RtG Japan Daily Dispatch - day00 - Flipbook - Page 31
Day 15: Nagano to Fuji, 3 October 2025
Photos: gerardbrown.co.uk
Otakar and Otakar Jr Chládek, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL
Manuel and Irene Dubs, 1940 Ford Coupe
Richard Clark and Jonathan Round, 1940 Ford V8
Crews pushed hard against the talent and timing
paradigm, leading to some impressive sideways action and
a few close calls for Jim Smith’s cones. Nothing was dented,
pride or otherwise, and, after pulling out of the equally
steep and slippery gravel drive, the rally enjoyed a sedate
and scenic drive past the Japanese Alps to a Time Control
in the Road Station on the Venus Line. This 76 kilometre
road opened in 2002 and is named after the goddess-like
appearance of Mount Tateshina, which can frequently be
spotted from the road. With little traffic and stunning
views at every turn, it is one of Japan’s most beautiful and
peaceful drives. Lakes, wetlands, and mountains surround
the route, with an occasional glimpse of Mount Fuji.
This mouthwatering and leisurely drive, set the crews
up for lunch, which was served at the Time Control in the
L’Orient Shirayuri Winery in Katsunuma, by the vineyard’s
matriarch, a certified finger food instructor. This fourthgeneration family winery produces a full range of wines
using an overhead growing method, protecting each grape
bunch with paper to guard against damp and rain. With a
quick tour of the production facility completed, it was back
on the road to the day’s only Regularity on a remote section
of old road above the Doshi River. For almost 5km the cars
threaded through the very essence of a primordial forest,
albeit one with tarmac. Covered in deadwood and mud, it
was lined with thick stands of pampas grass.
The day ended, as it began, with a Test. But that’s where
any similarity ended; there was no mud at the Auto Paradise
Gotemba, and the grip was superb. And, under a misty and
majestic Mount Fuji, the crews were given two laps of a
track more used to hosting Super Formula teams than an
endurance rally.
The Hyatt Fuji Speedway, our night halt and a mere 2km
from the Test, is set within the grounds of the Fuji International
Speedway. The crews were soon suited and booted for drinks
and dinner with time to enjoy the incredible automotive
exhibits on display in the museum attached to the hotel.
www.rallytheglobe.com
