Video: Super GT Testing at Suzuka

A video of recent Super GT testing at Suzuka Circuit in Japan. All 3 cars in the GT500 class can be seen here; Nissan GTR, Lexus SC430, and the new Honda HSV-010. GT300 cars are the Ferrari 430, Lamborghini Murcielago/Gallardo and Mooncraft-Shiden (click the link). Some of the cars are still in plain test liveries, but others including the orange ARTA HSV-010 are in full 2010 livery.

The season starts soon, should be interesting as always

D1SL at Suzuka

Last weekend in Japan and what better way to finish off the last 48 hours than D1GP and D1SL at Suzuka circuit

D1SL stands for D1 Street Legal and is as the name suggests aimed at street legal cars. They must keep a full interior,including rear seats, the original glass (no lightweight perspex) and strangely enough they must also have a stereo installed! Also no engine swaps are allowed (eg Rb26 Skyline engine into a Silvia is forbidden) and the bodywork is restricted,and things like the radiator may not be relocated. Drivetrain changes are allowed though,4wd to RWD cars are permitted. Many of the cars stick true to their street legal nature and are driven to the circuits and then driven home when possible

For once I went as a spectator and wasnt bothered with taking loads of photos,so here are a few from the D1SL finals (Top 8) on Saturday evening with the dramatic light conditions provided by the setting sun. Not great with the D1SL drivers names either,but not many D1SL drivers compete in D1GP

Okachan in the Yashio Factory S15 Silvia is not far off his bus pass but is still a force to be reckoned with,getting into the top 4........

The eventual winner was Yukimaru Komigata in the stunning GP Sports / Gallery Subaru Impreza

ASIMO - The Honda Robot

Honda dont just make cars,motorcycles,jetskis,lawnmowers and outboard engines.For over 20 years they have developed robots and the latest version is ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility) It stands 130 centimeters (4 feet 3 inches)tall and weighs 54 kilograms (119 lbs.), the robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can walk on two feet in a manner resembling human locomotion at up to 6 km/h (3.7 mph). It can also run,jump and climb stairs (see below) but the day I saw it at Suzuka Circuit in Japan it was showing how well it can dance to some 70's disco tunes..... It is really quite a surreal experiance to see ASIMO with your own eyes and it takes a few moments to let it sink in that it is not someone wearing a suit







ASIMO does a wobble after climbing some steps - I understand this move was taken out of the show after it fell climbing some stairs.............