The roar of engines is about to echo once again as the Autobacs SUPER GT Series enters a thrilling new season, marking its spectacular 30th anniversary. For three decades, GT500 has stood as the premier class, captivating fans with its breathtaking speed and cutting-edge technology. Today’s Gt500 Cars, while visually reminiscent of beloved JDM icons, are a breed apart from their road-going counterparts. Beneath their familiar silhouettes lie purpose-built carbon monocoques and formidable two-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection inline-four engines. These powerplants now effortlessly exceed the legendary 500 horsepower that lends its name to the class, pushing well beyond even the officially stated 550 HP figure.
In essence, a modern GT500 car shares more DNA with Le Mans Hypercars or LMDh prototypes than it does with conventional GT racers. This unique category holds a special place in the global motorsport landscape, the GT500 moniker resonating deeply with generations who’ve witnessed their electrifying performances both in real life and within the virtual realms of video games.
Adding to the unique flavour of SUPER GT is the intense competition among tyre manufacturers, a thrilling element largely absent in other major series. Here, the tyre war is alive and kicking, though the 2024 season sees a shift in dynamics. Michelin’s departure has resulted in Bridgestone commanding an 80 percent share of the tyre supply, with Yokohama Advan and Dunlop (Sumitomo) tyres equipping the remaining teams. While Bridgestone’s dominance is reminiscent of the mid-2000s and raises some concerns, the tyre competition remains a crucial ingredient in GT500’s fiery spectacle.
This tyre rivalry is a key factor in why GT500 cars achieve lap times at Fuji Speedway that surpass even the top-tier FIA World Endurance Championship cars. Remarkably, this is accomplished without hybrid assistance and while running on 100% carbon-neutral fuel, a testament to the raw power and efficiency of these machines.
The unpredictable nature of the GT500 championship is further amplified by the Success Ballast system, accumulating points throughout the season leading to dramatic final races. This year, 15 GT500 cars, piloted by 30 world-class drivers from Japan and beyond, are set to battle for the coveted GT500 Class Championship.
Toyota
The Toyota GR Supra GT500, now in its fifth season, has received subtle yet significant refinements from Toyota Customising & Development (TCD). These enhancements, permitted by GTA regulations, include a redesigned “lateral duct” under the doors for improved aerodynamics and optimized engine compartment cooling.
These seemingly minor adjustments have proven effective, with GR Supras consistently topping the time charts in both private manufacturer tests and official pre-season tests at Okayama and Fuji. Having secured four victories last season, Toyota aims to capture its third set of GT500 titles with the formidable Supra.
#14 – TGR Team Eneos ROOKIE: Kazuya Oshima / Nirei Fukuzumi (Bridgestone)
ROOKIE Racing, entering its fifth SUPER GT season, is poised to contend for its first GT500 Championships. Founded by Akio Toyoda himself, the team operates from a state-of-the-art workshop near Fuji Speedway, setting high expectations. With key figures like team principal Toranosuke Takagi and chief engineer Kazuya Abe, both championship winners, continuity is a strength.
Veteran driver Kazuya Oshima, the 2019 GT500 Champion, remains a cornerstone. His experience, setup expertise, and consistent speed make him invaluable. Joining him is Nirei Fukuzumi, a significant acquisition from Honda. The 2019 GT300 Champion and 2021 GT500 runner-up brings speed and ambition, aiming for both domestic and international success.
The Oshima-Fukuzumi pairing blends experience and youthful drive, creating considerable anticipation for ROOKIE Racing’s season. While the #14 Eneos X Prime GR Supra consistently scored points last year, converting those into podiums and wins is the key to championship contention.
#19 – TGR Team WedsSport Bandoh: Yuji Kunimoto / Sena Sakaguchi (Yokohama)
TGR Team WedsSport Bandoh seeks more celebratory victories after a Suzuka win last season, achieved due to a post-race penalty. Racing Project Bandoh’s long-standing loyalty to Yokohama tyres, under team principal Masataka Bandoh, presents a challenge against Bridgestone-equipped rivals.
Despite extra off-season testing to close the gap, the WedsSport Supra remains an underdog within the Toyota camp. Drivers Yuji Kunimoto, a seasoned veteran, and the fast and dedicated Sena Sakaguchi form a strong duo. Kunimoto provides experience and guidance, while Sakaguchi offers raw speed.
Last season, their qualifying pace was notable, but race results beyond Suzuka were inconsistent. Improving race-day performance is crucial for WedsSport Bandoh to consistently challenge for podiums.
#36 – TGR Team au TOM’S: Sho Tsuboi / Kenta Yamashita (Bridgestone)
Reigning GT500 Champions TGR Team au TOM’S faces a familiar challenge: defending their title after a driver change. Ritomo Miyata’s move to international racing opens the door for Kenta Yamashita to join two-time GT500 Champion Sho Tsuboi. This season is also significant as TOM’S Racing celebrates its 50th anniversary, adding pressure for success.
Pre-season testing times position the au TOM’S GR Supra as a title favourite. Sho Tsuboi aims to become the youngest three-time GT500 champion. He and Yamashita, the 2019 GT500 Champion, are a formidable pairing with no apparent weaknesses.
Supported by experienced team director Daisuke Ito and chief engineer Satoshi Yoshitake, the team’s strength lies in its well-rounded drivers and experienced crew. Qualifying performance is an area for potential improvement, and the new qualifying format might address this. Despite the competition, the #36 car is a benchmark and a strong contender for the championship.
#37 – TGR Team Deloitte TOM’S: Ukyo Sasahara / Giuliano Alesi (Bridgestone)
The #37 Deloitte TOM’S GR Supra aims to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season. Ukyo Sasahara and Giuliano Alesi return, with pressure on Alesi to elevate his performance. A team restructuring includes Jun Yamada as General Manager and GT legend Michael Krumm as Team Director. Krumm’s SUPER GT championship experience is expected to be a valuable asset.
Sasahara’s speed and consistency are proven, and the focus is on Alesi’s development. Chief engineer Kenta Odachi’s experience with both drivers should facilitate progress. TOM’S aims for both cars to be competitive, and the #37 team’s resurgence is a key objective.
#38 – TGR Team KeePer Cerumo: Hiroaki Ishiura / Toshiki Oyu (Bridgestone)
Cerumo undergoes significant changes in 2024. Three-time champion Yuji Tachikawa transitions to team director, and new title sponsor KeePer brings a fresh blue livery. Toshiki Oyu, a high-profile signing from Honda, joins Hiroaki Ishiura.
Oyu’s raw speed is undeniable, but consistency is key. Working alongside Tachikawa and veteran Ishiura, now the most experienced Toyota GT500 driver, is expected to benefit Oyu. Ishiura, entering his 17th season, seeks his first GT500 championship.
Cerumo aims to revitalize after recent difficult seasons. New chief engineer Shintaro Okajima, with GT300 experience, further strengthens the team. The combination of experience and fresh talent could mark a turning point for Cerumo.
#39 – TGR Team SARD: Yuhi Sekiguchi / Yuichi Nakayama (Bridgestone)
SARD Racing, the oldest GT500 team and a series mainstay since 1994, enters the season with optimism. Managed by three-time GT500 champion Juichi Wakisaka, the team showed strong pre-season testing performance. Yuhi Sekiguchi and Yuichi Nakayama continue for their third season together, providing valuable continuity.
Sekiguchi, the 2021 GT500 Champion, brings experience and controlled aggression. Nakayama, a proven GT300 winner, seeks to elevate his GT500 profile. While both drivers face pressure to deliver, their consistency and team stability are advantages.
With potential for podiums and wins, TGR Team SARD aims to emerge from the shadows and contend at the front.
Honda
Honda ushers in a new era with the Civic Type R-GT, the first GT500 car based on a front-wheel drive liftback. The Civic’s aesthetics are striking, and its underpinnings are an evolution of the NSX-GT, promising improved weight distribution and packaging. Testing performance at Fuji Speedway has been promising, particularly compared to tighter circuits like Okayama. Honda hopes the Civic can emulate the HSV-010 GT, which won the championship in its debut year.
#8 – ARTA: Tomoki Nojiri / Nobuharu Matsushita (Bridgestone)
ARTA, in partnership with Mugen/M-TEC, seeks a rebound after a mixed 2023 season. Despite a win, inconsistency plagued the #8 ARTA Mugen Honda. Tomoki Nojiri, a highly regarded driver and back-to-back Super Formula champion, remains the team’s lead driver.
Nojiri is joined by Nobuharu Matsushita, transferring from Astemo Real Racing. Matsushita’s pace and aggression are expected to inject new energy into the team. Engineer Toshihiro Ichise transitions to a performance engineer role, with Kaito Tsuji stepping up as chief engineer.
Encouraging testing results, including Matsushita topping a Fuji session, suggest ARTA is poised for a stronger season.
#16 – ARTA: Hiroki Otsu / Ren Sato (Bridgestone)
While the #8 car underperformed in 2023, the #16 ARTA car emerged as Honda’s title contender. With Nirei Fukuzumi and Hiroki Otsu, the team achieved wins, poles, and podiums, finishing fourth in the championship.
Fukuzumi’s departure to Toyota creates an opening for Ren Sato, a 22-year-old GT500 rookie. Sato, previously with ARTA in GT300, returns as a more refined driver after Super Formula experience. He partners with Hiroki Otsu, who had a breakthrough 2023 season.
The Otsu-Sato pairing blends Otsu’s experience and Sato’s potential. If Sato adapts quickly to GT500, the #16 ARTA car could again be a frontrunner.
#17 – Astemo Real Racing: Koudai Tsukakoshi / Kakunoshin Ohta (Bridgestone)
Astemo Real Racing seeks to convert consistent performance into championship contention. A disqualification at Sugo in 2023 cost them valuable points. Koudai Tsukakoshi, now the longest-tenured driver with a single team in GT500, continues his quest for a championship with Real Racing.
Tsukakoshi partners with Kakunoshin Ohta, entering his second GT500 season. Ohta, a rising star in the Honda camp, aims to build on his Super Formula success. Data engineer Yu Kuwahara steps up to chief engineer.
Astemo Real Racing is considered a strong Honda team and a potential dark horse for the GT500 title, aiming to move from consistent top-six finishes to championship contention.
#64 – Modulo Nakajima Racing: Takuya Izawa / Riki Okusa (Dunlop)
Modulo Nakajima Racing remains Dunlop’s sole GT500 partner. Exclusive tyre development is a theoretical advantage, but the lack of reference data from other Dunlop users is a challenge. The team seeks to improve upon recent struggles, having not won since 2017.
Despite testing concessions, breaking into the top ranks remains difficult. Dunlop’s wet-weather tyre performance is a strength. Veteran Takuya Izawa leads the team, mentoring young Riki Okusa, a newcomer from Nissan’s development system.
While personnel are in place for success, tyre performance is critical for Nakajima Racing to improve its competitiveness. A GT500 Championship this year is unlikely, but the team will fight for every opportunity.
#100 – Team Kunimitsu: Naoki Yamamoto / Tadasuke Makino (Bridgestone)
Team Kunimitsu enters 2024 with relief as Naoki Yamamoto returns fully recovered from a serious accident. Yamamoto, a two-time GT500 Champion, demonstrated his return to form with a strong Super Formula debut. Tadasuke Makino, the 2020 GT500 Champion, is also fit after illness.
Team Kunimitsu, a GT500 mainstay since 1994, seeks to regain momentum after early promise faded last season. Under Kazuhiro Kojima’s stewardship since Kunimitsu Takahashi’s passing, the team boasts a strong driver lineup.
Yamamoto and Makino are a formidable pairing, with exceptional pace and racecraft. With both drivers at full strength, Team Kunimitsu aims to return to the top of GT500, contingent on the Civic Type R-GT’s performance.
Nissan
Nissan’s GT500 program is spearheaded by Shinichi Kiga, the new executive director of Nissan Motorsport & Customising (NMC). The Nissan Z NISMO GT500 receives a redesigned fascia, enhancing downforce and aesthetics. Testing performance has been positive, suggesting continued competitiveness.
#3 – NISMO NDDP: Mitsunori Takaboshi / Atsushi Miyake (Bridgestone)
NDDP Racing integrates more closely with NISMO, becoming NISMO NDDP. Despite a younger driver lineup, the team is highly competitive. Mitsunori Takaboshi, now the lead driver, seeks to build on past success, while Atsushi Miyake joins as a GT500 rookie, having turned down a WEC opportunity.
The Takaboshi-Miyake pairing aims to improve upon NDDP’s recent runner-up championship finishes. Like the factory NISMO team, they switch to Bridgestone tyres. NISMO NDDP remains a strong contender despite driver changes.
#23 – NISMO: Katsumasa Chiyo / Ronnie Quintarelli (Bridgestone)
NISMO, the most successful GT500 team, undergoes significant changes. Katsumasa Chiyo joins Ronnie Quintarelli in the #23 Motul Autech Z, replacing Tsugio Matsuda. Chiyo’s move to the flagship car is recognition of his consistent performance.
Quintarelli, a four-time GT500 Champion, remains a key asset. NISMO also sees an engineering leadership transition, with Ken Kobori succeeding Takeshi Nakajima as chief engineer. Extensive pre-season testing with Bridgestone tyres positions the #23 car as a title favourite.
#12 – Team Impul: Kazuki Hiramine / Bertrand Baguette (Bridgestone)
Team Impul, a GT500 institution, features a new blue livery and continuity in its driver lineup. Kazuki Hiramine and Bertrand Baguette remain, providing stability amidst changes within Nissan. Qualifying performance is an area of focus for improvement.
Impul benefits from a long-standing relationship with Bridgestone tyres, an advantage over NISMO’s recent tyre switch. Hiramine and Baguette’s aggressive driving styles and strong teamwork make Team Impul a force to be reckoned with once again.
#24 – Kondo Racing: Tsugio Matsuda / Teppei Natori (Yokohama)
Kondo Racing seeks to climb from the bottom of the GT500 standings with a new driver lineup. GT500 veteran Tsugio Matsuda, with a record 24 wins, joins rookie Teppei Natori. Matsuda’s experience from NISMO is expected to be invaluable.
Natori, promoted from Kondo Racing’s GT300 team, is a promising talent. Kondo Racing hopes to leverage extra testing concessions as a Yokohama runner to end an eight-year winless streak. Matsuda’s experience and Natori’s potential offer a fresh start for Kondo Racing.
Images © GTA, Team Kunimitsu
