Video summary

Japan's most famous track has banned drifting

Main summary

Key takeaways

Sport

Overview

The video documents a track-day drift session at Fuji Speedway (Short Course) in Shizuoka, Japan. The host frames it as the last day drifting will be allowed there, explaining that by the end of the month, Fuji Speedway Short Course will fully ban drifting, replacing it with more grip-oriented track use.

Although the outing is presented as “first time and last time” for drifting the track on the host’s channel, they also note they may have driven there before.

Venue & Context (Before Driving)

  • The host arrives at Fuji Speedway and points out the surrounding Shizuoka mountains.
  • They observe the track drawing many Toyota AE86s, along with other small/low-powered cars, including a Roadster-category entry and even a motorcycle class.
  • A sweeper truck is running to clear debris left by drift cars, including debris between the drift and bike sessions.

Driving / Key On-Track Moments

  • The host makes a run in their Toyota Cresta, noting it’s set up in an “exclusionary” style/class that differs from the regular GR86 grouping.
  • They describe the course as looking like a video game/simulation, with clear elevation changes, including a fast downhill section.
  • During the session, they say it’s hard to build full confidence on entry.
  • They mention the tires get very hot and greasy.
  • They also note another car appears stuck and needs another attempt to get moving.

Notable Incidents & Vehicles in the Paddock

  • In a pit walk, the host highlights several carefully built cars—especially AE86s.
  • They comment that people often consider AE86s harder than cars like the S13, but still useful/viable for learning and driving.
  • A standout example is a Motorfix-built Corolla, described as heavily repaired with rod/patchwork.
    • The host explains it took fresh damage in the first session when a wheel/axle snapped, sending the car into a wall.
    • They suggest the extent of the damage may not be obvious unless you’re told.

Event Structure (Classes / Sessions)

The host outlines the day’s class schedule:

  • Bike class
  • Turbo class
  • 86 class
  • R class: described as a “charter/kaskade”-style group where enough cars fill the entire session

Additional notes:

  • A Roadster group appears within the R class.
  • There’s also another AE86 class, plus other intermediate groupings for different skill levels.
  • The host calls the day unusual: instead of just one AE86 group, there are multiple AE86-focused classes, while the remainder are more split into turbo and 86-related categories.

Final Session & Closing Moments

  • The host describes trouble with logistics in what they call the last session:
    • They initially believed they had fuel, but had to go for more due to a fuel station restriction tied to K4GP (a Japanese K-car event taking place that day).
  • They complete what they describe as the last-ever drift laps on that course.
    • They mention fresh tires, cutting into curbs, and a yellow flag.
  • After a cool-down lap, the day ends as the checkered flag comes out—marking the end of drifting at Fuji Speedway Short Course.

Why Drifting Is Ending (Host’s Explanation)

The host attributes the ban to maintenance and track upkeep, specifically mentioning chopped-up grass and debris.

They also note there is another drift course elsewhere, but the video doesn’t go into detail—and suggests future coverage.

Presenters / Sources (Mentioned in Subtitles)

  • Quintilian (referenced in the opening as a writing/description reference)
  • Motorfix (referenced as the shop; builder Sakai-san is mentioned as known, though he isn’t there that day)
  • Fuji Speedway (venue)
  • K4GP (referenced for the fuel-access issue)

Original video