Hey everyone! Naoto Suenaga from Team Orange here with another blog entry. For this post I want to talk about D1 Street Legal Rd.4 which was held on August 30th at the Ebisu Circuit South Course. As you saw in Antonio's post, I won the event, and I would like to thank everyone for the nice comments! Thanks to all of my supporters, sponsors, and fans I have won three out of the four D1SL events so far this season and I really appreciate all of the support!
First, I would like to explain the D1 Street Legal Class to you guys. Basically, it is the D1 Grand Prix for legal street cars which will pass the strict Japanese "shaken" tests. The amount of modifications that can be done to D1SL cars is heavily limited so the characteristics of D1SL cars include lower power and higher weight numbers than regular D1 machines.
Here is a simple run-down of my D1 Street Legal Silvia-
PS13 Silvia (SR20DET, 350ps)
Aero Parts: Full M-Sports Kit ( front bumper, rear bumper, sidesteps, hood, front and rear fenders)
GT Wing: URAS
Computer: ROM Tune (Agent-K Special)
Turbocharger: TRUST TD06-20G L2
Intercooler, Oilcooler: TRUST
Exhaust: BLITZ
Radiator: Koyo Radiator
Clutch: NISMO Super Copper Mix
Transmission: HPI 6-Speed
Diff: NISMO GT LSD Pro
Suspension: GP Sports G-Master Pros
Wheels: Enkei RPF1 17"x9J Front, 18"x9.5J Rear
Tires: Advan Neova AD07 F: 235/40/17 R: 255/35/18
Seat: Bride Zeta III
Audio: Carrozerria HDD Navigation System
Steering Wheel: Works Bell Team Orange Model
Body Decor: Garage Ash
Car Concept: Car that has air conditioning, navigation, and other comforts. With this car you can go to work, go shopping, go on a date, and enter drift events!
Car Builder: Agent-K in Fukushima.
During qualifying, the course was dry and I was able to qualify second overall after my first run. This secured me a spot in Best 16 Tsuiso Round.
Around the time that the Best 16 started, the rain started to fall, and the course conditions became very wet. The thing I am holding in my hand is the "I Love Tsuiso" uchiwa fan that I got from my supporters.
In my first match during the Best 16, I competed against Honma in the R32 Skyline. When I was following Honma, he spun in front of me and I was able to advance to the Best 8.
In the Best 8 I was matched up against Hiroshi Nakamura in his S15, It was a good run and I advanced to the next round.
In the Best 4, I went against Mikami in the R33 Skyline. The rain was falling heavily now, but I was able to make it through the battle unscathed.
Lastly we have the final! My opponent was Naoki Nakamura in his S15. He is ranked second in the D1SL series standings and I was also matched up against him in the final during this year's D1SL opener.
It was a close battle but I was able to stick right with him at the corner entrance when I was following.
Next, it was my turn to lead during the second run.
During this run, Nakamura missed and overran. The battle was over.
The moment the results are announced!
I got the prize money of 300,000 yen...
...and my third champion cup this year!
And of course my spotter, K-Style's manager Igusa-san got his champagne present!
I will keep on driving hard and doing my best. Thanks as always for the support and I will see you next time!
-Naoto Suenaga