The opening round of the 2010 Super Taikyu Series started off at the famous Twin Ring Motegi circuit. After starting off with just the N1 Endurance series 20 years ago, this season marks the start of the new ST5 class (under 1500cc) and there have also been rumors about hybrid cars taking part.

 

This year there are a total of 28 entrants in the 5classes. In ST3 class, 5 cars are running on TEIN, "#14 Fairlady Z/ Z33", "#15 RX-7/ FD3S", "#27 BMW M3/ E46", "#39 NSX/ NA2", "#51 Fairlady Z/ Z33". In ST4 class there are 2 cars, "#12 Civic/ FD2" which is also participating in the Civic One Make Race, and "#60 Integra/ DC5".

 

The battle started right away from the morning qualifying session on Day1. During the "A driver" session, Kageyama driving the #51 Fairlady Z set a blistering time, coming close to setting the course record. Ihashi followed just 0.05sec behind in the #27 BMW M3. #51 Fairlady Z looked to grab the pole position until the "B driver" session when Sasaki driving the #39 NSX set the new course record and took pole position! A fierce battle was brewing for the final race until the #51 Fairlady Z had a horrific crash in the #C driver" session which dimmed the mood. As the grid positions filled up, it was only a matter of time before the winners would be decided. In ST4 class, #12 Civic qualified in 5^th position and was looking for podium finish.

 

The #51 Fairlady Z made an amazing come back as the team worked until the last minute to repair the damages and have the car sitting on the grid in time. With the outside temperature not rising over 7℃ and the surface temperature at 9℃, the conditions didn't look good. As the 84lap 400km race got underway some rain was expected to fall.

 

A hard battle was expected in every class and right from the start Ihashi driving the #27 BMW M3 over took Sasaki in the #39 NSX to take the top spot in ST3 class. Unfortunately when he made the pass, there was some contact between them and was later penalized, dropping him down the order. But as all the teams completed their pit stops he was able to take back the top position.

 

At the midway point of the race, Matsui in the #12 Civic had a podium finish in his sights as he moved up to 3^rd position in ST4 class, but during his pit stop he relented his position and dropped to 4^th. Hirota held on to the top position in his #27 BMW M3 but as the race started winding down in ST3 class, Sasaki in the #39 NSX started making his move. He put the pressure on, as he fought to take the top position. Driving head to head for the last 2laps of the race, his was able to hold to finish in top position!

TEIN had a great end to the opening round of the 2010 season as TEIN drivers dominated in ST3 class by finishing in the top 4 positions.