2025/06/18
Beginner's Guide to Watching "SUPER GT"
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■RACE "What kind of event is SUPER GT?"
A car race boasting one of the largest spectator attendances in domestic racing!
SUPER GT is a race held at eight circuits in Japan and abroad, contested by vehicles built specifically for racing. At SUZUKA CIRCUIT, up to 45 cars compete over 300 km, with two or three drivers per team taking turns driving, competing to see which team is the fastest.
It’s an exciting and thrilling race that offers a unique sense of excitement and an extraordinary atmosphere different from other sports, making it highly recommended even for race beginners!
- What kind of machines race?
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In SUPER GT, vehicles from two groups, "GT500" and "GT300," race simultaneously.
GT500 features race-only vehicles developed by TOYOTA, Honda, and Nissan within the specified regulations.
GT300 includes a diverse range of vehicles, mainly based on production cars from domestic and international automakers, including race-only cars modified by each manufacturer (FIA-GT3) and race-only cars independently developed by teams (GT300).
■GT500
TOYOTA GR Supra (2024 Season au TOM'S GR Supra TGR TEAM au TOM'S)
Honda Civic Type R (2024 Season ARTA MUGEN CIVIC TYPE R-GT #16 ARTA)
Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO (2024 Season MARELLI IMPUL Z TEAM IMPUL)
■GT300
Mercedes-AMG GT3 (2024 Season GOODSMILE Hatsune Miku AMG GOODSMILE RACING & TeamUKYO)
Ferrari 296 GT3 (2024 Season UNI-ROBO BLUEGRASS FERRARI Team LeMans)
BMW M4 GT3 (2024 Season Studie BMW M4 BMW M Team Studie x CRS)
TOYOTA GR Supra (2024 Season Green Brave GR Supra GT Saitama Green Brave)
TOYOTA GR86 (2024 Season apr GR86 GT apr)
SUBARU BRZ (2024 Season SUBARU BRZ R&D SPORT R&D SPORT)
Lexus RC F GT3 (2024 Season K-tunes RC F GT3 K-tunes Racing)
【Trivia】How to Tell the Machines Apart
At first glance, they both look the same…
But actually, it’s easy to tell them apart! Pay attention to the color of the machine’s headlight covers, the number plate color, and the windshield sticker!
GT500: Headlight covers, number plate base, and upper windshield sticker are white / GT300: Headlight covers, number plate base, and upper windshield sticker are yellow
- What is the SUPER GT schedule?
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When watching SUPER GT, it is important to understand the schedule for the race weekend.
Here, we briefly introduce the schedule and flow for August 23 (Sat) to 24 (Sun)!■ Practice Session (Official Practice)
Held on the morning of August 23 (Sat). Vehicle condition adjustments and checks are performed in preparation for qualifying and the race.
■ Qualifying (Official Qualifying)
Held on the afternoon of August 23 (Sat). Unlike other sports where "qualifying" mainly determines eligibility for the final, in motorsports, "qualifying" decides the starting positions (starting grid) for the final race.
The qualifying is divided into Q1 (first qualifying) and Q2 (second qualifying).
GT300: In the first qualifying, the cars are split into two groups, and the top 9 cars in each group by time (a total of 18 cars) advance to the second qualifying, where they compete for the starting positions 1 through 18 in the final race.
For each group in the first qualifying round, positions 10 and below will have their starting positions for the final race determined from 19th place onward based on their times.
GT500: Unlike GT300, the first qualifying round is run in a single group, with the top 10 advancing to the second qualifying round, where they compete for the final race starting positions from 1st to 10th place.
For those ranked 11th and below in the first qualifying round, their starting positions from 11th place onward in the final race are determined based on their qualifying times.
■Final Race Start Method (Rolling Start)
In track and field events, all competitors start from a stationary position at the starting line and begin simultaneously at the start signal. However, in SUPER GT, the race starts while the cars are already moving. When the final race start time arrives, the pace car positioned ahead of the starting grid begins to move, and each car follows behind it. The pace car completes a lap around the course, then leaves the track, and when the green start signal lights up, the race officially begins.
2024 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round3 SUZUKA GT 3 Hours RACE Final Start Scene■Final
After the start, the race runs mixed with two groups, GT500 and GT300, over a distance of 300 km. During the race, there is a rule that requires at least one driver change, so the cars will make a pit stop. During the pit stop, driver changes, tire changes, and refueling are performed.
The timing of this pit stop and how quickly it can be completed can change the race standings, so pay close attention not only to the drivers but also to the movements of the team and mechanics!
2024 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round3 SUZUKA GT 3 Hours RACE GT500 Class Award Ceremony Scene
■TICKET "Which ticket should I buy?"
However, there are various types of tickets, so many people may say, "I don't really know which one to buy even after looking at the ticket list..."
So, let's introduce recommended tickets for those watching SUPER GT for the first time and beginners.
- Are you watching SUPER GT for the first time?
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No doubt about the general admission ticket!
If it’s your first time watching SUPER GT and you don’t know where to watch the race from… we recommend the "General Admission Ticket".
Near D Seats
With the General Admission Ticket, you can watch from A, C, D, E seats, and the West Course area. Find your favorite viewing spot!
By the way, the D seats, where you can watch the technical driving at the famous "S-curve" and "reverse bank" of SUZUKA CIRCUIT, are recommended!
Moreover, each ticket includes admission to SUZUKA CIRCUIT, race viewing, unlimited rides on park attractions, and pool access for both days, August 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun), so you can also enjoy attractions and the pool during breaks in the race.
>> For details about the general admission tickets, Click here for detailsViewing Area Map
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- Are you between 16 and 23 years old?
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■For those aged 16 to 23, the "16-23 ZERO Yen Pass" is recommended, offering free access to races, attractions, and the pool!
For those aged 16 to 23, valid tickets for August 23 (Sat) and 24 (Sun) include…
- SUZUKA CIRCUIT Admission
- Unlimited Rides at SUZUKA CIRCUIT PARK Attractions
- Pool use
- Race Viewing Ticket *Admission to "General Seating" is allowed
All of these are "free" super advantageous tickets.
Of course, the main purpose is the race, but even if you come for the attractions or pool, a super advantageous two days are guaranteed as "Special Days".
Applications start from July 6 (Sun).
>> For details about the 16-23 Zero Yen Pass, Click here for details
- Are you looking to have fun with your family?
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■"S Seat Family Seat Viewing Ticket" is Recommended!
For those planning to watch SUPER GT with their family, the "S-Seat Family Seat Ticket" is recommended!
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This is because the S-Seat Family Seat is a dedicated seating area for families with children, and you can also participate in the exclusive Straight Walk event!
>> Click here for details about the S-Seat Family Seat Ticket here
- Are you someone who wants to enjoy with a group?
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■The newly established box-type viewing seats "S-BOX" are recommended!
S-BOX Image
S-BOX Image
From March 2025, a newly established box-type spectator seat "S-BOX" will open near the final corner!
S-BOX XL
S-BOX L
S-BOX M
S-BOX M Wide
Recommended not only for families but also for groups such as friends.
You can relax in a spacious area while watching the machines race from the final corner to the home straight.
>> For details about S-BOX, Click here for details
- Do you want to support your favorite team or driver?
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■ The choice is the "V1 Seat Fan Seat Ticket"!
If you have a favorite team or driver, we recommend the "V1 Seat Fan Seat Ticket"!
View from V1 Seat (Image)
Let's cheer with all your might together with your fellow fan seat members!
When you purchase a fan seat, you will receive support goods from the manufacturer or team you purchased as a bonus.- ARTA Fan Seat
- Honda Fan Seat
- NISMO Fan Seat
- SUBARU Fan Seat
- TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Fan Seat
- Want to experience more of the excitement and intensity of racing?
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■Purchase Paddock Passes!
Paddock Area
In addition to the race viewing ticket, you can enter the paddock area by purchasing a separate Paddock Pass.
In the paddock area, you can experience the excitement and intensity of the race up close with team members, drivers, and race vehicles!
If you're lucky, you might have the opportunity to talk directly with drivers and team members. You might even be able to take photos and get autographs!?Pit Walk
You can walk through the pit lane to see the machines and drivers up close, and participate in each team's fan service.
■You can enter the admission area where you can take the best "photogenic" photos!
Exciting Area
You can experience the speed of the machines and the powerful engine sounds right next to the course..jpg)
Additionally, because it is very close to the shooting course, you can take powerful photos. In particular, the inside of Turn 2 and the final corner are places where you can easily capture the movement of the machines!
>> For more information about Paddock Passes, click here
■ITEMS "What kind of clothing and items are good?"
We have prepared recommended clothing and items, so please use them as a reference!
- (1) Hat
- Since the sunlight becomes quite strong, a hat is a must. A wide-brimmed hat is recommended!
- (2) Sunglasses
- It is recommended to prepare sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare and UV rays, so you can comfortably watch the race!
- (3) Bag
- A backpack is recommended because it can hold many items such as heat countermeasure goods and souvenirs, and keeps your hands free!
Also, smartphone shoulder bags or waist pouches that make it easy to take out your phone are convenient to have.
- (4) Tops
- Even if the temperature is high, choose tops that block sunlight to protect against UV rays and sunburn!
Short sleeves plus arm covers are recommended.
- (5) Bottoms
- Just like with tops, bottoms that are not exposed to direct sunlight are recommended!
Choose according to your preference, such as shorts with leg covers!
- (6) Shoes
- For race viewing, shoes that you are used to wearing and are comfortable for walking are recommended. Even if it’s hot, sandals are not recommended. If you plan to use the pool, it’s okay to bring sandals separately from comfortable walking shoes.
Items to Enjoy Watching Comfortably
- (1) Sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen thoroughly before going out in summer. Bring some with you for reapplication on site.
- (2) Parasol
- Recommended to block direct sunlight. However, there are restrictions on the admission area where it can be used, so be sure to check the permitted areas! →About the Admission Area
- (3) Heat Countermeasure Items
- Be fully prepared for the heat and enjoy watching the midsummer race to the fullest!
Handheld fans, sweat-absorbing sheets, and cooling towels are recommended!
- (4) Towels
- An essential item for wiping sweat on hot days and rainwater on rainy days. Larger ones with hoods are also useful for sun protection.
- (5) Raincoat / Poncho
- For rain protection, a raincoat or poncho is recommended as it takes up less space than an umbrella and keeps both hands free. Even if it seems like there won't be much rain, it's a good idea to have one ready just in case the weather changes suddenly.
- (6) Plastic Bags
- Useful for storing towels and clothes that have become wet from sweat or rain. It is also helpful in other situations, so let's bring several that are as large and durable as possible.
- (7) Seat Cushion
- Since you may be sitting for a long time on chairs exposed to the sun or wet chairs, bring a portable folding type that is easy to carry.
Items to Enjoy Watching Even More
- (1) Water Bottle
- Of course, you can bring drinks from home, but it is also recommended to buy from vending machines inside the SUZUKA CIRCUIT facilities and bring plenty of ice so you can always stay hydrated with cold drinks! Make sure to hydrate frequently.
- (2) Change of Clothes
- It's a good idea to bring them along for when you sweat or since you can use the pool at Suzuka Circuit in the summer!
- (3) Swimsuit
- At Suzuka Circuit in the summer, you can use the pool to cool down while watching the race!
Watching from the pool is a recommended viewing spot you can't experience anywhere else.
- (4) Mobile Battery
- You will likely use your smartphone a lot for food information, event details, and more.
Having one mobile battery gives you peace of mind!
- (5) Earphones
- Of course, you can use them during short waiting times, but if they have noise-canceling features, they can also serve as earplugs!
■EVENTS "Recommended Events?" Coming soon
■ACCESS "How do I get there?"
Either way, make sure to check the access methods in advance so you won't be rushed on the day of the event.
- Access from Outside the Prefecture [Public Transportation]
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Route using Kintetsu Nagoya Line - Shirako Station. Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu Shirako Station to head to SUZUKA CIRCUIT.
Route using Ise Railway - Suzuka Circuit Inou Station. The walking route from Inou Station is about 2 km, but there is no worry about getting caught in traffic here, making it easier to calculate the time.
- Access from Outside the Prefecture [Car/Bike]
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Recommended Routes from Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe
Recommended Route from Osaka and Nara
Recommended Route from Tokyo and Nagoya
- Travel time from major urban areas in Mie Prefecture
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・About 40 minutes from Yokkaichi city center
・Approximately 30 minutes from Tsu City
・About 60 minutes from Iga city center
・About 55 minutes from Matsusaka city
・About 1 hour and 10 minutes from Ise city center
*This is the time during regular periods without traffic congestion.
- Parking Ticket
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Red Area: Advance Sale Parking Lot
Map of the main parking lots at SUZUKA CIRCUIT during the SUPER GT event
* There is a possibility that advance parking tickets will sell out early. Please be aware that the parking lot often becomes full by the afternoon on the day of the event.
