Gymkhana at CARMEET PHOENIX: Grassroots Autocross in Osaka
Updated: Oct 10
I headed to Izumiotsu Phoenix in Osaka for CARMEET PHOENIX. The static show was incredible, but the real action was out on the gymkhana course, with race-built DC2 Integras, drifting ND Miatas, S660s and a GR Yaris.
On the Course
Bare-bones Integra Type R DC2s with VTEC screaming
Mid-engine Honda S660 kei cars showing off their agility
Perfectly set-up ND Miatas sliding around the cones
A retro-looking build running a modern kei-car engine swap
Kansai Drivers Hit Different
This is grassroots Japanese motorsport at its best: skilled local drivers pushing their builds to the limit. The retro build with the kei-car swap was my highlight, pure engineering art.
Final Thoughts
If you want to see car culture beyond the static shows, gymkhana is it.
Would you rather run a DC2 or an ND Miata on a gymkhana course? Let me know in the comments!
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