Super GT - AUTOBACS Super GT Round1 Okayama GT 300km Race

The AUTOBACS Super GT Round1 Okayama GT 300km Race opens the 2026 Super GT Series season at Okayama International Circuit in Japan. This race marks the start of the 34th season of the championship and the 22nd under the Super GT name. The 300-kilometer race consists of 82 laps around the technical circuit located in Mimasaka, Okayama Prefecture.

About Okayama International Circuit

Okayama International Circuit is a 3.703-kilometer private motorsport race track in western Japan. The circuit was previously known as TI Circuit Aida until 2005. The layout features two long straights and 13 corners of different sizes. The track includes elevation changes and sweeping S bends that challenge drivers. Several turns bear the names of legendary British drivers, including Hobbs, Moss, Redman, and Williams. The circuit's technical nature makes it one of the most demanding courses in western Japan. The remote location between Osaka and Hiroshima adds to the venue's character.

Super GT Racing Structure

Super GT runs two classes simultaneously on track. The GT500 class represents the premier category, while GT300 offers diverse competition. Each car fields two drivers who share driving duties during the race.

GT500 Class

Three Japanese manufacturers compete in GT500. Toyota fields the GR Supra GT500. Honda introduces the new Prelude GT, which replaces the Civic Type R-GT. Nissan campaigns the Z NISMO GT500. Driver lineups were announced in December of the previous year. Teams like No. 100 Stanley Kunimitsu and No. 17 Real Racing have shown strong performance with Honda's new Prelude GT during testing. Team TOM'S No. 36 car with drivers Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita secured victory at the Okayama opener.

GT300 Class

GT300 accommodates three different technical regulations. Cars conform to FIA GT3 specifications, JAF-GT regulations, or Mother Chassis rules. The class features a wide variety of international and domestic manufacturers. The Balance of Performance system equalizes competition between the different car types. The No. 777 D'Station Racing Aston Martin with drivers Tomonobu Fujii and Charlie Fagg claimed pole position and victory at the Okayama opener.

Technical Regulations for 2026

GT500 Specifications

GT500 cars use a standardized carbon monocoque chassis. Each manufacturer develops its own 2.0-liter, in-line 4-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged engine. These engines produce over 650 horsepower. Fuel-flow restrictors regulate engine output. The standard fuel flow limit is 90.2 kg/h. This limit drops to 88 kg/h when a car carries over 50 kg of success weight. Each GT500 car is limited to one engine for the entire season, which emphasizes durability. Aerodynamic development is frozen from 2026 through 2029.

GT300 Specifications

GT300 cars produce between 400 and 550 horsepower. JAF-GT and Mother Chassis cars must retain the engine location of their production counterparts, though some older cars are grandfathered. The one-engine-per-season rule also applies to GT300. Balance of Performance adjustments keep the three different car types competitive.

Tires and Success Weight

Multiple tire manufacturers supply teams, including Bridgestone, Yokohama, Dunlop, and Michelin. Qualifying allows one set of dry tires for Q1 and another set for Q2. The series will switch to a single tire supplier for each class in 2027. The Success Weight system applies handicaps to maintain competitive balance throughout the season. In GT500, fuel flow becomes restricted once a car's success weight exceeds 50 kg. Success refueling restrictors add time to pit stops for cars carrying between 68-100 kg of weight.

Series History

The Super GT series started in 1993 as the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship. The series was rebranded as Super GT in 2005. Okayama International Circuit hosted the inaugural event of the first official championship season in 1994. The circuit has remained a regular fixture on the calendar. Okayama also hosted the first race under the Super GT name in 2005. Since 2021, Okayama has served as the venue for the season opener.

What Makes Super GT Special

Multi-Class Racing

GT500 and GT300 cars race simultaneously on track. Faster GT500 cars must navigate through GT300 traffic. This creates strategic overtaking situations and close racing throughout the field.

Performance Level

GT500 cars rank among the fastest GT cars in the world. Their performance level resembles prototypes more than traditional GT vehicles. High downforce and advanced technology contribute to their extreme speed.

Fan Experience

Super GT offers activities beyond the racing. Company displays, driver meet-and-greets, and unique pre-race activities enhance the experience. Circuit Safari features police motorcycle and patrol car parade laps.

Technical Regulations

The four-year aero development freeze for GT500 cars begins in 2026. Current aerodynamic designs will remain largely unchanged until the end of the 2029 season. This shifts development focus to other areas. The Okayama opener is one of only two races where no Balance of Performance is actively applied to GT500 cars. This makes it a crucial benchmark for evaluating true relative performance. The other race is the finale at Motegi.

Car Designs

Super GT cars feature heavily modified designs. Intricate aerodynamic elements include vents, flick-ups, and winglets. These visually striking designs contribute to the series' appeal.

Race Management

Officials often retrieve stranded cars under local yellows for minor incidents. This approach allows racing to continue rather than deploying a safety car.

The AUTOBACS Super GT Round1 Okayama GT 300km Race

The Okayama race offers a true test of performance without Balance of Performance adjustments in GT500. The technical circuit layout challenges drivers with varied corners and elevation changes. The 300-kilometer distance demands both speed and reliability from teams. Japan's premier GT series delivers close racing between multiple manufacturers across two classes. The simultaneous competition of GT500 and GT300 cars creates dynamic racing situations. This opening round sets the tone for the entire championship campaign.