Coverage + Video: Mugen Circuit Challenge

It was Honda heaven this Sunday. I headed out to Tsukuba Circuit to have a look at the first round of the Mugen Circuit Challenge series. Of course Mugen needs no introduction, as its name is found on everything from Super GT and Formula Nippon race cars to cheap knock off "tuner" parts around the world.

While Mugen made be known for its high dollar tuning cars and pro racing ventures, the company also offers grassroots level events for the "common man". The Mugen Circuit Challenge offers Honda drivers a full day of track time and includes pro racers on hand to give driving tips and pointers.

Held on the winding TC1000 course, the event was open to drivers of all skill levels. The participants ranged from beginners in near-stock Honda Fit's, to "semi-pros" in full-on race cars. Mugen itself brought out a pair of lightly tuned demo cars, an FD2 Civic Type R and an S2000. The cool spring afternoon was filled with the sounds of high-revving VTEC engines as the H-badged cars attacked the tight course.

The new FD2 Civic Type R is very popular here despite the fact that it has been on the market for less than a year. With the demise (hiatus?) of the Integra and NSX, the Civic is the only Honda left to carry the legendary "Type R" badge. Fortunately, the car more than lives up to its name, delivering performance comparable to much more expensive cars.

I didn't spend a lot of time at the event, but I was able to get a decent amount of photos and a little bit of video footage.

Let's take a look at the photos first-

S2000's like this are a common sight at circuits all over Japan. The parts are all functional, they just happen to look cool as well.

The EP3 CTR doesn't have quite the following of its older and younger siblings, but I was surprised to see several nicely tuned examples at the track.

CL7 Accord Euro R with the handsome Mugen aero kit.

This EF9 was the classic of the bunch, but you couldn't tell from the way it was running on the track.

Pre-facelift DC5 Integra Type R.

The Honda heads from Fuzz Garage were out with their DC2 Integra track special...

...and this EK9.

There were several tuned Fit's at the event. The short TC1000 course is a perfect match for the lightweight, nimble Fit. They were passing other cars with twice the power.

Now some on-track action-

Mugen S2000 and a new S2000 CR/Type S.

Hey who let the Spoon car into a Mugen event?

Wingless FD2 looks really sleek.

I love the optional Fit 1.5S front bumper.

Another CL7 Euro R.

No hard parking to be found.

DC2 showing that the hardworking B-series should not be overlooked.

The grass at Tsukuba may be green now, but Championship White was the color of the day.

There are plenty more photos in the gallery right here.

Here is a short (about three minute) video I put together. It was quite windy at the event so the sound quality is not great, but what can you do? Hopefully you enjoy it.

Comments

[feeble]

Great coverage & video.

Looking at all the JDM FD2 hotness I, still don't understand why Honda had to release the downright ugly and a lot slower FN2 over here in EUDM-land. :(

[KLBO]

Great video and photos as always, I've been tracking your blog for a few weeks now and I just want to say continue the good work.

[Benjamin]

GREAT! I can really appreciate an event like this, I would love to have been there in person...

[lloeki]

"I, still don't understand why Honda had to release the downright ugly and a lot slower FN2 over here in EUDM-land."

Oh please stop that, this has been debated to death. The FN2 is NOT ugly and is NOT slow. The former is just different aesthetical sensibility: personnally I just don't like the FD2, and I can understand that people don't like the FN2, with such a radical design it's love-it-or-hate-it. As for the latter, search around and you'll see that she's consistently around the top of its league.