From Aichi to Hiroshima. Steps to Spa-Francorchamps ｜ R100 Spa Classic Race Participation Report (Event Review)

In July 2015, RE Sugiyama, who is also in charge of maintenance at the local spa, prepared for sending out, such as sealing the intake and exhaust system of Aichi and covering the electrical system with vinyl. The two cars loaded on the trailer headed for Antwerp, Belgium, via Hiroshima.

Mazda provided great support for the realization of Mr. Kato's "Spa Dream." Mazda's representative, Masato Miura, who presides over a website that distributes information on Mazda's car manufacturing and motor sports activities, acted as a bridge to Mazda. So, from here, let's rewind his watch and ask Miura-san to tell us the way to the spa. [61 images] Mr. Kato who stood in the land of Spa-Francorchamps that I had dreamed of [R100 Spa Classic Race Participation Report (Event Review)] I first met Mr. Hitoshi Kato at the 2012 Suzuka Circuit. It was the time of the 50th anniversary event. I was thrilled to see the 1970 Familia (export name R100) rotary coupe running at high speed. It was particularly impressive that he was turning at full throttle without hesitation. Moreover, it is a race specification with an over fender, and Livery has the same car No. 33 specification as the works car that challenged the Spa 24 hours in 1970. When I visited the pits after the driving time, "I was very impressed by the video news that the Familia Rotary Coupe was a big success in the Spa Francorchamps 24-hour race when I was young. I'm thinking of going to the spa someday, "says Kato. I just wanted to invite people who love Mazda Rotary cars to an event, but I couldn't forget Mr. Kato's "single-minded gaze" and thought "someday at the spa". I became very interested in it. After that, I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Kato's garage. When I opened the sliding door of the garage in Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, which is close to Nagoya, the Familia Rotary Coupe I saw in Suzuka, no Mazda R100 Rotary Coupe No. 33, was seated there. In Mr. Kato's garage, where he learned to overhaul the rotary engine on his own, the car's spare monocoque body, lathes, grinders, and other machine tools, as well as a huge amount of Familia parts, were neatly placed. Mr. Kato said, "When I hear that there are parts for the Familia rotary, I can't help but go out to buy them. Engine parts such as rotors are hard to find on the market," he said with his eyes shining. Gave me. After that, when I was invited to my house, I heard the excitement about why I was struck by Familia and how great the activity at the spa at that time was, and the moment I heard the words of determination that the opportunity for challenge was finally ripe. I strongly felt that I wanted to be there. May 2014 Garage in Obu City, Aichi Prefecture, where the Aichi Familia is stored. In addition to machine tools, tow carriers and spare parts, spare fabrics and spare bodies for seats are also stored. When it comes to holidays, Mr. Kato often stays here. June 2014 Mr. Kato Hiroshima visited the Mazda Headquarters in Hiroshima and met with officers and related parties. At the Mazda Museum, the Mazda 787B, the winner of the Le Mans, and the best-selling cars of the past are on display, but Mr. Kato is, of course, only interested in the Familia Rotary Coupe. December 2014 Mr. Kato Okayama participated in the Mazda Fan Festa. The Familia (R100) rotary coupe showed full throttle, and the audience was screaming at the finish enough to compete in the race immediately. At this time, Mr. Maeda was holding the steering wheel of the later car No. 31 (center of the left photo). First appearance: Nostalgic Hero December 2015 issue vol.172 (The content in the article is mainly the one at the time of publication, with some additions)

Nosweb editorial department