KOCHIRA FAMILY

Here is a close look at the secrets of Motorsports!

How many minutes do the cars and bikes take to complete one lap at SUZUKA CIRCUIT?
What do you call the fastest time in a race?
The more you know the basics of Motorsports, the more enjoyable watching it becomes!
Now, let's all learn the basics of Motorsports together with KOCHIRA!

Lesson 1Motorsports Terminology

Qualifying	Qualifying determines the starting order for the final race. In Formula Nippon and Super Bike, it is conducted in a method called knockdown, where drivers or riders who set fast times remain in the competition. Therefore, qualifying is also intense and truly a survival challenge.
Pole Position	Only the driver or Rider who recorded the fastest time in the qualifying session can start from this position. They may be the fastest driver or Rider in the time trials, but it will be exciting to see how they perform in the race.
Formation Lap Warm-up Lap	Before the start of the final race, it's a lap starting from the place where your car (or bike) is parked (the starting grid) to reach the position determined in the qualifying round.
Fastest Lap	The fastest time in the final race is the fastest lap. The fastest lap is updated continuously during the race, so pay attention to the times set by the drivers and Riders!
Overtake	Overtaking a car in front during a race and changing positions. Overtaking is a very difficult technique, but when overtakes happen frequently, the race becomes incredibly intense and exciting!
Control Tower	The control tower oversees the entire race and serves as the command center. It properly manages the intense races to ensure safety and also times the laps during the race. There are rescue staff on the course as well. The rescue staff follows instructions from the control tower to respond to troubles such as crashes. If a machine stops on the course and creates a dangerous situation during the race, the safety car will also be deployed!
Control Line	The line that measures the time when the machine passes through the control line. It serves as a standard for lap times and the number of laps. The time is measured up to 1/1000 of a second. The control line is recorded on video and is used for photo finishes. At SUZUKA CIRCUIT, the control line during the race is located in front of the control tower.

Lesson 2What is this?

Leader Tower

The leader tower provides real-time updates on race positions and lap times.
You can quickly see which drivers and Riders are moving up in rank and the time differences, so be sure to check it out.
The leader tower also has a hidden feature that can display text and photos.
During the race, event logos and photos of drivers and Riders will be displayed, so be sure not to miss them!
Grid

The grid is the place where the results of the qualifying (time attack) are arranged in order of the fastest times.
The grid shows the numbers and the places where cars and bikes stop. This is the grid number.
In most races, the race starts after checking the grid once on the course.
The order of the grid is important for advancing the race favorably, so the fierce battle among drivers and Riders has already started from the qualifying.
Podium

The podium is a place to honor the drivers and riders who have fought through tough races.
Only a handful of 3 drivers and riders can stand on this podium.
A ceremony will be held on the podium to celebrate the results, and at the end, a fun champagne fight awaits.
Let's celebrate the drivers and riders who have achieved glory!

Lesson 3Cars that Work in Motorsports

Marshal Car

The marshal car rushes to the scene when trouble occurs on the course!
While appealing its presence with sirens and strobe lights, it prioritizes safety above all in fulfilling its mission.
Safety Car

The safety car is responsible for controlling the race machines running on the course.
Experienced drivers who know SUZUKA CIRCUIT inside and out are driving.
High-spec Ambulance
(koukikaku kyuukyuusha)

High-standard ambulances can rescue and treat drivers and riders.
Inside the vehicle, there are many medical devices such as oxygen inhalers and AEDs (defibrillators), making it feel just like a hospital.
It's truly a reliable vehicle that can be called a running hospital.
Road Sweeper
(Course Cleaning Vehicle)

This is a vehicle that cleans the sand and tire debris (worn tires) while running on the racing course.
The brushes and vacuum cleaner attached on both sides keep the course clean.
The cleaning speed is top-notch, making it a great asset during busy race times.
The accumulated garbage is stored in the rear of the vehicle, and when it reaches a certain amount, it is disposed of.
2 wheels recovery truck

This track is reliable when a bike stops on the racing course.
This track is a bit different from what you see in the city.
Incredibly, there is a large cart connected behind it, allowing you to go close to the stopped motorcycle, load it up, and return to the pit.
Crane Truck

The crane truck is active in rescuing 4 wheels machines that have stopped on the racing course.
You can lift the machine with the crane located behind the driver's seat, allowing you to load and transport it.
It is especially active in rescuing formula cars.
Hydraulic (yuatsu) Cutter Vehicle

The hydraulic cutter vehicle looks very similar to cars running in the city, but it is equipped with amazing parts.
As the name suggests, a hydraulic cutter uses the power of oil to spread or cut through obstacles, playing a vital role in rescue operations.
Even a car body that seems impossible to move by human power can be handled with a hydraulic cutter.
Fire Extinguisher (Device) Equipped Vehicle

It looks like a wagon-type car that you often see in the city, but it has amazing firefighting capabilities.
The secret is the fire extinguishing system mounted at the back of the vehicle. This fire extinguishing system releases water with incredible force to extinguish fires in machines that are in a pinch. Its capability is so impressive that it is said to be like a mini fire truck.
Watering Truck
(sansuisha)

It's a car that sprays water collected in the tank at the back.
When a large amount of dirt accumulates on the racing course, we quickly water the course to clean it.
Sometimes we work with a road sweeper to clean the course even more efficiently.

Lesson 4Motorsports Flags

Checkered Flag

A flag that indicates the end of the race. It is also widely known as a flag that symbolizes the race.
Yellow Flag

A signal to indicate danger. Overtaking is prohibited beyond this flag.
Orange Ball Flag

A signal indicating that a mechanical trouble has occurred with the vehicle. It can be restarted after repairs in the pit.
Green Flag

Signal for course clearance. The yellow flag will be displayed at the next designated area after it has ended, and in that case, acceleration and overtaking will be allowed.
Red Flag

Race interruption, danger signal for slow driving or stopping. This indicates a race interruption, and drivers and Riders must immediately stop the competition and either stop or slowly return to the designated area.

Lesson 5 Time Introduction

F1 cars complete a lap at SUZUKA CIRCUIT in 1 minute and 30 seconds! This means they are averaging a speed of 232 km/h. Furthermore, the top speed exceeds 300 km/h, which is incredibly fast. The bikes participating in the Suzuka 8 Hours also complete a lap in 2 minutes and 10 seconds, with an average speed of 161 km/h! All eyes are on the sharpened performance of 2 wheels and 4 wheels!