Super GT Round 1 this weekend

[gdh300]

This weekend, Lexus will be challenging on two fronts in the first round of the 2017 Super GT series in Japan. There'll be plenty of the new LC500s competing in the premier 'silhoutte' GT500 category against the NS-Xs and GT-Rs, while the new GT3 spec RC-F will be competing in the 'production' GT300 category. 

If you haven't seen any Super GT, it is definitely worth a look. The Japanese have some great circuits with frequently unpredictable weather and the fanatical, partisan crowds are quite something to see. The GT500s are - from what I remember - all based on the same chassis and are closely related to those run in the similar DTM. However, where the two series differ in terms of car spec is while the DTM run normally aspirated V8s, Super GT use turbo-charged four pots, and are very quick. The GT300 category not only allows international GT3 spec motors like the AMG and Ferrari 488s, but also some domestic specials; you'll soon spot the very fast Prius. Other highlights are the Police parade lap at the start, the twin grid start and the HSE nightmare of spectator buses running round the track with cars at full chat!

And this season, Nismo TV will be streaming races live on their YouTube channel which means some early mornings. The official Super GT website is here.