K12 Nissan March from the 2003 Nissan March Cup
NISSAN MARCH CUP
East Japan Series/West Japan Series/Champion Cup
●Nissan March Cup
The 2003 March Cup was switched to the current model K12 and refurbished. Two series were held, EAST JAPAN and WEST JAPAN, and Kaoru Ijiri won the title with an overwhelming performance in both races. Furthermore, he dominated the championship match held in Suzuka, making the new March Cup truly a solo stage for Ijiri.
Despite being in its first year since being renamed K12, the March Cup has had over 30 entries in every race. The reason for this is that it targets not only beginners, but also drivers who are no longer satisfied with the number-free racing that is popular these days. A race-ready kit car was sold at a value price of less than 1.6 million yen. As a result, drivers who had driven K11 until 2002 were able to make a smooth transition, and it became extremely popular.
The EAST JAPAN series, which takes place in Motegi, Tsukuba, and Fuji, and the WEST JAPAN series, which take place in TI and MINE, will each hold five races. In addition, the championship race, which used to be held during the series, has now been changed to the end of the series, and the driver with the most total points earned in this race and each series will be awarded the Fairlady Z. Needless to say, this was one of the attractions.
The memorable first race of the new March Cup was held at TI. The winner here was Ijiri Kao. The driver, who had extensive experience not only in touring cars but also in formula racing, continued to dominate. At Fuji, the opening race of the EAST JAPAN series, he remained in 5th place due to contact on the final lap, but this was the only race in which he lost. From the second round onwards, it was all pole-to-win. He was originally scheduled to only appear in the opening round, but he re-entered the WEST JAPAN Series from the third round.
He won three consecutive games and won two titles. Ijiri categorically stated that the reason for such a fast advance was ``I was able to finish the car faster than anyone else.'' However, at the same time, he also acknowledges his own growth. ``Perhaps because I was able to win the March Cup, I am able to race while keeping an eye on the big picture. Before, I was only thinking about the short term. Now, I can run with a lot of leeway, and I am able to set the time on the lap I aimed for in qualifying.
Now I can do it.'' There is no way that Ijiri would be weak even in the championship match. Although there was a fierce battle for second place between Masaki Nishihata, Shingo Kanaya, and former motorcycle racer Kazuto Sakata, he managed to come out on top and completely dominate the 2010 March Cup. Of course, you can also hold Fairlady Z in your hands. It's been 10 years since March's one-make race, and it's just the 20th anniversary.
At this juncture in history, even more fierce battles are expected.
PIC CAPTIONS.
The new March Cup has gained popularity not only from participants but also from spectators due to its cute appearance. However, the exhaust sound is loud and the movement is sharp. Attractive and impressive that sets it apart from numbered races
The March Cup is an easy and inexpensive introductory race, but it also uses a data logger, making it perfect for serious skill development. There were 36 entries at Fuji at the start of EAST JAPAN SERES.
From the opening round, Ijiri's speed was outstanding, and his rivals were lagging behind throughout the year. He is currently winning the special award Z for his performance worthy of leaving his name as the first-year champion.
