From this year, the Civic series is changed back, as the Integra series has changed to the Civic Type R series. The opening round was held on the 12^th at the Okayama International circuit. The qualifying round was very intense with only 0.28 seconds separating the 2^nd to 6^th positions, but it was Maejima who took pole along with TEIN users Matsui in 3^rd, and Muramoto in 5^th. Last years Integra Cup series champion, Shimamura qualified in 6th. Out of the 14 entrants, 7 were using TEIN shock absorbers. That’s an amazing 50% of the field. With the all new Civic lined up, all the teams were trying to perfect their cars set up right up to starting time.

With the start under, Maejima took off with the 3^rd placed qualifier, Matsui, on his heels into 2^nd position. The race unfolded into a heated battle, as Shimamura picking up the pace, but unfortunately not enough to stand on the podium, finishing in 4^th position. Goto, who looked like a contender during race, suffered from transmission trouble and retired. The top TEIN users, Matsui, finished in 2^nd position, and we are look forward seeing more from him in round 2. With the all new Civic Inter series under away now, we wait and see the evolution and advancement of the TEIN shock absorber!