NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka
NASCAR exhibition races
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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.
1997: 174.2 miles (280.3 km)
| |
| NASCAR Winston Cup Series | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Suzuka Circuit |
| First race | 1996 |
| Last race | 1997 |
| Distance | 1996: 139.4 miles (224.3 km) 1997: 174.2 miles (280.3 km) |
| Laps | 1996: 100 1997: 125 |
| Previous names | NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special (1996) NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka (1997) |
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 |
