So, Tsukuba Raceway. Yeah, decided it was time to head out there again. It’d been a while, and I was itching to get some laps in. You know how it is, that feeling when you just need to drive.
Woke up super early, way before the sun. Grabbed my gear, loaded up the car. The usual pre-track day jitters and excitement were already kicking in. The drive there was pretty smooth, not too much traffic, which was a good start.
Got to the circuit, and place was already buzzing. Lots of familiar faces, a few new ones. Unloaded my stuff, found a decent spot in the paddock. First thing, get the car prepped. Checked the tire pressures – always a must. Then went over the fluids, made sure everything looked tight. You don’t want any silly mechanicals ruining your day before it even starts. Took me a good hour, but better safe than sorry, right?
Then it was time for the drivers’ briefing. The usual stuff – flags, track rules, don’t be an idiot. Good to get a refresher. After that, suited up. Helmet on, gloves on. That moment when you strap in, it all gets real.
My first session out, man, I was a bit rusty. Tsukuba isn’t a track you just casually stroll around. It’s tight, it’s technical. That first chicane always feels like it comes up quicker than you remember. Then you’ve got that long Dunlop corner, and the hairpins. I spent the first few laps just trying to find my rhythm again, feeling out the grip.
I really wanted to work on a few specific things. That last corner, trying to get a good exit onto the main straight. And the second hairpin, I always feel like I lose time there. So, I focused on my braking points, trying to be smoother with the steering. It’s funny, you think you know a track, but every time you go back, you find something new to work on, or something you’d forgotten.
There was a bit of traffic, as usual. Some faster cars, some slower. You just gotta be patient, pick your moments. Had one or two close calls, nothing major, just people being a bit unpredictable. That’s track days for you. You share the space.
After a couple of sessions, things started to click a bit better. My lines got cleaner, I was hitting more of my apexes. The car felt pretty good, actually. No weird noises, no drama. Just doing its thing. It’s such a good feeling when you and the car are working together, you know? Like a dance, almost.
By the end of the day, I was pretty beat. Physically tired, mentally tired too. But it’s that good kind of tired. Packed everything up, car covered in brake dust and bits of rubber. Sign of a day well spent, I reckon.
People sometimes ask me why I bother. Spending all that money, all that time, just to drive around in circles. They don’t get it. It’s not just about going fast. It’s about the challenge, about pushing yourself, learning. And honestly, it’s just plain fun. For those few hours on track, nothing else really matters. It’s a good escape.
So yeah, another day at Tsukuba done and dusted. Already thinking about when I can go back. It’s addictive, this stuff. Always something more to learn, always a bit more speed to find, or just enjoy the process.
