Ask For Super GT And You Shall Receive

"hsv" (hsv)
08/05/2015 at 21:42 • Filed to: Super GT

I was asked to get more Super GT coverage on Oppo, since I’m primarily a Super GT and Super Formula journalist, so here’s a short summary of the key things that have gone on since Buriram.

The two day SUGO test saw domination in both classes. Cars Tokai managed to carry a lot of the momentum they had at Buriram through to the test, and managed to put their Lotus on top both days. Showings such as this are going to be critical for the future of GT300, as it proves that the MC route is a viable way of being competitive without breaking the bank. VivaC’s pole did wonders for the image of the MC cars, and hopefully more teams are enticed by them for 2016 and beyond. Day two did see big push from GAINER and BMAX, and Kazuki Hoshino’s comments about dedicating their time to finding comfortable race pace was more of a thinly veiled warning about the GT-R’s potential for the rest of the coming season.

In GT500, it was a Lexus whitewash - TOM’S set a time on the Saturday that would never be beaten, with a 1:11.728, whilst Cerumo backed that up on Sunday with a time that was just 0.234 off the benchmark. Nissan put in a fairly low-key effort as whole whilst NISMO were getting to grips with their extra weight and narrowed restrictor, whilst Nakajima managed to find a surprising rhythm with the #64 to put it in the 1:12 range. The fact still remains that the Honda has severe stability issues which are amplified by its narrow window of operation for tyre temperature, but the track temperature of 40 degrees may suggest that the Dunlops are comfortable with higher temperatures.

The real key talking point is the 1:11 barrier that the GT500 cars have now broken into, which puts them on a par with the Reynard and Lola era of Formula Nippon. We’re reaching unknown heights for these cars, and a big development push for 2016 could very well dip us below the 1:10 barrier.

The final point of interest is some interesting rear aero work on the #36 at the Suzuka Tyre Test, which is very reminiscent of the initial SC430 bodywork that ran between 2006-7. There is no telling whether this was a deliberate move that aided data collection or if it was performance based - if it’s the latter, it suggests that the nuances of the current regulations may finally be ironed out to a point where manufacturers are comfortable exploring different aerodynamic solutions once more, and it also indicates that the DTM aero kits are not as restrictive as some originally believed.

That was my first dedicated Super GT post then - hopefully everything from the mid-season break has been cleared up nicely. Any questions are welcome and I’ll do my best to answer them - I’ll be getting round to previewing Round 4 as soon as I can.

DISCUSSION (9)

 V8 Rustler > hsv
08/05/2015 at 21:45

I’ll be there this weekend. Still deciding whether I should get the paddock and starting grid ticket.

PS9 > hsv
08/05/2015 at 21:46

You in Japan? You should team up with Kat Kallahan and do a front-pager on Super GT.

hsv > PS9
08/05/2015 at 21:47

I’m in soggy old United Kingdom, unfortunately.

Stef Schrader > PS9
08/05/2015 at 21:49

OOOOOOOH

KAT

KAAAAAAT

I LIKE THIS IDEA

ME GUSTA

KAT!!!1!

(Also, Super GT cars are rad.)

PS9 > Stef Schrader
08/05/2015 at 22:07

Sadly he’s in the UK.

Super GT dream article status; CRUSHED

Hot Takes Salesman > hsv
08/06/2015 at 00:12

Thank you for the Super GT coverage. I think this series is phenomenal and deserves far more international attention than it gets

Sam > hsv
08/06/2015 at 03:16

Is there still a Hatsune Miku BMW still? I’m not an anime fan, but I always thought that was one of the coolest liveries ever. Also, is there any good way to watch Super GT and Super Formula when you live in not-Japan?

hsv > Sam
08/06/2015 at 06:43

GSR run an SLS now. Still struggling to get the setup nailed compared to GAINER, but they’re improving. It’s also probably a filler for the M6.

hsv > Sam
08/06/2015 at 06:44

Regarding coverage, Nismo and Radio Le Mans do full live coverage on YouTube for Super GT, and Super Formula requires... some more internet searching.