By Steve & Tamami Laser
Love for Chevrolet runs deep in Japan, where Corvette and Camaro owners treasure multi generations of collector car favorites, along with the latest models. Enthusiasts and fans of all ages gathered at Fuji International Speedway last month to celebrate “Chevrolet Fan Day 2022,” sponsored by General Motors Japan Co., Ltd.
A record 181 vehicles, including new and vintage models, along with some 366 participants, took part in an array of activities at the world-class racing circuit and motorsports complex in Oyama, Shizuoka Prefecture. The event drew visitors from across Japan, with some traveling from as far away as Kumamoto in the southern island of Kyushu, and Fukushima in northeastern Honshu.
As the third Chevrolet Fan Day since 2019, participants were invited to experience a variety of free and pre-paid event programs. The roster for the latter included a “Corvette Driving Academy,” “Camaro Driving School,” “Enjoy Driving,” “Active Driving,” and “Corvette Active Driving” sessions.
According to the official event report, “Enjoy” and “Active” sessions on the racing course were led by pace cars, so owners who were driving on the circuit for the first time could enjoy it, while experiencing higher speeds that cannot be duplicated on public roads.
Lucky participants, selected from a lottery drawing, also enjoyed the “Circuit Taxi,” a ride-along activity where professional drivers took them on high-speed laps around the racing circuit, to feel track-style excitement from the passenger seat.
A separate parade run saw an amazing 157 Corvette and Camaro models, piloted by their happy owners, travel around the circuit, including the famous home straight, as family and fellow enthusiasts watched or enjoyed the ride.
Static events in the paddock area included a Corvette heritage car exhibition, celebrating the upcoming 70th anniversary of the iconic sports car. Winners of a separate Concours d’Elegance were decided by a vote of Fan Day participants. First place was awarded to the owner of a 2021 Corvette C8 (above), while a 2019 Corvette ZR1 took second, and third place went to a 1969 Corvette C3.
Additional activities included a “slot car tournament” for kids. A separate shopping area offered the opportunity for Fan Day participants to browse collectible items offered for sale at a pop-up Chevrolet shop, an assortment of Fuji Speedway goods, plus automotive parts, accessories and tools.
News sources and photos courtesy of General Motors Japan, Co. Ltd., and Chevrolet Japan
Story (commentary) © 2022 CarNichiWa.com