Introducing "Motegi 2&4 Race" in an easy-to-understand way, just like a summer vacation research project!
The amazing thing about Super Formula is its speed! At places like Mobility Resort Motegi, the majority of the fastest records at various circuits in Japan are held by Super Formula cars.
Read moreThe amazing thing about Super Formula is its speed! At places like Mobility Resort Motegi, the majority of the fastest records at various circuits in Japan are held by Super Formula cars.
However, there are strict rules for Super Formula cars. Therefore, only one team cannot create a very fast car, so the driver's skill and team strategy are very important.
Super Formula races are held nine times from March to November. Points are awarded based on ranking, and the total determines the annual champion.
Mobility Resort Motegi is the 5th round! It's important to win here, so every team and driver is especially fired up.
In 2024, 12 teams and 24 racing drivers will participate in the Super Formula. Check out the official website of Super Formula to see which teams and racing drivers are competing! Official Website
The machine used in Super Formula is called the "Dallara SF23" formula car.
This machine is made for racing, so it can't run on public roads like a normal car, but it's very fast on the circuit.
The machine used in Super Formula is called the "Dallara SF23" formula car.
This car is made for racing, so it can't run on public roads like a normal car, but it's very fast on the circuit.
For example, the course record (fastest lap time) at Mobility Resort Motegi was set by Tomoki Nojiri in the 2020 Super Formula with a time of "1 minute 29.757 seconds". Since the racing course at Motegi is 4.8km per lap, this means they are running at an average speed of over 190km/h.
The secret to this speed is its light weight of about 670kg including the driver! The body is made of lightweight and strong carbon material, and safety is also taken into consideration with equipment called "Halo" to protect the driver.
And when I actually talked to the driver, he said that the greatness of this machine lies in its "cornering speed". It can turn corners at speeds that are unimaginable for normal cars, so the "G (gravity)" that is experienced at that time is also very strong. Even drivers who are training say that it is quite difficult.
Most highways have a speed limit of 100km/h. So, if you were to drive the 4.8km racing course at Mobility Resort Motegi at an average speed of 100km/h, how long would it take to complete one lap?
Mobility Resort Motegi, which hosts the Super Formula, is one of the world's top circuits. "Circuit" means "to go around" in English, and it was named after the act of going around the same place over and over again.
Read moreMobility Resort Motegi, which hosts the Super Formula, is one of the world's top circuits. "Circuit" means "to go around" in English, and it was named after the act of going around the same place over and over again.
There are many circuits in Japan, but in order to be used for big races like Super Formula, they must meet many criteria. There are only a few circuits that meet all the criteria, including Mobility Resort Motegi. For example, if there is no facility to fly a doctor's helicopter in case of emergency, it cannot be used for Super Formula.
Recently, many circuits have been putting effort into providing other forms of entertainment besides racing. At Mobility Resort Motegi, there are activities and attractions for families to enjoy, such as athletic courses and rides, as well as a hotel and glamping options for a relaxing stay. There are also restaurants with menus that can only be found at the circuit, making it possible to have fun even outside of race time.
In Super Formula, races are held at five circuits including Mobility Resort Motegi.
Let's find out what kind of circuits there are and what features (location, course length, facilities other than racing courses) each one has!
In Super Formula, points are awarded to the fastest driver in each predetermined number of laps. At the end of the season, the driver and team with the most points become the annual champions.
Read moreIn Super Formula, points are awarded to the fastest driver in each predetermined number of laps. At the end of the season, the driver and team with the most points become the annual champions.
During the race, it is important to determine the timing of tire replacement because it must be replaced at least once.
In Super Formula, there is a mechanism called "overtake system (OTS)". When using OTS, the car temporarily becomes faster, but it can only be used for up to 200 seconds per race. Additionally, once it is used, it cannot be used again for 120 seconds. Therefore, when to use OTS determines the outcome of the race.
The timing using OTS can be checked with the Super Formula app SFgo. "SFgo" has many convenient features for watching races. Download it in advance.
How will the rankings change before and after the race at Mobility Resort Motegi? Let's take a look at the driver and team rankings!
In 2024, 12 teams will participate in the Super Formula. Since each team usually has 2 drivers, only about 24 people can become "Super Formula racing drivers" each year, making it a very narrow gate.
Read more
In 2024, 12 teams will participate in the Super Formula. Since each team usually has 2 drivers, only about 24 people can become "Super Formula racing drivers" each year, making it a very narrow gate.
To control a Super Formula car, you need to train your whole body muscles and dynamic visual acuity. Therefore, you have to do hard training on days other than race days and be careful not to look at your smartphone too much.
In addition, there are very few opportunities to actually ride in a Super Formula car. Most drivers train every day using a machine called a simulator, which is like a game.
Some of the drivers participating in Super Formula also participate in other races such as SUPER GT and Super Taikyu. Let's pick out some of the top players and see which other races they are competing in besides Super Formula!
Team managers in Super Formula, unlike baseball or soccer managers, rarely give specific instructions during races.
Read moreTeam managers in Super Formula, unlike baseball or soccer managers, rarely give specific instructions during races.
The director is the representative who manages the team and plays an important role outside of the race. For example, negotiating with drivers and sponsors is one of the important tasks of the director.
In the case of Super Formula, there are about 20-30 members belonging to one team. Including sponsors and other related personnel, there are even more people involved, but the manager is the one who brings them all together, truly the "face of the team".
There are also many former racing drivers who serve as directors in Super Formula. Let's take a look at some of the notable directors and their backgrounds!
In Super Formula, engineers, mechanics, and managers are very important.
Read moreIn Super Formula, engineers, mechanics, and managers are very important.
Engineers have the job of thinking about how to make cars run faster.
They make comprehensive judgments based on factors such as the weather of the day, the condition of the driver, the condition of the car, and the state of the competition, and decide on the timing of setting up the car and changing tires.
Mechanics are people who actually assemble machines while working with team members including engineers.
Not only do we aim to make it run faster, but the most important thing is to avoid any troubles. It's a job that takes responsibility for the driver's life, so we can never let our guard down.
Managers are essential for the team. They manage schedules and make arrangements for hotels and meals so that drivers and team members can focus on the race. They also handle media interactions with foreign media, so many of them are fluent in English.
Most engineers and mechanics learn about automotive engineering and maintenance at universities or technical schools. Let's find out what kind of universities and technical schools offer courses in automotive engineering and maintenance!
Super Formula involves not only team members, but also many other people.
Read moreSuper Formula involves not only team members, but also many other people.
For example, there are judges who determine the race, people called "marshals" who rush to the scene in case of accidents or troubles, and also staff such as doctors and nurses. These staff members are collectively called "officials", and hundreds of officials are active in each race.
In addition, the announcers and media personnel who commentate on the race are essential in promoting Super Formula.
Many people, including circuit officials, security staff, and restaurant staff, are involved in Super Formula.
Depending on the race situation, the flag staff (marshal) will wave various flags. There are several types of flags, so let's find out what each one means!
Super Formula is attractive because it is based on qualifying on Saturday and having the final race on Sunday, so you can enjoy the weekend to the fullest. That's why how you spend your time outside of the race is the key.
Read moreSuper Formula is attractive because it is based on qualifying on Saturday and having the final race on Sunday, so you can enjoy the weekend to the fullest. That's why how you spend your time outside of the race is the key.
There are many spots to enjoy your time besides racing at Mobility Resort Motegi. Let me introduce some recommendations!
At Mobility Resort Motegi Park, there are many attractions such as athletics, mazes, and car and bike attractions. Among them, "Forest of Giant Nets, SUMIKA" is a must-see spot. It is an indoor athletic facility with a huge space! It is perfect for hot summers because the air conditioning works well.
The Honda Collection Hall, where many Honda cars and motorcycles are exhibited, is definitely worth a visit. You can see many famous cars right in front of you and experience Honda's "story of dreams and challenges".
Located just a short walk from the Grandstand, you can enjoy various original gelato flavors at "Gelateria in the Woods, ROCCO". This summer's recommended flavor is the "Gubutto Tomato Sorbet" made with tomatoes from Motegi Town! It has a refreshing acidity and sweetness that is absolutely delicious.
At the central entrance, a water cannon will be launched from the "Tower of Life" for a limited time this summer. There are also mist and sprinklers, so let's cool down and get soaked!
"Motegi 2&4 Race" is held in midsummer, so don't forget to take measures against the heat!
Wearing a hat and long-sleeved shirt to avoid direct sunlight is effective, and it's also a good idea to prepare plenty of drinks for frequent hydration. It's also recommended to bring tablets with salt content.
"The Honda Collection Hall" has a large number of exhibited race cars from past generations. Let's research the differences between these cars and the current ones!"
The All Japan Road Race, held at "Motegi 2&4 Race", is the top motorcycle race in Japan. Its history is very old, with the first race starting over 60 years ago in 1962.
Read moreThe All Japan Road Race, held at "Motegi 2&4 Race", is the top motorcycle race in Japan. Its history is very old, with the first race starting over 60 years ago in 1962.
The All Japan Road Race has four classes depending on the engine size and modification range, and the fastest class called "JSB1000" is held in the "Motegi 2&4 Race".
Bike races are so exciting because even a small mistake can change the rankings, so viewers can't take their eyes off until the end. That suspense and excitement is the biggest appeal of the All Japan Road Race.
How much time does it take to complete one lap of All Japan Road Race, Super Formula, and Mobility Resort Motegi? Let's find out!
※Content is subject to change without notice.
※The photos and illustrations used are for illustration purposes only.