32 cars took part in the official pre-season test for the Super Taikyu Endurance Series at Twin Ring Motegi, showcasing some of the best FIA GT3 and modified production racing machines in Japan.
One of the new cars on the grid was the Ferrari 488 GT3 of ARN Racing, which turned in the fastest lap of the testing session – an absolute belter of a lap from Kota Sasaki that was nearly a second and a half faster than the rest of the field.
The announcement of the 2017 Autobacs Super GT Series entry list revealed a new alliance in the GT300 class, as INGING Motorsport and Arnage Racing will enter under a united banner for the upcoming season.
INGING will take with them from LM Corsa the driver lineup of three-time GT300 champion Morio Nitta and Akihiro Tsuzuki, and pending official confirmation, the turbocharged Ferrari 488 GT3 that enjoyed a respectable first season in Super GT in 2016.
Another young driver is on the move in the Autobacs Super GT Series, as 24-year-old Shinnosuke Yamada has been confirmed as one of two drivers for the legendary Team Taisan SARD in the 2017 GT300 class.
Yamada joins the Taisan/SARD alliance after spending his rookie year at Team Upgarage with Bandoh, where he helped secure the team’s best results to date in their second year in the series.
The GT Association (GTA) has published the preliminary entry list for the upcoming 2017 Autobacs Super GT Series, with a grand total of 45 cars on the roster.
15 cars will enter the GT500 category in 2017, with 30 cars entered in the GT300 category, and 75 drivers were confirmed for seats between the two categories as well – though many open seats still remain as the series gears up for the two official pre-season tests in March.
Super GT World