'82 RRC Fuji Champions Race Spectator Report
Our "earthquake detector" has detected a major earthquake!!!
The crowd rose to their feet, erupting in cheers as the Skyline legend was revived.
On August 8th, the Skyline Turbo achieved a resounding victory in the Super Silhouette Race at Fuji Speedway.
Auto racing commentator Bill Otomo
August 8, 1982, Fuji Speedway. The Skyline, making its first appearance on the circuit in a full 10 years, drew the attention of a huge crowd. It was effectively its debut race. Excitement was building to an all-time high, fueling anticipation. Soon the blue lights signaling the start illuminated... and 30 minutes later, the stands were buzzing with excitement. On that day, at that moment, the legend of Skyline was revived.
The rival is the formidable BMW M1.
The formidable BMW M1 was relegated to third place. With Haruto Yanagida's Bluebird Turbo in second place, the Skyline took the victory! The Skyline proudly crossed the finish line, achieving its first victory since April 1973. Although it conceded only seven laps to the Silvia Turbo, Masahiro Hasemi's Skyline completed the 20-lap race at an average speed of 182.987 km/h, even setting a new best lap time (unofficial) of 1 minute 22.45 seconds.
What were you all doing on Sunday, August 8th? Looking at the domestic racing calendar, there didn't seem to be any particularly big events. Nevertheless, Bill Otomo woke up at 5 AM and sped off down the Tomei Expressway to Fuji Speedway. A big shot who only shows up for big events like Le Mans and Monaco? (Or is he just lazy?) He flew off to watch a domestic race... And there was a very deep reason for that. First, his "earthquake sensor," honed through covering big events, had detected a magnitude 7 class earthquake in the Gotemba area. Now, let me be honest. I went to see Hasemi-san. Of course, there are many other heroes. There are many other talents. Hoshino-san and Yanagida-san, they're all like that. But Hasemi-san has something extra special about him. For example, if you look at him... He has the international experience and skills to compete effectively in major events like Le Mans or Monaco. He raced alongside Paul Newman and has also provided him with various guidance. That's what gives him such a reassuring and appealing presence, which ultimately translates into a unique power that others don't possess.
And one more thing. The long-rumored revival of the Skyline legend is finally getting underway.
And that's how it's come to be. It's incredibly appealing. The rumors are no longer just rumors. Now it's become a "major earthquake." You'd be missing out if you didn't see this.
Group C is rocking town wear!
And so, I finally "met face-to-face" with the rumored subject in the FISCO paddock. The highly anticipated Skyline RS Turbo was there. As is always the case in situations like this, the first impression is important. The moment I saw it, I thought, "This is Group C." Cutting-edge technology is wrapped in the silhouette of RS. In other words, it has the feel of an Olympic athlete dressed in town wear. And there was one more thing I felt. Ah, what a great mood. Cutting-edge technology can easily create an atmosphere of "secret weapon" or "no entry for unauthorized personnel," but now it has been wonderfully "democratized." Enthusiasts are showing off their masterpieces and creations in what is like a clubman meeting atmosphere. And many people are happily looking at them, touching them, and taking pictures together. And in fact, this mood is what you would expect from a major event like the Monaco Grand Prix or the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With 18 cars participating and 15 qualifying, this year's Super Silhouette event was a massive undertaking. The focus of attention was undoubtedly on the BMW M1 and Nissan's G5 Turbo trio. The 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder M1, with its non-turbocharged 470 horsepower, has remained undefeated in all four races this year, both in endurance and Super Silhouette.
On that day, having secured his "designated seat" as pole position, he was truly set to win. However, Hasemi was also in a good position, and his Skyline accelerated smoothly from the start, taking the lead! It immediately demonstrated the strength of its turbo power. It was fast, the Skyline was fast! Approaching the hairpin, the order was Hasemi, then Hoshino Kazuyoshi's Silvia Turbo, and Yanagida's Bluebird Turbo. Nagasaka Naoki's M1 was chasing the Nissan turbo trio. But on the third lap, at the hairpin, Nagasaka and Yanagida, who were trying to take the inside line, made contact!! At this point, M1's victory was cut short. A tremendous exhaust note. Leaving the others behind, Hasemi's Skyline sped ahead. It was an unbelievable speed. On the third lap, he clocked 1 minute 2.45 seconds, and from there on, he was in the top position with times in the 1 minute 23 second range. But on the eighth lap, Hoshino's Silvia Turbo took advantage of a momentary lapse in Hasemi's concentration and overtook him.
A complete and utter victory, a comfortable win.
Hoshino tried to pull away, but it didn't last long. Hasemi's Skyline made a desperate comeback and caught Hoshino at the hairpin entrance on lap 15. Hoshino retired here, unfortunately ending his chances of winning. The Skyline, once again trailing its rival, maintained its lead and crossed the finish line in a dignified victory. Towards the end, it showed such ease that the pit crew instructed it to slow down, finishing in 28 minutes 35.1 seconds, 33 seconds ahead of second place! It was a truly overwhelming victory. 2nd place: Yanagida Bluebird Turbo (29 minutes 08.38 seconds), 3rd place: Nagasaka BMW M1 (29 minutes 17.80 seconds)
Three seconds to go, two seconds to go, one second to go, start. The Skyline RS Turbo starts its 20-lap race at Fuji Speedway, its first appearance in the race.
The roar of approximately 5,000 horsepower echoes across Fuji Speedway. A moment of pure excitement.
The Skyline RS Turbo was running smoothly.
Although it was overtaken by the Silvia Turbo at one point, it pulled away comfortably in the second half.
After receiving instructions to slow down from the pit, it opened up a large gap on second place,
and received the glorious checkered flag.
That's what I want to emphasize. The mood is really good. I hope things continue to move in a fun direction.
The level has increased. That's why it's fun.
In the actual race, our Hasemi driver showed a truly clever performance in his Skyline RS Turbo, achieving a magnificent victory. The Skyline GT legend has been revived! And in terms of atmosphere, it was a truly enjoyable festival. I believe this element of fun will firmly support the new Skyline GT era from the ground up. In other words, with Hasemi at the top, a great mood permeated the entire team. In other words, the engineers and mechanics have all become very high-level. The fact that we now have so many high-level colleagues is the key point this time.
That's right. Even with cutting-edge technology, that intense know-how is actually well-distributed among everyone. And it's not just Hasemi-san's team. Every other team I've seen is really good. The level is high. That's why it's so enjoyable. If information and technology were monopolized by a select few, this enjoyment wouldn't exist. Conversely, the more it's "democratized," the broader the fan base becomes. The base expands.
Anyone born in Japan, especially, can reach a considerable level. It's by believing in the potential of each individual that racing truly becomes a sport. It becomes a festival. That's what I think. It was a fun day at FISCO. The revival of the Skyline RS Turbo legend seems to have a long way to go. Finally—Hasemi-san, congratulations again! Please continue to show us your exciting driving!!
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