No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the thrill of attending some of the country’s iconic drift events. I had the privilege of attending two incredible tracks on the tenth and eleventh days of my trip, at Mobara Twin Ring Circuit and Nikko Circuit respectively. My primary reason for attending these events (aside from capturing some mind-blowing driving footage) was to connect with the renowned YouTuber, Alexi, better known as Noriyaro. His countless hours of drifting content on YouTube have inspired, educated and motivated me for years.
The first event at the Mobara Twin Ring Circuit was an adrenaline-pumping experience. The event brought together D1 cars and style cars to take on the track at the same time. Walking through the pits, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the BeastR team and their Evangelion Supra, which attracted fans from all over. Seeing the talented drivers navigate the rain-soaked course with incredible skill was thrilling, and it made for some awe-inspiring photos and videos. However, the highlight of the day for me was being able to go for a ride-along in Alexi’s S15 Silvia Spec-R. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
The second event at the Nikko Circuit was just as spectacular, with the weather being much better, and the drifting action was even more intense. We indulged in some of the famous homemade-style curry while enjoying the show. Witnessing Alexi tear up his home course was surreal, especially after following his YouTube channel for so many years. The skill he demonstrated was truly remarkable.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when a driver had a collision, and all the drivers quickly attended to him. Together, they worked to get the track cleaned up and get the car off the track promptly. It was a fantastic display of sportsmanship and camaraderie among the drivers, and it further reinforced why drifting has become such a successful motorsport in Japan.
Overall, the two events were incredibly exciting experiences. Seeing some of the best drivers in the world and witnessing the iconic BeastR team in action was a true privilege. And connecting with Noriyaro in person was a dream come true. I strongly recommend any automotive enthusiast who is visiting Japan to make the effort to attend a drift event. It is an experience that you will never forget.
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Episode seven next week.
Enjoy.
Checkpoint Japan 