Yasuhiro Ando and the Scoot / Auto Rescue Izu FD3S Mazda RX-7 are heading to Sydney as part of a strong Japanese contingent at this year's Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge.
No ordinary RX-7, the car is a 2000 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R, a special final-edition of the Series 8 Mazda RX-7. With only 1500 examples made, Ando-san has given the Spirit R continued life with his involvement in time attack, an enduring tribute to the platform he knows and loves.
Ando-san has developed this car with over a decade of of time attack campaigning in Japan, having set rapid laps around iconic tracks such as Tsukuba (54.8), Fuji Speedway (1:44.7), Suzuka (2:09) and more.
Under the bonnet, the FD has had treatment from rotary specialists Scoot Sports with a potent peripheral-ported 13B powerplant that outputs over 630HP. Coupled with the platform's well-fabled handling and lightness, dry carbon aero bits from Workshop Takumi and Car Life Support COOL and the gargantuan Voltex wing help the RX-7 sail through the corners with great stability. This 54sec Tsukuba beast is aiming for the low 1:30s at SMSP, a very respectable and achievable target for Ando-san's international debut.
On his windscreen you will notice 'Mid Night' stickers, notifying those in-the-know that Ando-san is part of the exclusive and legendary Midnight Racing Team, a street racing team who has inspired much of JDM automotive culture, most notably, the eponymous Wangan Midnight franchise which has spawned countless manga, anime and video game spin offs.
Ando-san also has a close association with rotary icons RE-Amemiya, quoted as saying he has learnt 'many things over many years from Mr. Amemiya'. He even owns some rare RE Amemiya versions such as the iconic pink and blue FD3S, and also the ultra-rare early-2000s style collaboration between RE Amemiya and fashion brand Chrome Hearts.
Furthermore to Ando-san's addiction to the FD platform, he and the Midnight Racing Team are organisers of The Rotary Spirit event, aimed at RX-7 owners on 'Sevens Day' (7 July). This year marks the seventh and final year of the event.
Not long after this event, Ando-san will embark on his journey to Sydney to contest GCG Turbochargers Open Class. We are excited to welcome this amazing RX-7 to our shores in competition this August 30-31 at Sydney Motorsport Park. Get your tickets now and don't miss cheering on one of Japan's most passionate rotary engine enthusiasts in action!