Canvas Top Menu

Can’t get used to variety: A trip to Motor Games and Offset Kings Fuji

DSC_0185

Given the scale and magnitude of this event, where do I begin? The main part of our itinerary for our visit to Tokyo last july was to attend the annual Motor Games event held in Fuji Speedway. With a mix of the Offset Kings car show, a leg of Formula D Japan, and the Mazda Tuning Festa all in full swing simultaneously, there really was too much to cover for little ole me to run around and shoot. Now I have to admit, I’m very much more used to covering a feature car, a small meet, or a fun run by a group, so the scale of this event was too much for me to bite whole. While it is a problem in itself, it’s definitely a good problem to have as there is plenty of things to be shown to you guys nonetheless!

DSC_0142

After a couple hours worth of switching trains and buses from the heart of Tokyo, we finally ended up at the gates of Fuji Speedway in the middle of the day. With our tickets paid at the gates, we apparently still had to walk a good couple kilometers towards the main paddock and show areas. Granted, places like a racing circuit are better visited while driving an actual car, but I digress.

DSC_0170

The walk towards the Offset Kings show behind the main straight grandstand wasn’t all too boring though! A good number of tasteful machinery already greeted us as we got closer to the show. Take this lady-driven NB Miata for example!

DSC_0199

For the most part, rotaries were abuzz during the time we were making our way towards the lot. Thanks to the recent celebration of 7’s day*, the Mazda Tuning Festa was held for all the rotary enthusiasts on the Fuji Short Course during this event. Since the rotary machines were holding their own space in another area, I’ve decided to dedicate a separate post for that altogether.  (Or, you know, I’m just biased because I drive a rotary too.)

*7’s day is a celebration held during the week of July 7 (7/7) to celebrate all things great about the Mazda RX-7 and its other rotor-running contemporaries. Various meets and events all across Japan are held with many rotaries in attendance, the Mazda Tuning Festa is but one of these events.

DSC_0178

30 minutes into our cardio session, we finally made it to the parking area where Offset Kings is staged. Offset Kings is a series of shows hosted by Fatlace, with events held at various places the world over. Of course, fitment and proper style are always demanded of its participants, and judging from this pair of GT-Rs that greeted us it appears there’s no shortage of that here!

DSC_0194

Upon our arrival, a group of fellow Filipinos based in Japan welcomed us as well. While most of their cars were spread through the show, this Y33 Nissan Cima is the only one we’ve encountered as it joined us later on.

DSC_0275

Since it was very hot out to be in an open carpark to comb through cars, we decided to look at the Offset Kings show later on and pay a visit to the aftermarket parts area first. Being avid readers of their page, we touched on the booth of Speedhunters first. With the newly completed Rocket Bunny BOSS S14 on display, people could get a first-hand glimpse of Kei Miura’s new product for the staple drift car.

DSC_0279

Fancy that we ran into the man himself while we were there too! Despite the language barrier, it was interesting to have a quick chat with him about his recently finished work as well as some upcoming projects he had lined up. Our friend, Kevin Carlos from Stance Pilipinas was in for a treat when he gave Miura-san a couple stickers when he proceeded to do…

DSC_0305

…this! We were all but humbled when Miura-san decided to affix the Manila Fitted sticker at the tail of his S14. All for showing camaraderie across the globe, this is how it’s done.

DSC_0293

Right across the Speedhunters booth we found HKS displaying a couple of their race-prepped vehicles alongside their parts. One of the vehicles present was the RE Amemiya Hurricane 7, the latest time attack contender to be churned out by the legendary rotary outfit. Seeing a time attack car up close for the first time gives a good impression of the wild aero that is fitted onto these cars, and it’s amazing how far people could go with their cars just to eke out that extra millisecond!

DSC_0295

For reference, here’s the actual size of that rear diffuser compared to my hand. Perhaps including my forearm would’ve made for a better idea of how long that diffuser actually is!

DSC_0327

The Motor Games is a good event for a car guy taking the family out. And seeing as it’s an aftermarket-centric event, you can’t let your kid be caught dead rolling stock, or heck, even in a coventional stroller for that matter. Check out this go-kart-tired Radio Flyer with a custom seat for a good idea of how it should be done!

DSC_0374

We can always show photos of widebody Lamborghinis from Liberty Walk, but seeing one in person in all its wild details is overbearing to say the least. Especially after meeting the man behind it all, he really couldn’t care less about detractors of his work. Kato-san is really just in it for fun and love for cars, all while doing it with a big grin on his face!

DSC_0399

A few paces down and we’ve ended up where the nitty-gritty goods of Tomei were laid out for us to gawk at. I sure hope they actually sell a good number of these during their displays, because I think most of us would just salivate at it and eventually walk away crying after reading the price tag!

DSC_0415

With the sun starting to take a backseat during the day, we made our way back to the Offset Kings area. After emerging from the tunnel from the main paddock to the grandstand across the main straight, another example of Kato-san’s work greeted us. Apparently this LB Infiniti G37 (or Nissan Skyline if you’re JDM like that) is a limited run kit that was supposedly sold to only 5 clients. Too bad they’re quite rare, as this kit instantly gives the G37 a good refresh!

DSC_0442

Approaching the main Fatlace stand led me to what is probably the car that defines variety in the wildest of ways. Yes, what you see here is a low-slung, widened, and race-themed Jaguar XJS. A car that isn’t exactly known for its reliability, the XJS is seldomly seen, well, pretty much anywhere. This car in stock form would easily be applauded for being able to run around, but to make it into something that fits in with the latest trend of widening and proper fitment? Who’d have thought it would work!

DSC_0445

This Weld FR-S is something we’ve covered before during our visit to last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, while its exterior appears all the same with its metal hand-shaped fenders, I couldn’t help but get up close with that bonnet open.

DSC_0447

To remind you what makes this car different from the next rocket bunnied 86, this car is probably the first major build to run an individual quad-throttle setup for the FA20 boxer that the new 86 is fitted with.

DSC_0486

Offset Kings has opened itself to cars with not as much focus on fitment, yet would add to the mix of different cars that enter. This Ford Escort RS Cosworth is sporting some decent fender gap proud, yet is adorned in its proper livery and a neat set of BBS LMs to make us reminisce its glory days as a rally legend.

DSC_0504

Garage Mak is a name you’ve only probably heard if you’re a follower of Nissan Silvias. While their S15 is their more recently known work, this 180SX demo car is the one they’ve brought out for the event. Truly refreshing for the 180SX’s body, the kit offers a very wild option for those who opt for an aggressive take on their street car. Without any liveries or complicated paint schemes, the solid red paint on this S13 gives a good idea of how the lines of the kit work with an equally loud color.

DSC_0489

Events in Japan will never be complete without a Hachiroku in attendance, and suffice to say there were plenty around during the day! This Levin coupe is one example that stood out with its clean wire-tucked engine bay and teal paint. A good break from the usual High-tech Two Tone (Read: Panda, Initial D, Tofu) schemes often associated with these cars.

DSC_0532

This Honda S2000 from Bad Quality is sort of a sequel to their renowned 180SX build that was also at Tokyo Auto Salon years ago. It would look as if Kei Miura made a rocket bunny kit for the S2k, but in reality those are RX-7 FD rocket bunny fenders retrofitted onto the body. During this time this car was but a work in progress, but some photos have been floating around on Instagram lately with this car’s fenders already painted and sporting a giant wing too! Hope we get to see it soon!

DSC_0543

‘The Japanese will do anything to stand out’ is something I always hear when it comes to modifying cars. I didn’t think it would extend to bringing in some public transport from other countries! This Tuktuk from Thailand is a clear cut example of this, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually brought in Jeepneys from the Philippines up there soon!

DSC_0515

And on that subject, here’s this Dodge Charg…

DSC_0517

…I mean JZX Toyota Chaser to provide further evidence to their pursuit of individuality!

DSC_0422

Given everything we’ve seen during the show, it’s humbling to think how small our car community is back here in Manila. We’ve seen plenty of cars, plenty of parts, but best of all, plenty of ideas and sentiments have been taken home from all of this. It’s an easy motivator to step our game up and make our cars better, all the while inspiring others to do the same and chase their dreams.

I urge you to take the time and travel to events as big as these in other countries, perhaps you can take something home to help make our scene better too.

A trip to Motor Games and Offset Kings Fuji Gallery


 

Stay tuned for our upcoming post on all things RX-7!!

 

 

, , , , , , ,