A few of us settled for boredom throughout our pandemic-induced lockdowns, however others used the quiet time to assume, plan and construct. A bunch of South Australian Japanese automotive fans fell squarely into the latter class, and the outcome was a brand new occasion for the native scene.
After profitable occasions in 2021 and 2022, JDM Velocity returned for 2023, larger and higher. This time round, I made the journey down from New South Wales to test it out.
The JDM Velocity staff have taken inspiration from Adelaide’s much-loved All Japan Day, however relatively than emulating what’s already considered one of Australia’s largest and biggest static automotive reveals devoted to Japanese makes and fashions, this one occurs at – and on – the monitor.
However not simply any monitor – Australia’s latest and arguably best racing facility, The Bend Motorsport Park.
On arrival on the expansive venue in Tailem Bend, simply an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s cityscape, I used to be instantly impressed.
Truthfully, this place is closest factor you could possibly think about to no matter ‘automotive metropolis’ your youngster self promised you’d construct whenever you have been a grown up. I can’t consider any solution to describe it apart from a multi-million greenback automotive playground.
The Bend in all probability deserves its personal story a while, however right this moment it’s all about JDM Velocity.
Melodies Of Momentum: The Sounds Of Our Individuals
As I discussed, this can be a dynamic occasion versus a purely static one. As a result of whereas admiring a well-built automotive when it’s parked up is cool – and JDM Velocity lets you do that too – movement, sound and scent takes them to a different stage.
What’s higher than spending all day taking a look at a refined RB26 or 2JZ? Listening to these Japanese legends roar and seeing them put their energy to the bottom.
The selection was big, offering an actual spectacle when the monitor got here alive.
From high-powered Nissan GT-Rs and Mitsubishi Evos to humble-yet-plucky Honda Civics, everybody was united by their love of Japanese vehicles.
The sight of kei vehicles zipping across the circuit was notably pleasant, and a reminder that enjoyable isn’t all the time measured in horsepower.
The occasion wasn’t with out its share of drama, although. The intermediate periods within the afternoon have been abruptly halted by an engine bay hearth in a Subaru Impreza WRX – a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that include pushing vehicles exhausting, even when it’s only for kicks. Fortunately, nobody was damage however, nonetheless, the sight of a automotive gutted by a fireplace at a social gathering was heart-wrenching.
Regardless of the incident spirits remained excessive, and when the monitor reopened the high-RPM soundtrack returned.
For homeowners eager to dip their toes, nicely… tyres onto the tarmac with out the stress or dangers of racing, quite a lot of relaxed cruise periods have been organised all through the day.
Not solely was it a little bit of enjoyable for the drivers, however the rolling circus proved to be a success with spectators. I imply, who doesn’t wish to see a Daihatsu Hijet chopping laps on an international-spec circuit?
Quick, Livid & Shiny: The JDM Automobile Showdown
If the circuit motion was the beating coronary heart of JDM Velocity, then the present and shine was unquestionably its soul.
This Autech 260RS Stagea was the unlikely shining star right here, its boxy strains, elegant mods and flawless paintwork incomes it the coveted ‘Better of Present’ award.
If pressed to decide on a private favorite although, it must be this Toyota Cressida.
A uncommon gem lately even in inventory type, ‘V8TZA’ has been fully reworked – a powerful feat contemplating the dearth of off-the-shelf components out there. The quantity of customized fabrication work invested on this undertaking is actually inspiring.
Only a stone’s throw away from the present, the extra relaxed vehicles and low enviornment proved to be a treasure trove of automotive jewels. Sponsored by Boss Espresso, this laid-back setting added an genuine JDM contact to the day.
I’m certain I wasn’t the one one who loved this side of JDM Velocity as a lot as the primary present.
I spent a little bit of time trying over SecondStrike’s chopped-up Corolla wagon. I can’t wait to see this drift construct working partitions and clipping apexes in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later.
After initially rolling my eyes after I discovered the DJ had assembled the last word Quick & Livid playlist to pump by way of The Bend’s PA system, I’ll admit that nostalgia did lend itself to the light-hearted and playful vibe throughout the present. Enormous moveable screens across the venue additionally offered a top-notch live-stream of the motion, each on the primary circuit and within the drift enviornment.
Talking of drift…
Tokyo Tailem Bend Drift
What would a JDM-centric occasion be with out it? Fortuitously, South Australia’s drift scene was completely satisfied to become involved.
Excessive-speed entries and tight battles have been fought out on the venue’s newly accomplished devoted drift monitor, whereas the extra enjoyable facet of the game was represented with expression periods on the big skid pan.
The drift competitors drew an array of each recent and expert drivers from far and broad. Paint was swapped from beat-up outdated taxis and powered-up econoboxes, proper by way of to competition-spec drift machines.
The roughest-looking machines demonstrated among the occasion’s most exceptional automotive management, a reminder of drift tradition’s roots.
Sundown Salute: Echoes Of JDM’s Livid Finale
With circuit racing, drifting, a number of automotive reveals, music and nice vibes, JDM Velocity had all of it. The climate cooperated completely too, offering a welcome respite from the area’s current chilly snap.
JDM Velocity might not have been the biggest, or quickest occasion on my calendar, nevertheless it doesn’t should be. All it must do is keep true to its imaginative and prescient of bringing the South Australia Japanese automotive group nearer and having enjoyable within the course of.
It’s true – for those who construct it, they will come. JDM Velocity wasn’t simply an occasion, it was a celebration of every little thing we cherish about Japanese automotive tradition, distilled right into a single day.
Matthew Everingham
Instagram: matthew_everingham
matt@mattheweveringham.com
