A few of us settled for boredom throughout our pandemic-induced lockdowns, however others used the quiet time to assume, plan and construct. A gaggle of South Australian Japanese automobile lovers fell squarely into the latter class, and the consequence was a brand new occasion for the native scene.
After profitable occasions in 2021 and 2022, JDM Velocity returned for 2023, larger and higher. This time round, I made the journey down from New South Wales to test it out.
The JDM Velocity workforce have taken inspiration from Adelaide’s much-loved All Japan Day, however relatively than emulating what’s already one in all Australia’s largest and biggest static automobile exhibits devoted to Japanese makes and fashions, this one occurs at – and on – the observe.
However not simply any observe – Australia’s latest and arguably most interesting racing facility, The Bend Motorsport Park.
On arrival on the expansive venue in Tailem Bend, simply an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s cityscape, I used to be instantly impressed.
Actually, this place is closest factor you may think about to no matter ‘automobile metropolis’ your youngster self promised you’d construct once you had been a grown up. I can’t consider any method to describe it apart from a multi-million greenback automotive playground.
The Bend most likely deserves its personal story a while, however right now it’s all about JDM Velocity.
Melodies Of Momentum: The Sounds Of Our Folks
As I discussed, this can be a dynamic occasion versus a purely static one. As a result of whereas admiring a well-built automobile when it’s parked up is cool – and JDM Velocity permits you to do that too – movement, sound and odor takes them to a different degree.
What’s higher than spending all day taking a look at a cultured RB26 or 2JZ? Listening to these Japanese legends roar and seeing them put their energy to the bottom.
The selection was enormous, offering an actual spectacle when the observe got here alive.
From high-powered Nissan GT-Rs and Mitsubishi Evos to humble-yet-plucky Honda Civics, everybody was united by their love of Japanese vehicles.
The sight of kei vehicles zipping across the circuit was notably pleasant, and a reminder that enjoyable isn’t all the time measured in horsepower.
The occasion wasn’t with out its share of drama, although. The intermediate classes within the afternoon had been abruptly halted by an engine bay hearth in a Subaru Impreza WRX – a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that include pushing vehicles laborious, even when it’s only for kicks. Fortunately, nobody was harm however, nonetheless, the sight of a automobile gutted by a fireplace at a social gathering was heart-wrenching.
Regardless of the incident spirits remained excessive, and when the observe reopened the high-RPM soundtrack returned.
For homeowners eager to dip their toes, properly… tyres onto the tarmac with out the stress or dangers of racing, quite a few relaxed cruise classes had been organised all through the day.
Not solely was it a little bit of enjoyable for the drivers, however the rolling circus proved to be successful with spectators. I imply, who doesn’t need to see a Daihatsu Hijet chopping laps on an international-spec circuit?
Quick, Livid & Shiny: The JDM Automobile Showdown
If the circuit motion was the beating coronary heart of JDM Velocity, then the present and shine was unquestionably its soul.
This Autech 260RS Stagea was the unlikely shining star right here, its boxy strains, elegant mods and flawless paintwork incomes it the coveted ‘Better of Present’ award.
If pressed to decide on a private favorite although, it must be this Toyota Cressida.
A uncommon gem today even in inventory type, ‘V8TZA’ has been utterly reworked – a formidable feat contemplating the shortage of off-the-shelf components accessible. The quantity of customized fabrication work invested on this venture is actually inspiring.
Only a stone’s throw away from the present, the extra relaxed vehicles and occasional enviornment proved to be a treasure trove of automotive jewels. Sponsored by Boss Espresso, this laid-back setting added an genuine JDM contact to the day.
I’m positive I wasn’t the one one who loved this side of JDM Velocity as a lot as the primary present.
I spent a little bit of time trying over SecondStrike’s chopped-up Corolla wagon. I can’t wait to see this drift construct working partitions and clipping apexes sooner or later sooner or later.
After initially rolling my eyes once I found out the DJ had assembled the last word Quick & Livid playlist to pump via The Bend’s PA system, I’ll admit that nostalgia did lend itself to the light-hearted and playful vibe throughout the present. Big moveable screens across the venue additionally offered a top-notch live-stream of the motion, each on the primary circuit and within the drift enviornment.
Talking of drift…
Tokyo Tailem Bend Drift
What would a JDM-centric occasion be with out it? Fortuitously, South Australia’s drift scene was completely satisfied to get entangled.
Excessive-speed entries and tight battles had been fought out on the venue’s newly accomplished devoted drift observe, whereas the extra enjoyable facet of the game was represented with expression classes on the big skid pan.
The drift competitors drew an array of each recent and expert drivers from far and huge. Paint was swapped from beat-up previous taxis and powered-up econoboxes, proper via to competition-spec drift machines.
The roughest-looking machines demonstrated a few of the occasion’s most exceptional automobile management, a reminder of drift tradition’s roots.
Sundown Salute: Echoes Of JDM’s Livid Finale
With circuit racing, drifting, a number of automobile exhibits, music and nice vibes, JDM Velocity had all of it. The climate cooperated completely too, offering a welcome respite from the area’s latest chilly snap.
JDM Velocity might not have been the biggest, or quickest occasion on my calendar, however it doesn’t have to be. All it must do is keep true to its imaginative and prescient of bringing the South Australia Japanese automobile neighborhood nearer and having enjoyable within the course of.
It’s true – should you construct it, they will come. JDM Velocity wasn’t simply an occasion, it was a celebration of all the things we cherish about Japanese automobile tradition, distilled right into a single day.
Matthew Everingham
Instagram: matthew_everingham
matt@mattheweveringham.com
