Tsukuba Circuit
| Location | Shimotsuma, Ibaraki, Japan |
|---|---|
| Time zone | UTC+09:00 |
| Coordinates | 36°09′6″N 139°55′17″E / 36.15167°N 139.92139°E |
| Capacity | 8,500 |
| Broke ground | 1966 |
| Opened | 22 June 1970 |
| Major events | Current: MFJ Superbike Former: Japanese F3 (1994–2004) JTCC (1985–1994) |
| Car Circuit (1970–present) | |
| Length | 2.045 km (1.271 miles) |
| Turns | 12 |
| Race lap record | 0:52.149 ( Fábio Carbone, Dallara F304, 2004, F3) |
| Bike Circuit (1990–present) | |
| Length | 2.070 km (1.286 miles) |
| Turns | 13 |
Tsukuba Circuit (筑波サーキット, Tsukuba Sākitto) is a motorsport race track located in Shimotsuma, a neighboring city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, about 60 km (37 mi) north of central Tokyo. It is 2.045 km (1.271 mi) long, with 32 pit garages and a 437 m (0.272 mi) long back straight. There is a small chicane used only for motorcycle racing that increases the track's total length to 2.070 km (1.286 mi).
The track was established in 1966 with the aim of attracting young people to participate in motor sports, but was not actually completed until 1970. At the present time, an event is held every week. The track has a large variety of corners, ranging from wide sweepers to hairpins. The circuit accommodates 8500 spectators on the track, 3000 in the stands, 5000 on lawn seats, and 500 standing over the pits.
The illustration of the course guide shows that there are various courses other than the main course.
- Course 1000
In 2001, the minibike course that had been called the "East Course" was completely renovated and opened as Course 1000 (TC1000), which is almost 1,000 meters in circumference. The TC1000 is a safe course that is open to cars and motorcycles, and features excellent visibility, making it ideal for beginners.
- Gymkhana track
The trapezoid-shaped area just outside the last corner of the main course is the Gymkhana track. Gymkhana is a popular motor sport in Japan, and the All Japan Gymkhana Championships are held by JAF. Practice sessions and Gymkhana competitions are held at the Gymkhana track.
- Oval Course
The Oval Course, located between the first corner and the second hairpin of the main course, is a course for training Auto Race drivers. Auto Race is a unique form of public gambling motor sport in Japan.
Admission is free on weekdays and ¥500 on weekends, but only when there are no scheduled events. The gas station in the paddock sells original Tsukuba Circuit souvenirs and other items. Across from the No.1 pit in the paddock, there is a small restaurant. The most popular menu item is the set meal of stewed motsu(Motsu-Teishoku). Visitors are allowed to drive on the track with a license. Tsukuba Circuit is not convenient to public transportation, so it is best accessed by a private car. The nearest station can only provide access via lengthy taxi ride.