La Festa Primavera 2017

Report

【Day3】16 Apr 2017

Both entrants and cars start to show signs of fatigue in latter stage

On day three, the event entered its latter stage. The route was approximately 320 km, which was pretty much the same as previous day, starting from Wakayama and passing through Nara to Kyoto. The entrants had covered approximately 540 km so far, and unfortunately, several cars ended up retiring from the race. Come to think of it, it is incredible that prewar cars run on an expressway in Japan just like modern cars do.

It was a sunny morning this day too. The summerlike warmth was continuing so it was easy to imagine how hot the inside of a car was without an air conditioner. The entrants prepared for the rally under the strong sun, then set off. The varied course prepared for day three included coastal roads, mountain roads, and urban areas, offering diverse landscapes. On the winding road through mountains, the air was bracing and the entrants enjoyed driving while viewing the trees in their spring colors.

The entrants arrived in Kyoto, and as they passed through downtown Gion, many tourists were surprised and waving to the entrants and taking pictures. The sudden appearance of the cars must have been a pleasant surprise for the tourists.

Since it was Sunday, there were many children coming to cheer. They looked happy to shake hands with the entrants and give them five. This was probably the first time that those children saw historic cars. Seeing the entrants driving the unique cars smoothly, the children might have thought they were so cool and amazing.

In the latter stage, the entrants as well as the cars begin to show signs of fatigue. Here, we must mention mechanics who run on the course along with the entrants and maintain the cars late every night after arriving at the hotel. Thanks to those mechanics, the entrants can drive all the way here without big trouble. Mechanics are dedicated to supporting the entrants from behind the scenes and always hope they will reach the finish line safely.

On day four, the final day, the rally will start from Kyoto. It will run through Shiga to Fukui, and back to Shiga, then finish in Kyoto, followed by a finish ceremony held at Okazaki Park in front of the Heian Jingu Shrine. We hope as many cars as possible will cross the finish line.

(text & photo:Mika Iwamoto)
JAGUAR XK140 OTS finishes PC competition at Shirasaki Ocean Park
JAGUAR XK140 OTS finishes PC competition at Shirasaki Ocean Park
BUGATTI T35A leaves Shima Seiki Mfg.,Ltd
BUGATTI T35A leaves Shima Seiki Mfg.,Ltd
Chief priest of Hase Temple blows conch shell to welcome INVICTA 4.5 L COMPETITION
Chief priest of Hase Temple blows conch shell to welcome INVICTA 4.5 L COMPETITION
TRIUMPH TR 2 running through downtown Gion
TRIUMPH TR 2 running through downtown Gion
Mechanic works late every night
Mechanic works late every night
  • Back