars that gathered in our lot. Let's begin form the left side.

The first one here is a relatively rare Silvia S15 Varietta, owned and tuned by Shinji (41). The mods outright screams ninetes vibes, with that shade of red, custom leather seats, BN Sports bodykit and those wheels, which I can't remember the model. Back then he's used to race around Mt. Akagi, and he's still running there with this Varietta, though not competetively. Sometimes he also went to Nikko, either with the Varietta or his missile Cefiro. This Varietta has SR20DET inside,producing around 400 BHP. Quite a number to have wind flowing through your hair.

And beside him is Akechi's RX-7 FD. I've introduced the car a while ago, but it is worth knowing that now it produces around 420 BHP, and still can be pushed further with boost controller inside the car. Just look at it, proper and gorgeous racer it is!

Obviously, the next ones are me and my boys :D But not that Estima at the very end though, it's not one of us. Nevertheless, I'm also covering that up. Anyways, most of our cars doesn't really need to be introduced as you've seen them several times. But still, let's see what everyone's got.

Rantaro hasn't really made any progress to his Merc II and the 2JZ-GE sitting inside it, he only cleans them to concourse quality and added a brand new sound system inside. Amazingly the car still tricks people into thinking it's a legit Merc :)) that's why I love cruising with Rantaro sometimes. We could pull a smug face without actually having the right to be a smug.

Next up is my Silver Queen the Evo III. Uh, well, obviously you need to read this thread if you want to know what happened to her latelty :))

Then we have Ryuji's M3 E46 in Jagermeister Orange. Turns out Ryuji has put some upgrades to it, bringing his M3 to pack up to 442 BHP, close enough to have a grudge with my Silver Queen. Since Muza also owns an M3 E46, he exchanged notes and have a great banter with Ryuji about their cars since they finally able to meet directly. Muza also told him that one time when he brought his E46 for touge session with me and AJ.

And finally we have Genzo's plucky Clio, which also faces no update whatsoever. However, I and him has nice banter about current state of rallying around the world and he said he would like to have touge session with me someday. I think his Clio will feel like home at the twisty roads of Tsukuba Fruit Line touge :D

This is the Estima seen in the previous pictures, owned by sisters Akane (25) and Mihaya (23). Both unexpectedly came as tasteful petrolhead sto me, with their Estima sitting on airbags, Do-Luck bodykit and Weds Kranze Graben on all sides. They also did some ECU and cam tune. I, Rantaro and Marc has some great chats and comparisons about vans and estates, as well as how to tune them properly. I really want to know about them better and introduce them to Sera, who also owns an Estima which I drove once.

With Rantaro starting to pump various pop songs from his car's audio system, let's move on to the other side.

First one is this lovely, sleek and beautiful Singer 911 owned by Kitagara-sensei's friend, which doesn't want his name publicized. He's 55 and works as an import/export company CEO based at Roppongi district in Tokyo, so that explains his ability to order and import a Singer by his own. Kitagara-sensei and him used to be college friends and both are avid petrolheads, the only difference is that his friend prefers to run at the highways and grippy track days. He's still kind enough to offer me, Muza and Mack his importing services, so we're quite lucky.

And then we have Mack's gorgeous 458, which looks like a fine lady wearing luxurious silk clothing and sleek stiletto shoes, but still has Mack's trademark savage aura. It looks like what Mack has done so far to the 458 is giving it a set of 20 inches BBS LM all around wrapped in Advan AD08R tyres. It properly screams Japan Supercar tuning vibes while keeping it looking like a proper Ferrari. As for the engine, he hasn't done anything to it yet, so I'm jokingly suggest him to get parts from the GT3 or GT2 version to make it a proper racer. But eh, Mack obviously knows better what's the best for his cars.


Moving on, we have AJ's S2K that sits really low on Gram Lights 57C wheels. It also has received a performance exhaust, making that VTEC-induced rumble more audible to us. Also fun fact: The current record holder for car with highest power per liter measurement is Ferrari 458. The previous record holder is Honda S2K. And the previous record holder before the S2K is BMW M3 E36, which Mack also owns. So having Mack's 458 parked beside AJ's S2K is indeed a happy coincidence :D

Next up we have Marc's showroom stock WRX GRB. But given this is Marc, I can sense he'll work his magic touches on the engine pretty soon, at least with a light tuning. I mean, it won't be funny if both his cars are out of the action. Nevertheless, it looks so clean and graceful in white....which makes rallying this car a bit risky if you want to keep it gleaming.

To his side is Muza's ultimate statement of the tuning world, the Supra A70 with absolutely amped up 1JZ-GTE. It also screams the aggressive side of the nineties tuning world, by combining Kaminari kits with custom rear bumper that has gigantic diffusers that can slice your toes in an instant. With custom GT wing, carbon hood and TE37s as the icing on the cake, et viola, this is no doubt the most aggressive Supra A70 ever appeared here. It's properly fast as well, recently recorded to contain 621 BHP at dyno. A perfect figure for track racing and highway runs, enough to go toe-to-toe with Mack's 458.

And finally, closing the showcase is Kitagara-sensei's Levin AE86 notchback, which has been hand-tuned by him for many years and currently producing 300 BHP. Even his current old self can make it sideways! He's also a regular participant at Tsukuba's annual AE86 festival.

As the party ocntinues, we have a lot of banters and chats with various car owners, with lots of music pumping out from Rantaro's Merc II. The day's main spotlight were Rantaro's Merc II, Akechi's FD, Ryuji's M3 E46, the Singer 911, Mack's 458 and Muza's A70. Mack's 458 is certainly the one that grabs the most attention, you don't see a Ferrari everyday after all! :))

Ryoko though spiced things up when she hijacked Rantaro's audio system, pumps up 'Love Dramatic' and asked AJ to dance with her. As I expected AJ can't really dance well, but nevertheless tried his best to dance along with her. But what's more unexpected is other couples dancing along as well! Though it's justified as it's a love song. Meanwhile I, Marc, and Mihaya formed an improptu vocal trio and sing along with the song.

Ryoko's action gave me an idea. I borrowed Ryoko's phone, pumped JoJo's Bizzare Adventure's 'Canzoni Preferite' and together with Ryoko and Marc recreated the famous Torture Dance scene. Given that JoJo series are associated with men in general, everybody is surprised Ryoko can recreated all the moves perfectly. At first I sang the first bar rap from the song ("Vocal percussion from a whole 'nother level, coming through my mind!"), the joined the dance with Marc.

Then it's my turn to drive the show for a while. I pumped '3 Wheels Up' and started my impromptu rap concert, with me on vocals, everybody cheering me on and eventually some people b-boying beside me. Then I continued the streak with 'Dubplate Original', 'That's not Me', '6 in da Bloodclart Morning' and 'Forgot About Dre'. Then I continued with 'Still Dre' and 'The Next Episode', where there are alot of people knowing the lyrics so we sing along and chilled together. And finally I ended my short fame with 'It Was a Good Day' to make everyone chill out.

But no, the party didn't stop there. It was Muza ans Ryuji's turn to steal the show by pumping Eurobeat songs. Cue up around a hundred people trying to sing 'Deja Vu', 'Running in The 90s', and 'No One Sleeps in Tokyo' in unison, af if we're chanting in a football match. Then unexpectedly again Mihaya can sing the entire lyrics to 'Remember Me', while I, Marc and AJ sings 'When the Sun Goes Down'. To top it off, Ryoko and Mihaya led some people doing the Para-Para Dance when 'Dancing', 'Dancing Queen' and 'Super Dance' was blasted. Seeing Ryoko and Mihaya dancing over 'Dancing' certainly gave me [ C O O L V I B R A T I O N S ]

The party continued into the midnight as all of us jammed, exchange notes and have lots of banters together.

03.00
As dawn almost broke, one by one everyone came back to each their homes. At this point, only my fellows and Muza and co. remained in the parking lot. As we reminisced over what happened along the night and Ryuji tried to bring extremely exhausted Ryoko back to his E46, we had one final banter, then bid each other goodbyes. Muza and Mack were quick enough to leave the parking lot.......I guess they're going to have a highway battle. I really want to see it along with Marc and AJ,but oh well, I'm already tired as well. And thus, the car meet went to an definite end.
I really want to spend some more time with everyone in the lot.....perhaps next time we can even cruise together :D














Finally the heaviest update (to my laptop) I've ever done has been finished!
Let's see how my wallet survives even if there's virtually nothing happened to it:















That's all my updates for now, thank you for stopping by and see you soon!

This post was edited by BigSmoke (2019-04-05 17:28, ago)
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Franklin

00
Posts: 301

Location: --- Tokyo, Japan
Occupation: Yesn't
Age: 30
V$: 7585
#224   2019-03-31 15:14          
# BigSmoke : If this is Danganronpa I could have received the 'Ultimate Broke Petrolhead' title by now :))
But eh, it's also a challenge itself to turn what people think as a mundane, whack car into a serious multi-tool racer ;)

Well just get one I'd say, there are lots of potential stuff out there for even less than V$1000 :D
At the moment I haven't done anything to the Tico yet, gonna save some money first for the engine

My Silver Queen (the Evo's nickname, in case you haven't seen it yet) is already nutty enough man :))
She's packing 450 BHP and punches me quite hard in the face everytime I do hard acelerations, even with WRC gearbox ratio :))
i didn't knew it
3-4 months kicked me hard lmao
That light-ass evo with 450hp , uffff, makes me nutt uwu

Added 6 minutes later:

FUCC
I LOST THE MEET :'(
Next time i will be there!
I wanna see the builds of the current scene!
Next time me and the sup will be here.

This post was edited by Franklin (2019-03-31 15:21, ago)

Chill Life, Good Life ド陰の越
Hotboi Gang (テヂ椅)

Soju

kr
Posts: 1247

Location: South Korea
Occupation: Smuggling Soju
Age: 122
V$: Broke
#225   2019-03-31 15:29          
That was a really nice car meet! I wish I could have been there with 11K, but probably there will be another chance :)

Lagano

si
Posts: 1739

Location: Slovenia West side
Occupation: Taking it easy
Age: 24
V$: :$V
#226   2019-03-31 15:36          
That was a really fun meeting! Nice to see all the known people and their cars again. That classic 911 was something unusual though, and it was even the new Singer!! Same goes for Mackay, he's always loved 90's JDM cars but he's been telling me about getting a supercar for a while, i guess he finally made it come true. :)

Niatross

bd
Posts: 430

Location: Bangladesh
Occupation: topkek
Age:
V$: yes
#227   2019-03-31 15:39          
That was an absolute, doubtless great evening my man! :-X ngl thanks for inviting us over
The crowd was a just perfect number to have peak fun, but not get suffocated due to the sheer amount of people too xD
The Tsukuba folks are great people too! it was fun chatting with Ryuji about BEE EM DABARU thingies, was fun chatting with Akechi-san about rotary shenanigans too! and to top it off, a mass karaoke session and ofc, a BATTLE?!

Overall, delightful day man! ;) kinda makes me wanna host my own meet around Tokyo someday. We shalt see!


Current owned cars:
- Toyota Supra GA-JZA70 Mk3
- BMW E46 M3
- Nissan Skyline ECR33 GTS25t
- Nissan 200SX Hatchback
- BMW E92 335i
- Nazda RX-7 FD3S Type RS
- Mazda RX-7 JF1FD (USDM)
- Nissan Silvia S14

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#228   2019-03-31 18:02          
# Franklin : i didn't knew it
3-4 months kicked me hard lmao
That light-ass evo with 450hp , uffff, makes me nutt uwu

Added 6 minutes later:

FUCC
I LOST THE MEET :'(
Next time i will be there!
I wanna see the builds of the current scene!
Next time me and the sup will be here.

Well there's a lot that can be done within 3-4 months, I mean look at your Supra now man :))
Well I've said it and I'll say it again:
Silver Quen: Punches you at everyday traffic, gently run with and caress you at touge roads, outright wants to skydive with you at racetracks :))

Feel free to join anytime I and my fellas have one! ;)

# Niatross : That was an absolute, doubtless great evening my man! :-X ngl thanks for inviting us over
The crowd was a just perfect number to have peak fun, but not get suffocated due to the sheer amount of people too xD
The Tsukuba folks are great people too! it was fun chatting with Ryuji about BEE EM DABARU thingies, was fun chatting with Akechi-san about rotary shenanigans too! and to top it off, a mass karaoke session and ofc, a BATTLE?!

Overall, delightful day man! ;) kinda makes me wanna host my own meet around Tokyo someday. We shalt see!

Indeed it was one of the most lit nights I've ever experienced in my life :bananajump:
Dang I really want to see you battling with Mack but it was really, really cold and dark, and I was tired as well.

If you're going to have one let me know, I might be able to join as well! :D

# Lagano : That was a really fun meeting! Nice to see all the known people and their cars again. That classic 911 was something unusual though, and it was even the new Singer!! Same goes for Mackay, he's always loved 90's JDM cars but he's been telling me about getting a supercar for a while, i guess he finally made it come true. :)

I know right? It's not everyday you can see a Singer hanging around. I wasn't expecting Mack going down the supercar route as well, but eh, he really deserves it and actually fits well :D

# Soju : That was a really nice car meet! I wish I could have been there with 11K, but probably there will be another chance :)

Here's hoping! Really want to see your cars hitting the Japan shores again man :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

Visit my RP HERE!

Franklin

00
Posts: 301

Location: --- Tokyo, Japan
Occupation: Yesn't
Age: 30
V$: 7585
#229   2019-03-31 22:00          
Yeah dude!
Next time text me by dm for the next meet
I will join!

Chill Life, Good Life ド陰の越
Hotboi Gang (テヂ椅)

BigSmoke

id
Posts: 844

Location: Indonesia
Occupation: Following Those Damn Trains
Age:
V$: Broke
#230   2019-04-05 22:32          
Delicious Double Dish, Part 1:
Trackday Tag Team!












This week's update will be separated into two parts since there are a hell lot to tell and even more pics to show!
For the first one here, we have yet another crossover episode with some forum bois!
Additionally, you can also help me pick a new personal tow car, which I'll explain later.
What are we waiting for? Let's jump into the update! :D













[01 Apr 2019]
April Foo-I mean, paycheck time! Yet another V$750 landed to my wallet safely. To be fair, I'm not really the one that celebrates April Fools anyway, particularly since there are a lot of hoaxes and scams flying left and right in the vast land of the United States of Internet these days. Some of the are so convincing it feels like April Fools came earlier. Not that I've got one of them, mind. But the point is, as technology marches on, the line of truth and lies has almost dissolved in the virtual world. For us young'uns and grown-ups, this won't be a problem since we're all educated enough by all means to distinguish which are true and which aren't. But then, it's not only us who uses the internet these days......right, we've gone too far, the conclusion from my earlier blabber should be clear and perhaps even trivial. Let's get back to the track shall we? O:-)

After a week of break from competitive scene, I decided to kickstart the month by entering another one. And this one is quite a biggie: I'm entering Tsukuba's very own Time Attack Championship, which is called Tsukuba Circuit Trial Series. The championship itself is a part of Tsukuba's main car championship weekend series, the others are Tsukuba Super FJ championship (Tsukuba's Formula Jedi UK equivalent, performance are similar to F4 cars) and Tsukuba Touring Car Series (1400-1600cc touring car championship). All these series are acknowledged and supervised by JAF as a regional series. Compared to these two, the Circuit Trial series has less strict rules and basically more open to everyone. All series are going to hold 5 rounds this year, with the 1st and 3rd round hosted by Victory Sports Club (VICIC), 2nd round hosted by Brains Motorsports Club (B-Sports), and 4th as well as the final round join-hosted by Team Magnus Auto Club (TMAC) and JASC, with JASC being a sub-division of JAF.

If you're interested about the grand series and the main rules of each series, you can download the document here in Japanese. Or to save your effort, I'm going to explain the rules for the Circuit Trial Series. Welp, prepare for a long haul boys.

First off, the basic rules. The format of the championship is 2x15 minutes of Super Lap, which means it's a one-shot shootout run. One lap to get off the pits, one lap to score your time, and one lap to get back to the pits. One small mistake could shake up the results table significantly. Drivers are eliglible for the championship if they at least attend 3 of the 5 rounds, and there will be a bonus prize money if they could attend every single of them. Being used to the free run format, this is a fresh challenge to me. This also means I'm moving up from clubman level racing to sanctioned regional level in just two events....how cool is that? :D

Moving on to the class segregation. In general there are 3 classes that is held in the championship: B, PN and AE. B class has 6 sub-classes, and PN class has 2 sub-classes, which brings the total class into staggering NINE classes, plus one overall championship. There's also one additional, non-championship points eliglible class which is called Closed class, intended for specially-built racers such as Attack and WTAC-spec TA racers or open wheel formula racers. Talking about the sub-classes, they're separated based on the car's engine capacity and their eliglibility to be registered and converted for national level racing usage. Turbo and supercharged cars capacity are multiplied by 1.7 and rotaries are multiplied by 1.5 to make them easier to be classified and segregated. For all classes, brands and types or tyres used is free, but no full slicks are allowed.

Now, let's delve deeper into the sub-classes and the examples of cars being eliglible for each classes:
- B1: <=1600cc road-legal cars, e.g. EK9, EF, EG6, MX-5 NA and NB, Cappucino, Caterham Seven 160, Honda Beat, old Alto Works
- B2: <=1600cc road-legal cars that can be FIA/JAF-certified for racing use, e.g. base MX-5 ND, base Swift, S660, N-ONE, March Nismo, current Alto Works
- B3: 1600-2400cc FF road-legal cars that can be FIA/JAF-certified for racing use, e.g. top-range Swift, current Corolla
- B4: 1600-2400cc FR road-legal cars that can be FIA/JAF-certified for racing use, e.g. 86, BRZ, top-range MX-5 ND
- B5: 1600-3500cc 2WD road-legal cars, e.g. Civic Type-R EP3 upwards, Silvias, Skyline non-GTR, RX-7, RX-8, Z33, Mini JCW, 208 GTi, non-turbo 911, Cayman, non-supercharged Lotus
- B6: Any road-legal cars that doesn't satisfy B1-B5, e.g. WRX STi, Lan Evo, Skyline GT-R, Ferraris, McLarens, Lambos, Golf R, turbo 911.....basically 4WDs and supercars
- PN1: <=1600cc FIA/JAF-certified racers, see B2
- PN2: 1600cc-2000cc FIA/JAF-certified racers, see B3 and B4
- AE: Fully electric cars with power output under 40 kWh, e.g. Leaf, e-Golf, i3 without range extender. No Teslas, sadly

Quite mind-boggling aren't they? Let's straight to the point then: I was placed on B6 class with my Silver Queen. After all the car's document were specified, I paid V$205 for the registration. I'd really like to attend every single race in the calendar, but chances are I'll miss the second round at May. But why? Well I can't tell you yet.... :P All that matters is the Silver Queen has joined the server again and this time, moving her way up to an upper league ;)



[02 Apr 2019]
I'm still researching over perfect cars to replace my Mazda Demio as my personal tow car, and then I realized that my options are pretty limited if I insists on searching for one under V$1000 as long as I don't move my search outside Japan. Since I don't really want another LHD car, I expanded my search scope to UK's used car market, which is also famed as used car heaven. I spent hours and hours to look for one that fits my needs, and boy did the search was worth it........

So, let's recall all the options I've mentioned at the previous update, as well as adding new ones I've recently discovered, how much each of them can pull along (assuming all cars has equal roof load of 100 kg), as well as their own strength and weakness points:
2nd gen Toyota Estima 2.4L Petrol - 1600 kg
+ Has captain seats for 1st and 2nd row seats, good for relaxed driving
+ Quite powerful and big NA inline 4 engine
+ Being a Japanese car, spares would be easy to find
+ Looks cool for an MPV I should admit, and blends easily with traffic
+ Can be easily sourced inside Japan, obviously
+ I've ever driven one!
- Quite heavy for an MPV, hence needing big and powerful engine
- Uhh.....it's an MPV
- Visual tunability is limited, admittably
- No turbo option. There are bolt-on turbo kits and TRD-issued OEM superchargers, but would I need them?
- Driving experience might not be suitable for spirited driving



Volvo 850 Base/Turbo/T5 Petrol - 1600 kg
+ It's a Volvo, cool and B R I C C factor ++
+ Has inline 5 engine so it'll be a smooooth sailing driving one
+ Being an European car, can be sourced outside Japan for even cheaper
+ It's an estate, certainly cooler than an MPV
+ Has racing pedigree thanks to Volvo's popular BTCC effort with 850R at mid-90s
+ Could adapt quickly between relaxed driving and spirited driving
+ It's a Volvo, so it's a mobile safe haven and as strong as a tank and B R I C C
+ Actually lighter than the Estima!
+ Some people here owns or have owned 850s at one point
+ Visual tuning options is vast and variable
- It's a Volvo, B R I C C styling might not look good for some
- Being an European car, spares might be difficult to find inside Japan
- Inline 5 engine could be rather hard to maintain
- Might actually need to be sourced outside Japan, rarely any Volvos under V$1000 in Japan



Audi A6 C5 Estate 2.5 TDi - 1800 kg
+ It's an Audi Estate, cool factor ++ and time-proven design
+ V6 Turbodiesel engine means BLACC SMONK time and a hell load of torque
+ Turbodiesel engine means tuning is easy, even chip tuning would do
+ It's an estate, certainly cooler than an MPV
+ It's a VAG product, spare parts are abundant, at least around Europe
+ For all reasons above, it's a spectacular tourer that can carry lots of load
+ Could adapt rather quickly between relaxed driving and spirited driving
+ Visual tuning options is vast and variable
+ Can carry slightly more than 850 or Estima
+ Some people here owns or have owned 850s at one point
+ Visual tuning options is vast and variable
- Does Japan urbanites accept BLACC SMONK these days? Not sure if they do
- Being an European car, spares might be difficult to find inside Japan
- V6 engine could be even harder to maintain
- Has to be sourced from UK, no estate models in Japan under V$1000



1st Gen BMW X5 3.0d - 2300 kg
+ It's a BMW SUV, smug and luxury factor ++
+ I6 Turbodiesel engine means BLACC SMONK time and a hell load of torque, as well as smooth delivery
+ Turbodiesel engine means tuning is easy, even chip tuning would do
+ It's an SUV, obviously fit for the job
+ Shares the same platform with 3rd gen Range Rover, certainly feels at home when off-roading
+ AAAAAAALL WHEEEEEEL DRIVEEEEEEEEEEE
+ Being a SUV means guaranteed safety and comfort
+ Can carry even more than all of the above cars
- Visual tuning options is limited to none
- Does Japan urbanites accept BLACC SMONK these days? Not sure if they do
- Being an European car, spares might be difficult to find inside Japan
- Being a SUV, could spell trouble in smaller roads
- Being a contemporary era SUV, you can't bring it for spirited driving or else it'll literally roll upside down
- Has to be sourced from UK, literally no X5 diesel in Japan under V$1000
- Most of those under V$1000 has electrical or engine damage, so has to be fixed on site first when picked up


So which one should I choose for the job? Feel free to share your voice, comments and suggestions regarding the problem. To be honest I like all of them, that's why it's really difficult to me to pick one. And if I do pick one of them, I don't want to regret my choice as I did with the Mazda Demio.......

Also fun fact: Most pre-2010 sedans can only pull up to 1500 kg, and most Japanese sedans would only do 1200 kg max. So if you want to tow another car with one of those, tough luck, don't do it if you don't want to do severe damage to your engine and transmission. But if you want a cool JDM tow car, I suggest getting a Nissan Stagea. That thing can pull 2000 kg in all forms!


[03 Apr 2019]
Speaking of the Demio, finally it has a buyer! Jimmy/Buzz(Buzzsaw) has agreed to buy it at full price, which was V$1500. He told me he has sold his PS13 that he brought to my crib back then for quite a high price, at V$18000. Staggering, I know, but actually can be justified since the one who bought it was a car collector who's impressed with Buzz's concours-level car maintenance and detailing skills. Boy that James May-rivalling detailing skills does worth a lot! :D

With the PS13 gone, he needs a small daily runner that can bring him zipping around the crowded and narrow streets of Tokyo, which I've experienced once earlier this year. The Demio isn't as small as a Kei car, but it's small and agile enough for the job. And as I've mentioned back then, it shares the same platform with Ford Fiesta, so that magical and fun handling traits is also possessed within the Demio, and perhaps it also shares the rallying potential owned by the Fiesta R2 :)) Excited by the news, I went to my garage and cleaned the Demio inside-out once more to keep it clean, as well as polishing it to give the car that showroom-fresh look.

Speaking of car polish, I found out a brand called Mitchell and King co. which offers variants of luxury-level car waxes to polish your cars with. One of them used to be the most expensive car wax in the world, which is the Gold Rush variant. As the name suggests, it contains real gold(!!) which is visible when you apply them on your car. That's one hell of quality assurance I should say. But would I really need them though? Also, the current record is held by Goldfinger Goldwax polish. Quick, pick one: A brand new Corvette, or the Goldfinger polish?

There are also another news: Muza(Niatross) and Mackay's good old friend, Franklin has decided to move to Tokyo after spending a long time in Osaka. Originally I was supposed to meet him at Tokyo at 02 April, but well I was occupied with Circuit Trial and tow car hunt stuff. Turns out he won a car from an auction, which said car was owned by a Japanese cartel and his cars were seized after he got busted. One of them is a GT-T, which Franklin successfully bid on. Dang, really wish I could join the fun. But I have a plan for that........


[04 Apr 2019]
At this point Buzz picked the Demio up. After some cups of coffee and all the papers were sorted in my crib, the deal were sealed. But before Buzz went back to Tokyo, I talked to him about Franklin's coming to Tokyo, and decided it would be good if we have Franklin as well in the trackday session. Sso we discussed it with Franklin via video call, and we agreed Franklin would borrow Buzz's brand new S2K for the trackday.
To be fair, he could use his GT-T as well, but uhhh......at this point it's too precious to be spawned into a racetrack. In other words, Franklin needs some more tme to get acquainted with the car, as he has just (a)moved to Tokyo, and (b)bught the GT-T for less than 48 hours. It won't be funny if some mishap happened to his GT-T shortly after he bought it. Franklin does have other cars as well, but at this point they're still being prepared to be moved from Osaka to Tokyo, which is actually quite far away.

With trackday plans sealed and maps containing directions to Tsukuba Circuit handed to both Buzz and Franklin's phone, I gave the Demio's keys to Buzz, and he went back to Tokyo as sunset blurs my view of him and the Demio. I know I owned the Demio for less than a month, but I do wish the Demio will bring happiness to Buzz. And more importantly, my wallet gets healthy again :D


[05 Apr 2019]
It's trackday time! I don't really have to worry about the others since I've handed them maps, so after shower and breakfast I don my jacket, denims, racing gloves and boots, as well as preparing my helmet to bring to the trackday. Relatively speaking, it's been rather long time since I have a regular trackday instead of a competitive weekend, so it's kind of refreshing to have a no-pressure trackday again :D Ii set off from my crib at 9.30am.

To be really honest, I was planning to have a full mental and physical rest, both for myself and the Silver Queen until the championship opener at 07 April. But Buzz convinced me to have a trackday with him. Given that his could be a good training session for both of us, I can't really say no to him. And I do want to see his S2K in person, which he nicknames Tango. It looks quite nice and fit, sitting on Integra DC5 wheels.

It also reminds me of the Silver Queen when she came for the first time here. Both cars are pre-tuned and priced quite similarly. In this case though, Tango's mods focused on the performance side, while Silver Queen leans on the handling side back then. This worried me a bit since S2K's are known for being tail-happy on stock form. Drop your concentration a bit and you'll be surprised by the trigger-happy F20C engine and Aisin transmission lurching the car, probably off the road. Combined with short axles at both sides and fairly skinny tyre treads, if you can't control the throttle well at corners, most of the time you'll be exiting with a flurry of oversteer.

Once you get used to it though, it's a trackday dominator. I mean, some of the famous TA car of Japan are S2Ks, particularly the lime green Arvou S2K, the orange Fura S2K and of course, the one that ruled FR NA cars at the moment, the white and red ASM S2K. The ASM one in my opinion also utilizes less dramatic aero works compared to those installed in Fura's or Arvou's. So I'm quite intrigued to see how Buzz and Franklin would cope with a lightly-modded S2K......

I arrived at Tsukuba Circuit at 10.15am. The track is already rather crowded with people......I assume some, if not most of them are also going to enter the Circuit Trial championship.

While waiting for Buzz and Franklin, I parked the Silver Queen near the paddock. Then I have some chatter with others as well as doinf some carspotting. Who knows if those that I spotted will also appear at the championship opener?

Some moments later, an unmistakable harmony of an inline 6 turbo engine struck my eardrums, so I turned around. Turns out Franklin has arrived in his Vibrant Red GT-T! Well it might not going to the track later on, but the mods are quite lovely and screams 90s tuner in pure confidence. Fistbumps are shared, I and Franklin introduced ourselves to each other (it's our first meeting after all!) and we have some more chatter with others as well.



And finally, 10 minutes later, Buzz arrived with his Tango with windows and roof down, looks like he's already enjoying Tsukuba's gentle breeze on sunny days. When you have a convertible car, I'd say it's rather mandatory to do so :D

With the crew complete, I went to the stewards room to rent VBox for me and Buzz. That way I can check Buzz and Franklin's lap times after our session has done. After installing the VBoxes to the Silver Queen and the Tango, I gave some pointers to Buzz and Franklin, since this is the first time they go to Tsukuba Circuit. Those pointers including the difference of black flag in trackdays and regular racing. As you might know, if you're black flagged in a race, that means you're disqualified and you should return to the pits. But in trackdays, it's a bit different. If you're black flagged, that means either you're endangering other drivers or there's something broken in your car (in racing this one is signed with black and orange flag). You still have to return to the pits, but you may rejoin the track again after a certain time or you have your car mended as far as you could.

For the first run, I'm leading Buzz from the pitlane, while Franklin will wait for a while. I instructed Buzz to follow me and line up behind me at the pit exit. I and Buzz decided to communicate around the track via hands-free phone.

"Right, remember to check the pit lights after I go. If it's green, proceed to the track. Otherwise just go where I stop here and wait for a while"
"Oh, okay"
"Also you don't have to chase me, just go by your own pace. No need to rush, we got 200 BHP between us"
"Okay, got it"
"Good, you know the drill once you hit the track"


Lights went green and I'm off into the track. Tthen the light suddenly turn yellow as I went off, so Buzz had to stop for a while.


Since I'm quite familiar with the track and I want to do a Super Lap simulation, I decided to instantly go for it, but in a smoother manner than I did in recent events. I don't want to push the engine too much for now, gotta save all the power and engine life for the championship event. Buzz followed suit as well, but that's because he has to learn the track, so he didn't went that fast.



As a result of constantly pushing the Silver Queen these days, even when I'm not pushing that hard I can realize I'm trying to do so. Everytime I did so I have to tell myself: "Calm down, no need to rush, no need to rush...." Meanwhile, after some time, it looks like Buzz has found his form. Things are going in the right direction to him, it's a pity I can't really see him inside my car at the moment.



But moments later I can hear a faint tyre squeal coming from Buzz. Puzzled on what has happened to him, I decided to ask anyway.

"What was that?"
"Uh, my car slipped a bit. Don't worry, still under control"
"Oh okay, continue driving and be careful"


Looks like he already got that VTEC treatment from his Tango........


In the meantime though, I enjoyed my time driving the Silver Queen as I try to keep myself consistent over the times as per usual. Safe to say, thanks to this being a regular trackday, I sweat less than usual...no need to change my undies then! :))


But then my joy was tainted a bit when I see an S2K stranded on T1 gravel trap.........

"Buzz, is that you stopping on the gravel?"
"Uh, yes" *giggle* "I'll go back to the pits"
"I'll come back as well, let's discuss on what happened"


So I and Buzz went back to the pits.


We stopped for a while to clean some gravel from Buzz's Tango and let Franklin took control of Tango. Meanwhile I and Buzz had a bit of banter over the setup of my car.....I half-insisted it's already ideal for daily usage, but Buzz wants me to drop the tyre pressures a bit. So I did, since logically this would result in more grip. This would have a huge trade-off though: The car would be more sluggish in straights and itll consume more fuel. I'm glad this is just a trackday so the stakes of trying a different setup would be much lower.

When we have finished the operation, Franklin was already far ahead. This gave me an idea: How long it would took to overtake him? So I immediately went back inside my Evo and set off. Time for a hot pursuit!



Franklin was going slightly faster than Buzz and shows a degree of exceptional skills, but of course I wasn't simply hanging around. I pushed my Evo lap by lap, trying to catch him in less than 5 laps. Remember that one-lap magic challenges in Gran Turismo? This feels exactly like it! I'm chasing someone with a slower car over a huge gap while trying to keep a faster car under control!



How intense was the chase? THIS intense to be able to bounce two wheels off the kerbs yeah!

Finally I could catch and overtook him near the end of lap 4 at the back straight. At the next lap we agreed to go back to the pits.



"Dude that was fun! Shall we do it again next time?"
"Sure man, and bring your own car Franklin. We could do this for hours"
"Heheh I could imagine that coming. It would be a very loooong battle"




After we returned to the pits, we thought that would be that and we almost decided to call it a day.......but no, turns out Buzz wanted even more and went back to the track alone. I was rather tired already and I want to keep my engine alive for the championship event, so I just decided to went back to paddock and have a warm cup of coffee. What else a better way to cool down after a track day session?


Our cooldown session was cut short though when I hear another tyre squeal....only this time it was louder.

"OH SHI-"
*BANG!!*



The impact was so hard it was audible through the other side of the paddock. A marshall shouted, "Crash at T1! Crash at T1! Red flag the session!", so we rushed to check out what was what.

It was Buzz, smashing the armco heavily. It looks like he spun and hit the armco with the back side of his Tango, as I could see the rear left side wheel was misaligned. The front parts are okay, save from the engine pouring smoke and some coolant leaking down the gravel. Still, I was worried over Buzz, so I tried to call him.

"Buzz! Buzz! Hey answer me! Speak something! Move your hands! Do something!"

At first Buzz didn't respond at all, likely due to shock after crashing his car. I was half-panicked and prepared myself to rush him to hospital. But Franklin say I should try one more time, so I did. Thankfully, this time Buzz replied by raising his right hand and giving me and Franklin the thumb signal, indicating he's OK.

As marshalls went into the track, one of them indicated he's indeed OK and uninjured. With the help of the circuit's tow car, Buzz drove the Tango back to the pitlane via the pit exit. As I and Franklin walked towards the pit exit and waiting for Buzz's arrival, I have a rather serious talk with Franklin.

"Do you realize how lucky you were?"
"Uh, what do you mean lucky?"
"It coud be you and your GT-T. You're right for borrowing his car with this kind of outcome"
"Ah, yeah, you're right. Lucky me indeed"

After the S2K has been salvaged to the paddock and I returned both mine and his VBox, Buzz received further examination in the circuit's medic tent. Thankfully he's 100% OK, he only need half an hour to recover from his shock. After he has calmed down and explained what he experienced, he called a tow truck service to haul his Tango back to Tokyo. And much later, after Buzz left the track with the tow service, I and Franklin decided to finally call it a day and went back to our cribs.













Part 1 of the update done.......Part 2 will come soon!
Meanwhile let's check how my wallet survives:












That's NOT all my updates for now, see you soon at Part 2!

This post was edited by BigSmoke (2019-04-06 08:08, ago)
Still following the damn train since 1992

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Buzzsaw

uk
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#231   2019-04-05 23:16          
It was so fun day ever I been, I guess I showed you I'm not James May, more like Jeremy Clarkson. :))

Tango will come back, but better and gripper. Oh, also I going to move to a new house about 5 mins far from your crib. I'm sure, I found a garage for rent for more closer to my new home, it has like everything for a car need, I thought we could share it?
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

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#232   2019-04-06 06:42          
# Buzzsaw : It was so fun day ever I been, I guess I showed you I'm not James May, more like Jeremy Clarkson. :))

Tango will come back, but better and gripper. Oh, also I going to move to a new house about 5 mins far from your crib. I'm sure, I found a garage for rent for more closer to my new home, it has like everything for a car need, I thought we could share it?

But your detailing level resembles James! :))
If it was Jeremy it'll be an untidy bodge job, I mean he can't even repaint an Alfa properly :)) (see the GBP 1000 Alfa Challenge)
Whereas James can repaint a Jaguar with tidy results, though in the end he ran out of paint...... (see the GBP 1500 non-Porsche sportscar challenge)

I appreciate your offer, but I think my own crib is enough as a workplace, and I don't have much money to rent a garage anyway :))
I don't want to fullfill a garage that isn't really my own as well, so I'd say feel free to keep your garage for yourself

And oh, welcome to Tsukuba :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

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Buzzsaw

uk
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#233   2019-04-06 07:39          
# BigSmoke : But your detailing level resembles James! :))
If it was Jeremy it'll be an untidy bodge job, I mean he can't even repaint an Alfa properly :)) (see the GBP 1000 Alfa Challenge)
Whereas James can repaint a Jaguar with tidy results, though in the end he ran out of paint...... (see the GBP 1500 non-Porsche sportscar challenge)

I appreciate your offer, but I think my own crib is enough as a workplace, and I don't have much money to rent a garage anyway :))
I don't want to fullfill a garage that isn't really my own as well, so I'd say feel free to keep your garage for yourself

And oh, welcome to Tsukuba :D
Thanks, I mean I rent whole rest of garage myself and you can use my garage for free. You may see my Demio more common. :))
Click here for to my RP thread.

BigSmoke

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#234   2019-04-06 07:59          
# Buzzsaw : Thanks, I mean I rent whole rest of garage myself and you can use my garage for free. You may see my Demio more common. :))

Yeah I know, I just don't feel like or want to use other guy's garage.......my own crib is enough :D
Still following the damn train since 1992

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Franklin

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#235   2019-04-06 14:49          
Dude, i fucking loved the hot pursuit that we had!
When i get a more basic daily, the gtt maybe will arrive track day? i let the answer to be responded hehehe

This brought back many memories of my adolescence, when I had my first car, an 04 'Sentra SE-R Spec V that I received from my mother (luckily I had parents who liked hehe cars), then erwin and I went to high school together, I remember that at the time a 240sx with the stock KA (this was well before the update in vs, we would be 19 years old) and we went to several track days, we went to thunderhill, to buttonwillow, to willow springs , and we had a good time, from there I got good skills, but 6 years ago I did not run on track day, and this brought me so many memories, and driving the S2K, which is one of my favorite cars, was beautiful!

But mane, i fucking cried when the s2k crashed, the rear left side and rear of the s2k bshed up, the rear wheel also misaligned and probably bent, the front bumper ripped off, a mess in the engine bay, damn. i was lucky that i didn't drove the GTT in the track, if this happened to me, damn.
But hey, cars are fixable, health and life not.
The s2k will be arriving intensive care in SLP, checking all the damage, maybe the rear left axle is bent or broken, also driveshaft, we will see.
For the first glance looks like it's fixable, we will see underneath how bad is the damage.

Also this is the oportunity for start the track day treatment, so this car will be ready asap and faster than ever!

This post was edited by Franklin (2019-04-06 15:07, ago)

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Buzzsaw

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#236   2019-04-06 15:00          
# Franklin : Dude, i fucking loved the hot pursuit that we had!
When i get a more basic daily, the gtt maybe will arrive track day? i let the answer to be responded hehehe
but mane, i fucking cried with the s2k crash, the rear left side and rear of the s2k bshed up, the rear wheel also misaligned and probably bent, the front bumper ripped off, a mess in the engine bay, damn. i was lucky that i didn't drove the GTT in the track, if this happened to me, damn.
But hey, cars are fixable, health and life not.
The s2k will be arriving intensive care in SLP, checking all the damage, maybe the rear left axle is bent or broken, also driveshaft, we will see.
Also this is the oportunity for start the track day treatment, so this car will be ready asap.

Correction : I moved to tokyo because in the place were i worked (SLP osaka) was opening a new workshop in tokyo, so they chose me to be the head of this new workshop, so i had to move (this was a surprise that i revealed days ago in my 2 day tokyo update) and here i bought the gtt in that crazy auction, and also i have only 2 cars, sup and gtt, the sup is a mix of a drag car and track car that combines in a Wangan car, so yea.

Lucky S2K are repairable.
Click here for to my RP thread.

Franklin

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#237   2019-04-06 15:12          
# Buzzsaw : Lucky S2K are repairable.
Yeah, looks like it is,we will see how bad is the damage, how much parts we need to replace.
At first glance, rear suspension, 2 rear wheels and 4 tyres (you NEVER want to reuse the wheels of a car that was crashed, they can be bent, and i'm sure that rear left one is bent, so at least 2 rear wheels and 4 new tyres), a new couple of rear axles (left rear one is bent and cracked), maybe a new driveshaft , we dont know if the driveshaft is bent.
New set of coilovers (rear left one is badly bent, quarterpanel repair, new rear bumper, new left sideskirt, new front bumper (tabs are broken and it has some cracks)
Painting, and fixing the cooling system, at first glance thats all we need to do, we will see, today bring the car in a trailer to SLP and we will see how bad it is.

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Renaruto

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#238   2019-04-06 15:18          
Looked like a really good time! I'm normally not that interested in normal track racing buuut... maybe I should give it a try. :^)

((The amount of text and details you put into these is astonishing))

This post was edited by Renaruto (2019-04-06 15:24, ago)

BigSmoke

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#239   2019-04-06 15:24          
# Franklin : Dude, i fucking loved the hot pursuit that we had!
When i get a more basic daily, the gtt maybe will arrive track day? i let the answer to be responded hehehe

This brought back many memories of my adolescence, when I had my first car, an 04 'Sentra SE-R Spec V that I received from my mother (luckily I had parents who liked hehe cars), then erwin and I went to high school together, I remember that at the time a 240sx with the stock KA (this was well before the update in vs, we would be 19 years old) and we went to several track days, we went to thunderhill, to buttonwillow, to willow springs , and we had a good time, from there I got good skills, but 6 years ago I did not run on track day, and this brought me so many memories, and driving the S2K, which is one of my favorite cars, was beautiful!

But mane, i fucking cried when the s2k crashed, the rear left side and rear of the s2k bshed up, the rear wheel also misaligned and probably bent, the front bumper ripped off, a mess in the engine bay, damn. i was lucky that i didn't drove the GTT in the track, if this happened to me, damn.
But hey, cars are fixable, health and life not.
The s2k will be arriving intensive care in SLP, checking all the damage, maybe the rear left axle is bent or broken, also driveshaft, we will see.
For the first glance looks like it's fixable, we will see underneath how bad is the damage.

Also this is the oportunity for start the track day treatment, so this car will be ready asap and faster than ever!

Welp you definitely should get the GT-T (or something faster) down to the track! ;)
There are a lot of cheap sedans and compact cars these days so why not grab one as your daily? :D

I see you you're lucky enough to run on some of my favourite tracks! I only get to drive at Thunderhill and Willow Springs on video games so you're quite lucky to drive there :D
Also I'm glad you enjoy your trackday refreshment and I'd say you've retraced your skills in such quick time man! :D

I was worried for the S2K and Buzz as well. It is a good thing we don't have to rush Buzz to hospital.....also good luck restoring and modding the S2K man! :D

# Renaruto : Looked like a really good time! I'm normally not that interested in normal track racing buuut... maybe I should give it a try. :^)

((The amount of text and details you put into these is astonishing))

Well you should really give it a try man, it's fun and exciting!
Tsukuba Circuit occassionally have drift days as well, and it's full of high-speed action! :D
Whether you want to lay rubber sideways or trying to grip all the way around, you should come here sometime! :D

(Thank you very much my man, I love writing and storytelling with cars :D )
Still following the damn train since 1992

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Soju

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#240   2019-04-06 18:01          
Damn, I wish I could hit the track with my Supra just like you with your Evo!

And Buzz was really lucky about not getting injured heavily at all.