Japanese motor racing will now have its own “Le Mans”...After having chosen the Mine circuit for the first edition of the “ Le Mans Classic Japan”, a retrospective historic event celebrating the 24-Hours, which will take place in October 2005, the name “Le Mans” will also shine in the land of the Rising Sun.

The decision to adopt the A.C.O. regulations wasn’t taken by accident. In fact, the most famous endurance in the world benefits from a large popularity by the Japanese. Additionally, the Japanese are not just content to host the “Le Mans Classic Japan” after the immediate international success of the “ Le Mans Series” created two years ago in the image of the American Le Mans Series.

The prototypes and Gts will also be able to compete in three races, which will be integrated into the F.I.A. calendar and fought out on the Sugo, Motegi and Okayama circuits. This series represents an obvious opportunity and an ideal springboard for young Japanese drivers who desire to participate in the 24-Hours of Le Mans and the Le Mans Series all the while familiarizing themselves with the cohabitation of prototypes and Gts. Zytec Motorsport driver Hayanari Shimoda is a perfect and poignant example as he leads the driver’s chase heading into the final round of the season.

The “All Japan Sports Car Endurance Series” will feature three standings: Drivers, Teams and Constructors. The promoter of the “All Japan Sports Car Endurance Series”, COX Inc, already the originator of the “ Le Mans Classic Japan” will without a doubt guarantee the future of this new championship. This wellknown firm, who, since its creation (1978), has prepared competition vehicles and continued to diversify their activities in motor racing posting significant results in all of the Japanese championships. In addition to its preparation business, COX Inc. also plays an important role in the regulations of the races in Japan as the organiser of single-make events (Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and VW Cup Japan).