With the Super Taikyu series well into the second half of the season, the 5th round was held in the lingering summer heat at Okayama International Circuit. In the qualifying rounds, both A & B drivers of the #39 car in ST3 class set the top times and grabbed pole position in the severe summer conditions.
The blistering heat made the surface temperature rise to 46 degrees but as the #39 car stood at the start line, the weather started to look as if it could start raining at anytime. The 500km race got under way with dry surface conditions. In ST3 class, the #39 car couldn't keep pace with the field and dropped down the order to 4th position. The #113 car took advantage of some trouble in the field in front and jumped up the order to 5th position. In ST4 class, the #81 car was running well and at one point was in 4th position.
As the race was nearing the end, the #113 car in ST3 class came in contact with another car and unfortunately dropped down the field. Amongst the trouble, the #39 car changed back to the A driver and started their final attack. With time ticking away, they managed to fight back up to 2nd position before crossing the finish line. The #39 car has being troubled with machine problems all season, but finally things have turned around for them and they acquired their first 2nd place podium finish of the season.
With only 2 rounds remaining in the season, the next race moves up north to Sportsland Sugo in Miyagi prefecture. |
