Japan’s Most Famous Racetrack: Fuji Speedway
Located on the Shizuoka foothills of Mt. Fuji, Fuji International Speedway is beloved for its stunning views of the mountain and substantial importance to Japanese [and international] motorsports history.
Plans for the circuit began with the intention of the track hosting races for NASCAR style stock cars. Due to financial troubles, however, these plans were quickly changed and the circuit was immediately redesigned from its originally banked oval-shaped plans, opening in late 1965 as a traditional road track to host open wheel and grand touring road races.
Fuji Speedway initially gained global notability when Formula One came to Japan for the first Japanese Grand Prix, the final series of the 1976 season. Bad weather conditions made for a famously thrilling race ending in James Hunt beating out career rival Niki Lauda for the world champion title. This iconic battle solidified a love of the iconic track for motorsports fans around the world.
Over the years, several later changes to the course configuration have been made, such as the removal of the infamously dangerous “Daiichi” banked corner in the mid 70s and the addition of multiple chicanes throughout the 80s to reduce speed. However, the biggest of these changes came when Toyota bought the track and reworked the layout in 2000 with a design by legendary track designer, Herman Tilke.
Soon after it reopened, Toyota was hit by the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 and stopped fulfilling its duties maintaining the track requirements with the FIA, the governing body of Formula One. The final Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway took place in 2008. Since then, the prix has only been at Suzuka Circuit in Mie, which Fuji Speedway had periodically shared the event with.
The renowned circuit with its stunning views and massive grandstands remains in use for FIA GT Prixs, MotoGP motorcycle races, numerous annual drift events, drag car tournaments, massive car meets, and recently, was even utilized in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to host road biking.
