Japfest 2008 – UK
May 25th, 2008 
Comments (3)
Photography and editorial by Jeff Robjent
The senses are instantly awakened, one’s nose is treated to the lingering scent of high octane race fuel, while the ears are treated to a symphony of pure aural pleasure, the rasp of performance exhausts are complimented by the howling whistle of turbochargers’ and superchargers alike. This can only be one place, Castle Coombe Circuit.
As Britain’s summer tries its very hardest to come around this is one date that Japanese car fans will have been looking forward to with great anticipation, and the reason everyone’s here? Japfest 2008.
This is one of England’s largest and longest running Japanese car events that it sees thousands of people flock from all over the county to the word famous circuit in Chippenham. Boasting over 2200 club cars, all day track action, professional demonstrations and some of the countries most extensively tweaked automobiles it’s a show definitely not to be missed.
This year’s show was the largest ever with even more club space due to excessive demand last year. All corners of the diverse Japanese scene were covered with all of the countries well known clubs having pitches; these included the Nissan GTR register, UK S2000and many more. The show also catered for the slightly less well known marques, The Suzuki Swift owners club for example, despite a very small cult following they managed to still produce a superb stand complete with awnings and deckchairs.
The range of cars was truly extensive and one could have happily spent the whole day just walking around viewing, as some would say, ‘car pornography’.
Many of the UK’s biggest traders were also in attendance trying their very best to promote their products and embellish their name into the minds of potential customers. Rare Rims, Millers Oils and Speed culture were three of the larger companies, all of which had various demo cars and scantily clad models to keep the public entertained. A special note must be made of Redlines ‘Power paddock’, a series of particularly special cars on display which included the BEE-R R33 and the mind boggling 700bhp RC Developments Evo.
Of course, the shows main selling point is the all day track action where members of the public can drive their cars on the world famous circuit. The time table was split into 15 minute sessions and saw mixed groups as well as whole clubs taking they’re machines out on track. The Driftworks crew had also put together a superb line up for their demonstrations which ran throughout the day, with drivers including Phil Morrison, Chris Parry, Jordon Butters and Stephen Evans the standard was exceptionally high.
The weather co operated (making a change from previous years) and minus a few small bumps on track, the day went without incident. Judging by the reactions of the crowd in attendance and the positive feedback on the club forums it’s safe to say the event was, as usual, a roaring success. This is just the start of the UK’s ‘show season’ and with more events in the up coming months you can be sure Intunedonline will be there to cover them.
said on May 27th, 2008 at 10:12 am
said on May 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
[...] here but with 2200 cars (and without the Mcdonald Sunfire =P ). Click to see full coverage of JapFest Enjoy the pics JDM VIP AUTOFASHION __________________ ——— Weekly [...]
said on May 28th, 2008 at 3:32 am
very nice rides.