2023 SUPER GT Season: Forty high-powered racing machines15 in GT500 and 25 in GT300will compete in Sunday’s 77-lap Suzuka Showdown. The event begins at 2:45 pm local time (GMT +9), adding to the suspense.
With four thrilling races under their belts, Nissan and NDDP Racing’s Katsumasa Chiyo and Mitsunori Takaboshi lead the standings. Their dominance in the previous rain-soaked Fuji race has put them five points ahead of TOM’s Toyota’s Sho Tsuboi and Ritomo Miyata.
This lead may not be enough to win the Suzuka Showdown. The maximum stage three fuel flow restrictor limits the squads, which could slow their battle for supremacy unless the weather changes again.
Honda, primed to recover its lost glory and win its first season, is the focus. This weekend marks the last race for the venerable NSX-GT, which will be replaced by the Civic Type R-GT next year. Losses have haunted their home circuit since 2018.
Both ARTA Hondas approach the Suzuka Showdown without success ballast, carrying 32kg (#16) and 22kg (#8). Real Racing is a strong contender at its home track despite a 42kg handicap. Nakajima Racing Honda’s 32kg Dunlop tires are ideal for Suzuka’s high-speed track and steamy conditions.
Nissan hopes to continue its Suzuka winning streak from 2020 with Daiki Sasaki and Kohei Hirate, who have a 10kg handicap but must redeem themselves after a technical infringement in their previous race.
The GT300 class promises an exciting Suzuka Showdown. The championship-leading Team Studie BMW M4 GT3 and Kondo Racing Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 will carry 100kg of success ballast. The Goodsmile Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 is the favorite, despite Nobuteru Taniguchi’s unusual mistake at Fuji.
Those aiming to capitalize on their comparatively lightweight handicaps include the factory-backed Subaru squad (33kg), the overhauled JLOC team with its Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 (24kg), and the Toyota GR86 GT (18kg).
The practice session on Saturday and the critical race on Sunday will unfold in painstakingly prepared stages at Suzuka. Motorsport. TV covers the 2023 SUPER GT season with expert commentary by Scott Woodwiss and Motorsport.com’s Jamie Klein, so fans worldwide can experience every adrenaline-fueled minute of the Suzuka Showdown. The stage is prepared, the engines are screaming, and the countdown to an exciting race has begun.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who won SUPER GT 2023?
Yuji Tachikawa, the three-time GT500 champion, announced his retirement at the end of the season, marking the end of an era. TGR Team au TOM’S emerged victorious in the GT500 class, clinching the championship for the second consecutive year. The dynamic duo of Sho Tsuboi and Ritomo Miyata secured the Drivers’ Championship, cementing their place in the annals of racing history.
Where can I watch SUPER GT 2023?
Experience the thrill of SUPER GT 2023 live on Motorsport.tv. Don’t miss out on the action as the world’s top drivers compete for the championship title. Tune in to Motorsport.tv and witness the heart-pumping excitement of this high-speed race. With our live coverage, you’ll feel like you’re right there on the track. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable racing experience. Watch SUPER GT 2023 live on Motorsport.tv.
What is the difference between GT500 and GT300 SUPER GT?
The latest GT500 engines are capable of generating over 650 horsepower, surpassing their predecessors. On the other hand, GT300 vehicles have a horsepower range of 400 to slightly over 550 horsepower, but they lack the downforce that GT500 cars possess.
How long are SUPER GT races?
Super GT races follow a two-driver endurance format and cover distances between 300km to 1000km. The cars are divided into two classes, GT500 and GT300, with a sophisticated system of weight, capacity, and modification levels, similar to GT1 but on a whole new level. This ensures a fair and competitive race, making it an exciting event for all motorsport enthusiasts.