Nakayama Circuit

Nakayama Circuit is a 1.247mile (2.007 km) circuit in 751 Ohnakayama, Wake-cho, Wake District, Okayama Prefecture 709-0432, West Japan,^[1] 150 km west of Osaka. Nakayama literally means “inside the mountain” in Japanese stated it is located in the mountains just like other Japanese motor racing tracks. The circuit is part of the quite compactly designed Sanyo Sports Land. The circuit was opened in 1970 and it is the fourth permanent motor sport facility in Japan to get full Japan Automobile Federation apprival, after Suzuka Circuit, Fuji Speedway and Tsukuba Circuit. The kart track are within few steps away from the circuit. The back of the circuit grandstand is up against the first hairpin of the kart track.^[2]

The circuit

The circuit extended from 1.550 km to 2.007 km in 1998. It host very ‘grassroots’ level of Japanese race events. It might only appeal the most hardcore of Japanese car enthusiasts. The circuit also isn’t as spectator friendly as some of the newer and larger Japanese circuits. Since the circuit is wedged between the mountains, the pit area and the grandstand area are the two vantage points for spectators. 50% of the track can be seen from both of the vantage points with the opening radius right hander in front of the grandstand and an ideal spot for overtaking at the final hairpin before the main straight.^[2]

There is no impact absorbing material or tires added to the edge of the Armco barriers and the state of the barriers all bent and out of shape. At the main straight, there is a 20-foot gap in the barrier halfway down with no impact absorbing material.^[2]

Even on a quiet day, the pit area is quite packed by kids running around and between cars. When cars are parked on the both sides of the narrow pit area, it barely allows one car to pass. The access tunnel to the pit area is extremely narrow and low which barely wide enough for trucks to enter.^[2]

References

External links

• Nakayama Circuit Official site (Japanese)