Super GT - Motegi

The AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round 8 MOTEGI GT 300km RACE GRAND FINAL takes place at Mobility Resort Motegi in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. This venue, formerly known as Twin Ring Motegi, serves as the season finale for the Super GT championship. The facility sits approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Tokyo and has hosted premier motorsports events since its opening in August 1997.

Honda conceived and built Twin Ring Motegi as a dedicated motorsports facility and vehicle testing ground. The venue features two separate racing circuits: a 2.493-kilometer oval track and a 4.801-kilometer road course. The Super GT series utilizes the road course, which runs clockwise through 14 turns across its 2.983-mile layout. The track width measures 15 meters, and the longest straight extends 762 meters. Drivers face eight right-hand turns and six left-hand turns during each lap.

The Motegi road course follows a stop-start straight-hairpin style that demands intense acceleration and heavy braking in the first section. The circuit crosses under the oval course twice, creating a unique three-dimensional racing environment. This layout challenges teams to find the optimal balance between straight-line speed and cornering performance.

The Super GT series features two distinct classes: GT500 and GT300. The GT500 class consists of manufacturer-supported teams representing Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. These cars use 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engines that produce over 650 horsepower. Carbon fiber monocoques form the chassis structure, and fuel-flow restrictors control power output. The GT500 class adopted Class 1 technical regulations in 2014, creating unified standards initially shared with the German DTM series.

The GT300 class includes both factory-backed and independent teams. Cars in this class conform to FIA GT3, GT300, or GT300MC regulations. Teams running FIA GT format cars use engines developed by their respective manufacturers. This variety creates diverse competition within the class.

The 300-kilometer race distance requires teams to execute at least one pit stop for driver changes, refueling, and tire changes. Strategy decisions about pit timing and tire selection often determine race outcomes. Teams must balance speed with fuel consumption and tire wear throughout the event.

The Super GT series evolved from the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, which was established in 1993. The series adopted its current name in 2005. The championship visits several renowned Japanese circuits throughout each season, with Motegi serving as the traditional final round. This position makes the Motegi race particularly significant, as championship titles are often decided at this venue.

Mobility Resort Motegi offers extensive facilities beyond the racing circuits. The Honda Collection Hall displays historic motorcycles and automobiles. The venue includes a safety and riding school, dirt tracks, go-kart tracks, a hotel, restaurants, shops, and event halls. These amenities make the facility a comprehensive motorsports destination.

The circuit has hosted MotoGP races since 1999 and welcomed its first IndyCar race in 1998. The oval track, known as the Super Speedway, currently serves as additional parking during major events rather than hosting races. The 2011 earthquake caused damage to the Super Speedway, though the facility has since recovered.

HRC will conduct a public demonstration run of the new GT500 class prototype vehicle at this event. The prototype is developed based on the Prelude and is scheduled to compete in the 2026 Super GT series. This preview offers fans an early look at future GT500 competition.

The Motegi Super GT race combines technical circuit challenges with championship implications. The road course layout tests every aspect of car setup and driver skill. The race provides a fitting conclusion to the Super GT season, showcasing the highest level of Japanese touring car racing.