Beginner's Guide to Watching "SUPER GT" for the First Time

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■RACE "What kind of event is SUPER GT?"

A car race boasting one of the largest spectator turnouts in domestic racing!

What kind of machines will run?

In SUPER GT, two groups of vehicles, "GT500" and "GT300," race simultaneously.

GT500 features race-only vehicles developed by TOYOTA, Honda, and Nissan within the specified regulations.
GT300 mainly features a variety of vehicles, including race-only cars modified by each manufacturer based on production cars sold domestically and internationally (FIA-GT3), as well as race-only cars independently developed by teams (GT300).

 

■GT500

TOYOTA GR Supra (2024 Season au TOM'S GR Supra TGR TEAM au TOM'S)

Honda Civic Type R (2024 Season ARTA MUGEN CIVIC TYPE R-GT #16 ARTA)

Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO (2024 Season MARELLI IMPUL Z TEAM IMPUL)

■GT300

Mercedes-AMG GT3 (2024 Season Good Smile Hatsune Miku AMG GOODSMILE RACING & TeamUKYO)

Ferrari 296 GT3 (2024 Season UNI-ROBO BLUEGRASS FERRARI Team LeMans)

BMW M4 GT3 (2024 Season Studie BMW M4 BMW M Team Studie x CRS)

TOYOTA GR Supra (2024 Season Green Brave GR Supra GT Saitama Green Brave)

TOYOTA GR86 (2024 Season apr GR86 GT apr)

SUBARU BRZ (2024 Season SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT R&D SPORT)

Lexus RC F GT3 (2024 Season K-tunes RC F GT3 K-tunes Racing)

[Trivia] How to Identify Machines

At first glance, they both look the same...
But actually, it's easy to tell them apart! Pay attention to the color of the machine's headlight covers, the color of the number plates, and the front windshield stickers!

GT500: Headlight covers, number plate bases, and upper windshield stickers are white / GT300: Headlight covers, number plate bases, and upper windshield stickers are yellow 

What is the SUPER GT schedule?

When watching SUPER GT, it is important to understand the schedule for the race weekend.
Here, we briefly introduce the schedule and flow for August 23 (Sat) to 24 (Sun)!

■ Practice Run (Official Practice)

It will be held on the morning of August 23 (Sat). Vehicle condition adjustments and checks will be conducted in preparation for qualifying and the final race.
 

■Qualifying (Official Qualifying)

It will be held on the afternoon of August 23 (Sat). In other sports, "qualifying" mainly determines eligibility to participate in the finals, but in motorsports, "qualifying" determines the starting positions (starting grid) for the final race.
The qualifying is divided into Q1 (First Qualifying) and Q2 (Second Qualifying).

GT300: The first qualifying round is divided into two groups, with the top 9 cars from each group (a total of 18 cars) advancing to the second qualifying round, where they compete for the starting positions 1 to 18 in the final race.
Drivers placed 10th or lower in each group of the first qualifying round will start the final race from 19th position onward, based on their times.

Unlike GT300, GT500 runs the first qualifying session in a single group, with the top 10 cars advancing to the second qualifying session, where they compete for the 1st to 10th starting positions in the final race.
Positions 11 and beyond in the first qualifying round will determine the starting positions from 11th place onward in the final race based on their times.
 

■Race Start Method (Rolling Start)

In track and field events, all participants start simultaneously from a stationary position at the starting line upon the start signal. However, in SUPER GT, the race starts while the cars are already moving. When the final race start time arrives, the pace car positioned ahead of the starting line begins to move, and each car follows behind it. The pace car completes a lap around the course, and when it leaves the track and the green start signal lights up, the race officially begins.

2024 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round3 SUZUKA GT 3 Hours RACE Final Start Scene

■Final

The race starts and covers a distance of 300 km with two mixed groups: GT500 and GT300. According to the rules, drivers must switch at least once during the race, so pit stops are made. During pit stops, driver changes, tire changes, and refueling are performed.
The timing of this pit stop and how quickly it can be completed can change the race standings, so pay attention not only to the driver but also to the movements of the team and mechanics!

2024 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round3 SUZUKA GT 3 Hours RACE　GT500 Class Award Ceremony

■TICKET "Which ticket should I buy?"

Is this your first time watching SUPER GT?

No doubt about it, it's a general admission ticket!

Near D Seats

For those watching SUPER GT for the first time and unsure where to watch the race from... we recommend the "General Admission Ticket"

You can watch the race with a general admission ticket in seats A, C, D, E, and the West Course area. Find your favorite viewing spot!
By the way, the D seats, where you can watch the technical driving at the famous "S-curve" and "reverse bank" of the Suzuka Circuit, are recommended!

Each ticket also includes admission to SUZUKA CIRCUIT on August 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun), race viewing, unlimited rides on park attractions, and pool access, so you can enjoy attractions and the pool between races.

>> For details about the general admission tickets, Click here for details

Viewing Area Map

Are you between 16 and 23 years old?

■For those aged 16 to 23, we recommend the "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass" which offers free access to races, attractions, and the pool!

Tickets valid on August 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun) are available for those aged 16 to 23...

• SUZUKA CIRCUIT Admission
• Unlimited rides at SUZUKA CIRCUIT PARK attractions
• Pool Use
• Race Viewing Ticket *Admission to "General Seating" is allowed

All of these are "free" super valuable tickets.

While the main purpose is racing, even visitors coming for attractions or the pool are guaranteed an incredibly valuable two-day experience called "Special Days".

Applications start from July 6 (Sun).
>> For details about the 16-23 Zero Yen Pass, Click here for details

Are you looking to have fun with your family?

■ "S Seat Family Seat Ticket" is Recommended!

Image

For families planning to watch SUPER GT, the "S Seat Family Seat Ticket" is recommended!
Because the S Seat Family Seat is exclusively for families with children, and you can also participate in the special event Straight Walk!

>> For details about S Seat Family Seat tickets, Click here for details

Are you someone who wants to enjoy with a group?

■The newly established box-type viewing seats "S-BOX" are recommended!

S-BOX Image

S-BOX Image

S-BOX XL

S-BOX L

S-BOX M

S-BOX M Wide

Starting March 2025, a new box-style viewing seat "S-BOX" will open near the final corner!

Recommended not only for families but also for watching in groups with friends.
You can relax in a spacious area while watching the machines race from the final corner to the home straight.

>>For details about S-BOX, Click here for details

Are you someone who wants to support your favorite team or driver?

■Decided with the "V1 Seat Supporter Seat Ticket"!

View from V1 Seat (Image)

If you have a favorite team or driver, we recommend the "V1 Seat Supporter Seat Ticket"!

Let's cheer with all our might together with friends in the Supporter Seat!


When purchasing a Supporter Seat, cheering goods from the manufacturer or team you purchase will be included as a bonus.

• ARTA Supporter Seat
• Honda Supporter Seat
• NISMO Supporter Seat
• SUBARU Supporter Seat
• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Supporter Seat

>> About V1 Seat Supporter Seat tickets, Click here for details

Want to experience more of the excitement and intensity of racing?

■Purchase Paddock Passes!

Paddock Area

In addition to the race viewing ticket, you can enter the paddock area by purchasing a separate Paddock Pass.
In the paddock area, you can experience the excitement and intensity of the race up close with team members, drivers, and race vehicles!
If you're lucky, you might have the opportunity to talk directly with drivers and team members. You might even be able to take photos or get autographs!?

Pit Walk

You can walk through the pit lane to see the machines and drivers up close, and participate in each team's fan service.

■You can enter the admission area where you can take the best "photogenic" photos!

Thrill Zone

You can experience the speed of the machines and the powerful engine sounds right next to the course.
Additionally, because it is very close to the shooting course, you can take powerful photos. In particular, the inside of Turn 2 and the final corner are places where you can easily capture the movement of the machines!

>> For more information about Paddock Passes, click here for details

■ITEMS "What kind of clothing and items are good?"

• (1) Hat

  The sunlight becomes quite strong, so a hat is a must. A wide-brimmed hat is recommended!

• (2) Sunglasses

  We recommend preparing to protect your eyes from the glare of sunlight and UV rays so you can comfortably enjoy watching the race!
   

• (3) Bag

  Backpacks are recommended because they can hold many items such as heat relief goods and souvenirs, and keep both hands free!
  It is also convenient to have items such as smartphone shoulder bags or waist pouches that make it easy to take out your smartphone.

• (4) Tops

  Even if the temperature is high, choose tops that do not expose your skin to sunlight to protect against UV rays and sunburn!
  Short sleeves plus arm covers are recommended.

• (5) Bottoms

  Just like with tops, bottoms that don't get direct sunlight are recommended!
  Choose according to your preference, such as shorts with leg covers!

• (6) Shoes

  For watching the race, we highly recommend wearing well-broken-in, comfortable shoes for walking. Even if it's hot, sandals are not recommended. If you plan to use the pool, it's okay to bring sandals separately in addition to comfortable walking shoes.

Items to Bring for a Comfortable Viewing Experience

• (1) Sunscreen

  Apply sunscreen thoroughly before going out in the summer. Be sure to bring some with you for reapplication on site.

• (2) Parasol

  Recommended to prevent direct sunlight. However, since there are restrictions on the admission area, be sure to check the admission area! →About the admission area

• (3) Heat Countermeasure Goods

  Prepare thoroughly for the heat and fully enjoy watching the midsummer race!
  Handheld fans, deodorant sheets, and cooling towels are recommended!

• (4) Towel

  An essential item for wiping sweat on hot days and rainwater on rainy days. Larger ones with hoods are also useful for sun protection.

• (5) Raincoat / Poncho

  As a rain measure, a raincoat or poncho is recommended because it takes up less space than an umbrella and keeps both hands free. Even if it seems like there won't be much rain, it's a good idea to have one ready just in case the weather changes suddenly.

• (6) Plastic Bag

  Useful for storing towels and clothes that have become wet from sweat or rain. It can also be helpful in other situations, so let's bring a few that are as large and durable as possible.

• (7) Seat Cushion

  Bring a foldable chair that is easy to carry, considering that you may sit for a long time on chairs exposed to the sun or wet chairs.

Items to Bring for a Better Viewing Experience

• (1) Water Bottle

  Of course, you can bring drinks from home, but we recommend purchasing from vending machines within the Suzuka Circuit facilities and bringing plenty of ice so you can stay hydrated with cold drinks anytime! Make sure to hydrate frequently.

• (2) Changing Clothes

  When you sweat or during summer at SUZUKA CIRCUIT, you can also use the pool, so it's worth bringing it along!

• (3) Swimsuit

  At Suzuka Circuit in summer, you can use the pool to cool down while watching the race!
  Watching from the pool is a recommended viewing spot you can't experience anywhere else.

• (4) Mobile Battery

  You will likely use your smartphone frequently for food information, event details, and more.
  Having one mobile battery gives you peace of mind!

• (5) Earphones

  Of course, it can be used during short waiting times, but if you have noise-canceling earphones, you can even use them as earplugs!

■EVENTS "Recommended Events?" Coming soon

■ACCESS "How do I get there?"

Access from Outside the Prefecture [Public Transportation]

Route using Kintetsu Nagoya Line - Shirako Station. Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu Shirako Station to head to SUZUKA CIRCUIT.

Route using Ise Railway - SUZUKA CIRCUIT Ino Station. It is about a 2km walking route from Ino Station, but there is no worry about getting caught in traffic here, making it easier to calculate time.

Access from Outside the Prefecture [Car/Bike]

Recommended Routes from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe

Recommended Route from Osaka and Nara

Recommended Route from Tokyo and Nagoya

Travel time from major urban areas in Mie Prefecture

・About 40 minutes from Yokkaichi city center
・Approximately 30 minutes from Tsu City
・About 60 minutes from Iga city center
・About 55 minutes from Matsusaka city
・About 1 hour and 10 minutes from Ise city center

*This is the time during regular periods without traffic congestion.

Parking Ticket

Front Parking Lot Map of Suzuka Circuit During the SUPER GT Period

Red Area: Advance Parking Lot
* There is a possibility that advance parking tickets will sell out early. Be aware that the parking lot often becomes full by the afternoon on the day of the event.

Information on advance reserved parking tickets is here

Parking information for the day is here

■PLAN "Recommended way to spend a day?" Coming soon