NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka

See also: Suzuka Circuit § Motorsport events

NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka
NASCAR Winston Cup Series
VenueSuzuka Circuit
First race1996
Last race1997
Distance1996: 139.4 miles (224.3 km)
1997: 174.2 miles (280.3 km)
Laps1996: 100
1997: 125
Previous namesNASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special (1996)
NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka (1997)

In 1996 and 1997, NASCAR held non-championship exhibition races on the East portion of the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Several Japanese, Australian and Winston West Series drivers participated among some of the Winston Cup Series regulars. The races were broadcast on TBS in the U.S.

In 1995, NASCAR announced a three-year deal for an exhibition race to be hosted on the East Course of the Suzuka Circuit.[1][2] Pole-sitter Rusty Wallace won the inaugural race in 1996.[3] After winning the race, Wallace ran to the front stretch grandstand to high-five the spectators.[4]

Logistical problems concerning cargo ships containing NASCAR equipment cast doubt over the running of the 1997 race, but the race would be held on schedule.[5] 1997 champion Jeff Gordon missed the race to recover from vocal cord surgery.[6] Rain tires were used for a NASCAR event for the first time in 35 years as Mark Martin won pole position.[6] Rookie of the Year Mike Skinner won the 125-lap race.[7]

The 1998 edition of the race was cancelled and was replaced by an exhibition race at Twin Ring Motegi.[8]

Race winners

Year Date No. Driver Team Manufacturer Race Distance Race Time Average Speed
(mph) 		Pole speed (mph)
Laps Miles (km)
1996[9] November 24 2 Rusty Wallace Penske Racing Ford 100 139.4 (224.342) 1:56:25 71.897 83.079
1997[10] November 23 31 Mike Skinner Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet 125 174.25 (280.428) 2:20:22 74.537 80.608

References

  1. ^ Pearce, Al (December 5, 1995). "NASCAR off to Japan for exhibition race '96". Daily Press - Newport News. p. B2. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  2. ^ Zeller, Bob (December 1, 1995). "NASCAR wants to settle in land of rising sun". The Roanoke Times. p. B3. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  3. ^ Hodges, Gerald (November 26, 1996). "Wallace has picture perfect weekend". The Falmouth Outlook. p. 6. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  4. ^ Canrobert, Mary (December 4, 1996). "NASCAR in Japan seems a bit fishy". The Charlotte Observer. p. 1V. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  5. ^ Dutton, George (October 23, 1997). "NASCAR shipshape for race in Japan". The Daytona Beach News-Journal. p. 1C. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  6. ^ a b Watanabe, Chisaki (November 23, 1997). "Veteran on pole for Japan event". The Park City Daily News. Associated Press. p. 12-B. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  7. ^ "Rookie driver wins in Japan". Syracuse Herald-Journal. Associated Press. November 24, 1997. p. D3. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  8. ^ Poole, David (January 7, 1998). "Japanese road-course race canceled; oval race still on". The Charlotte Observer. p. 2B. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  9. ^ "11/24/1996 race: NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special (EX) - Racing-Reference.info". www.racing-reference.info.
  10. ^ "11/23/1997 race: NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka (EX) - Racing-Reference.info". www.racing-reference.info.
allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuka_Thunder_Special