Rally

ラリー

The Japanese Rally Championship (JRC) is Japan’s premier rally series, starting in 1979 as the All Japan Rally Driver Championship and adopting its current name in 1980. About nine rounds are held annually across the country, from Hokkaido’s gravel roads to tarmac stages in Kyoto and Gunma. Drivers and co-drivers compete for speed and precision, using pace notes to navigate special stages (SS) on closed courses, while liaison sections on public roads connect the stages. Spectators can enjoy thrilling action up close, including jumps and sharp corners.

Cars are divided into classes such as R, RJ, RPN, and AE, based on production models with safety and minor performance modifications. Popular entries include the Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Toyota GR Yaris. Colorful “itasha” or character-wrapped vehicles are increasingly common, adding entertainment value for families and newcomers. Multiple SS runs take place each day, with service parks allowing fans to observe pit work, repairs, and team strategy firsthand.

The championship also attracts international drivers, with past participants including F1 winner Heikki Kovalainen and WRC star Jari-Matti Latvala, demonstrating the high level of competition. Fans can follow class battles, overall rankings, and time gaps, experiencing the unique excitement and tension of rallying, where drivers must combine speed, skill, and strategy while adhering to road traffic rules.