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{{Short description|Grand Prix circuit}}
{{Infobox motor race
{{Infobox motor race
|Race title = Indy Japan 300
|Race title = Indy Japan 300
|Logo =
|Logo =
|Track map = [[File:Twin Ring Motegi oval map.svg|175px]]
|Track map = [[File:Twin Ring Motegi map-2.svg|175px]]
|Series long = [[IndyCar Series]]
|Series long = [[IndyCar Series]]
|Series short = IRL
|Series short = IRL
Line 13: Line 14:
|Laps = 200
|Laps = 200
|Duration =
|Duration =
|Previous names = Budweiser 500k (1998)<br />Firestone Firehawk 500k (1999–2001)<br />Bridgestone Potenza 500k (2002)<br />Indy Japan 300 (2003-2010)<br />Indy Japan: The Final (2011)
|Previous names = '''Fuji 200''' (1966)<br />'''Budweiser 500k''' (1998)<br />'''Firestone Firehawk 500k''' (1999–2001)<br />'''Bridgestone Potenza 500k''' (2002)<br />'''Indy Japan 300''' (2003-2010)<br />'''Indy Japan: The Final''' (2011)
|Most wins driver =
|Most wins driver =
|Most wins team =
|Most wins team =
Line 19: Line 20:
}}
}}


The '''Indy Japan 300 presented by Bridgestone''' is an [[Indy Racing League]] IndyCar Series race held at [[Twin Ring Motegi]] in [[Motegi, Japan]]. The 2008 race marked the historic first ever win for a woman driver in [[American open wheel racing]] when [[Danica Patrick]] of [[Andretti-Green Racing]] took the checkered flag.
The '''Indy Japan 300 presented by Bridgestone''' was an [[Indy Racing League]] IndyCar Series race held at [[Twin Ring Motegi]] in [[Motegi, Japan]]. The 2008 race marked the historic first ever win for a woman driver in [[American open wheel racing]] when [[Danica Patrick]] of [[Andretti Autosport|Andretti-Green Racing]] took the checkered flag.


The first American open-wheel race in Japan was held in 1966 at [[Fuji Speedway]]. [[Jackie Stewart]] won the Fuji Japan 200, which was held as an exhibition race, and no championship points were awarded. USAC did not return.
The first American open-wheel race in Japan was held in 1966 at [[Fuji Speedway]]. [[Jackie Stewart]] won the Fuji Japan 200, which was held as an exhibition race, and no championship points were awarded. [[United States Auto Club|USAC]] did not return.


For a short period in the late 1980s and early 1990s the [[Champ Car|CART]] series explored the prospects of holding a race in [[Japan]]. Possible locations would be either [[Suzuka Circuit|Suzuka]], Fuji, or a street course in another city. The [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] objected, citing conflicts with Formula One and other interests. In addition, rules were put into place requiring that any CART race outside of [[North America]] be held on an oval. Despite the objections, in 1991 CART made their first trip across the [[Pacific Ocean]], and held a street race at [[Nikon Indy 300|Surfer's Paradise, Australia]]. The plans for a race in Japan were scrapped.
For a short period in the late 1980s and early 1990s the [[Champ Car|CART]] series explored the prospects of holding a race in [[Japan]]. Possible locations would be either [[Suzuka Circuit|Suzuka]], Fuji, or a street course in another city. The [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]] objected, citing conflicts with Formula One and other interests. In addition, rules were put into place requiring that any CART race outside of [[North America]] be held on an oval. Despite the objections, in 1991 CART made their first trip across the [[Pacific Ocean]], and held a street race at [[Gold Coast Indy 300|Surfer's Paradise, Australia]]. The plans for a race in Japan were scrapped.


In 1994, Honda joined the CART series, and by 1996, was widely successful. Interest in holding a race in Japan resurfaced, and upon the completion of the Twin Ring Motegi oval, a race was first held in 1998 without FIA objection. The race continued as a [[Champ Car]] event through 2002. In 2003, Honda switched alliances to the Indy Racing League, and the race became an Indycar Series event. On February 9, 2011, it was announced that the series would not return to Motegi for the [[2012 IndyCar Series season|2012 season]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewandowski|first=Dave|title=Sayonara, Twin Ring Motegi|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41218-sayonara-twin-ring-motegi/|work=IndyCar.com|accessdate=13 February 2011}}</ref>
In 1994, Honda joined the CART series, and by 1996, was widely successful. Interest in holding a race in Japan resurfaced, and upon the completion of the Twin Ring Motegi oval, a race was first held in 1998 without FIA objection. The race continued as a CART event through 2002. In 2003, Honda switched alliances to the Indy Racing League, and the race became an IndyCar Series event. On February 9, 2011, it was announced that the series would not return to Motegi for the [[2012 IndyCar Series season|2012 season]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Lewandowski|first=Dave|title=Sayonara, Twin Ring Motegi|url=http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41218-sayonara-twin-ring-motegi/|work=IndyCar.com|access-date=13 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211100127/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/41218-sayonara-twin-ring-motegi/|archive-date=11 February 2011}}</ref>


==Scheduling==
==Scheduling==
From 2003-2006, the race marked the final IRL race before the [[Indianapolis 500]]. The extended travel time required typically found the race held the weekend before or after [[Easter]], leaving one or two weeks of travel and rest time until practice began at Indianapolis in early May. This situation was widely unpopular for fans, and for television, because it would leave a large gap in the schedule, and disrupt continuity leading to the series' premier event. In 2007, the race at Kansas Speedway was moved immediately after Motegi, and would serve as a more popular lead-in to the Indianapolis 500.
From 2003 to 2006, the race marked the final IRL race before the [[Indianapolis 500]]. The extended travel time required typically found the race held the weekend before or after [[Easter]], leaving one or two weeks of travel and rest time until practice began at Indianapolis in early May. This situation was widely unpopular for fans, and for television, because it left a large gap in the schedule, and disrupted continuity leading to the series' premier event. In 2007, the race at Kansas Speedway was moved immediately after Motegi to be the race preceding the Indianapolis 500.


In 2008, following the open wheel unification, the race served as part of the unique "doubleheader" weekend with the [[Long Beach Grand Prix]]. Existing IRL-regular teams raced at Motegi, and former Champ Car teams raced at Long Beach. For 2009, in an effort to reorganize the IndyCar schedule, the race was moved to September on the [[Respect-for-the-Aged Day]] and [[autumnal equinox]] [[Public holidays in Japan|public holidays]], also kept for 2010.
In 2008, following the open wheel unification, the race served as part of the unique "doubleheader" weekend with the [[Grand Prix of Long Beach]]. Existing IRL teams raced at Motegi, and former Champ Car teams raced at Long Beach. For 2009, in an effort to reorganize the IndyCar schedule, the race was moved to September (swapping with the [[MotoGP]] event) on the [[Respect-for-the-Aged Day]] and [[Autumnal Equinox Day|autumnal equinox]] [[Public holidays in Japan|public holidays]], also kept for 2010.


Following the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake and tsunami]] in Japan, it was announced that the 2011 event will be moved to the 2.98 mile road course (used by [[MotoGP]]) due to damage to the oval.<ref>[http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43221-series-keeps-japan-date-to-run-road-course/ Series keeps Japan date, to run road course
Following the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|2011 earthquake and tsunami]] in Japan, it was announced that the 2011 event would be moved to the 2.98 mile road course (used by [[MotoGP]] but utilized oval pit lane rather than traditional pit lane due to lack of room) due to damage to the oval.<ref>[http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43221-series-keeps-japan-date-to-run-road-course/ Series keeps Japan date, to run road course ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606034107/http://www.indycar.com/news/show/55-izod-indycar-series/43221-series-keeps-japan-date-to-run-road-course/ |date=2011-06-06 }}</ref> The 2011 event was the final running, a decision made before, and unrelated to, the earthquake and tsunami.
]</ref> The 2011 event will be the final running, a decision made before, and unrelated to, the earthquake/tsunami.


==Past results==
==Past winners==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 95%;"
|-
|-
! Season
! rowspan="2"|Season
! Date
! rowspan="2"|Date
! Winning Driver
! rowspan="2"|Driver
! rowspan="2"|Team
! Chassis
! rowspan="2"|Chassis
! Engine
! rowspan="2"|Engine
! Team
! colspan="2"|Race Distance
! Report
! rowspan="2"|Race Time
! rowspan="2"|Average Speed<br>(mph)
! rowspan="2"|Report
! rowspan="2"|Refs
|-
|-
! Laps
!colspan=7|USAC Championship Car history (Non-championship, [[Fuji Speedway|Fuji]])
! Miles (km)
|-
|-
!colspan=12|CART Champ Car history
| 1966
| October 9
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Jackie Stewart]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]
| [[Mecom Racing Team]]
| ''[[1966 Fuji 350|report]]''
|-
|-
| align=center|[[1998 CART season|1998]]
!colspan=7|CART Champ Car history
| March 28
|-
| {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Adrian Fernández]]
| [[1998 CART World Series season|1998]]
| [[Patrick Racing]]
| March 28
| [[Reynard Motorsport|Reynard]]
| {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Adrian Fernández]]
| [[Reynard Motorsport|Reynard]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
|align="center"|201
| [[Patrick Racing]]
|align="center"|311.349 (501.067)
| ''[[1998 Budweiser 500k|report]]''
|align="center"|1:57:12
|align="center"|159.393
| [[1998 Budweiser 500k|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=1998 Budweiser 500K|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1998_Budweiser_500K/R/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1998 Motegi Champ Cars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1998-motegi-champ-cars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[1999 CART World Series season|1999]]
| align=center|[[1999 CART season|1999]]
| April 10
| April 10
| {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Adrian Fernández]]
| {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Adrian Fernández]]
| [[Patrick Racing]]
| [[Reynard Motorsport|Reynard]]
| [[Reynard Motorsport|Reynard]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
|align="center"|201
| [[Patrick Racing]]
|align="center"|311.349 (501.067)
| ''[[1999 Firestone Firehawk 500k|report]]''
|align="center"|1:46:01
|align="center"|176.195
| [[1999 Firestone Firehawk 500K|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=1999 Firestone Firehawk 500K|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/1999_Firestone_Firehawk_500K/R/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1999 Motegi Champ Cars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/1999-motegi-champ-cars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[2000 CART World Series season|2000]]
| align=center|[[2000 CART season|2000]]
| May 13
| May 13
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Andretti]]
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Michael Andretti]]
| [[Newman/Haas Racing]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
|align="center"|201
| [[Newman/Haas Racing]]
|align="center"|311.349 (501.067)
| ''[[2000 Firestone Firehawk 500k|report]]''
|align="center"|1:58:52
|align="center"|157.154
| [[2000 Firestone Firehawk 500k|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2000 Firestone Firehawk 500K|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2000_Firestone_Firehawk_500K/R/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2000 Motegi Champ Cars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2000-motegi-champ-cars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[2001 CART World Series season|2001]]
| align=center|[[2001 CART season|2001]]
| May 19
| May 19
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Kenny Bräck]]
| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Kenny Bräck]]
| [[Team Rahal]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]]
|align="center"|201
| [[Team Rahal]]
|align="center"|311.349 (501.067)
| ''[[Firestone Firehawk 600|report]]''
|align="center"|1:44:48
|align="center"|178.113
| [[2001 Firestone Firehawk 500k|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2001 Firestone Firehawk 500K|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2001_Firestone_Firehawk_500K/R/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2001 Motegi Champ Cars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2001-motegi-champ-cars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[2002 CART World Series season|2002]]
| align=center|[[2002 CART season|2002]]
| April 27
| April 27
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Junqueira]]
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Bruno Junqueira]]
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Lola Racing Cars|Lola]]
| [[Toyota]]
| [[Toyota]]
|align="center"|201
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
|align="center"|311.349 (501.067)
| ''[[2002 Bridgestone Potenza 500|report]]''
|align="center"|2:00:05
|align="center"|155.447
| [[2002 Bridgestone Potenza 500|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2002 Bridgestone Potenza 500|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2002_Bridgestone_Potenza_500K/R/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2002 Motegi Champ Cars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2002-motegi-champ-cars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
!colspan=7|IRL IndyCar Series history
!colspan=12|IRL IndyCar Series history
|-
|-
|[[2003 IndyCar Series season|2003]]
| align=center|[[2003 IndyCar Series|2003]]
| April 13
| April 13
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Scott Sharp]]
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Scott Sharp]]
| [[Kelley Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Toyota]]
| [[Toyota]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Kelley Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2003 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|2:21:18
|align="center"|129.09
| [[2003 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2003 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2003_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2003 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2003-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2004 IndyCar Series season|2004]]
| align=center|[[2004 IndyCar Series|2004]]
| April 16
| April 16
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dan Wheldon]]
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dan Wheldon]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2004 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|1:49:48
|align="center"|166.114
| [[2004 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2004 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2004_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2004 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2004-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2005 IndyCar Series season|2005]]
| align=center|[[2005 IndyCar Series|2005]]
| April 30
| April 30
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dan Wheldon]]
| {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Dan Wheldon]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2005 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|2:16:46
|align="center"|133.365
| [[2005 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2005_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2005 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2005-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2006 IndyCar Series season|2006]]
| align=center|[[2006 IndyCar Series|2006]]
| April 22
| April 22
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]]
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]]
| [[Penske Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Penske Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2006 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|1:59:01
|align="center"|153.248
| [[2006 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2006 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2006 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2006-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2007 IndyCar Series season|2007]]
| align=center|[[2007 IndyCar Series|2007]]
| April 21
| April 21
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Tony Kanaan]]
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Tony Kanaan]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
| ''[[2007 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|-
|[[2008 IndyCar Series season|2008]]
| April 20
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Danica Patrick]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2008 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|1:52:23
|align="center"|162.295
| [[2007 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2007_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2007-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2009 IndyCar Series season|2009]]
| align=center|[[2008 IndyCar Series|2008]]
| April 20
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Danica Patrick]]
| [[Andretti Green Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
|align="center"|1:51:03
|align="center"|164.258
| [[2008 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2008_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2008 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2008-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| align=center|[[2009 IndyCar Series|2009]]
| September 19
| September 19
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]]
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]]
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2009 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|1:51:38
|align="center"|163.401
| [[2009 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2009 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2009_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2009 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2009-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2010 IndyCar Series season|2010]]
| align=center|[[2010 IndyCar Series|2010]]
| September 18
| September 18
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]]
| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Hélio Castroneves]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Penske Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|200
| [[Penske Racing]]
|align="center"|309.8 (498.574)
| ''[[2010 Indy Japan 300|report]]''
|align="center"|2:04:04
|align="center"|147.008
| [[2010 Indy Japan 300|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2010 Indy Japan 300|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2010_Indy_Japan_300/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2010 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2010-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[2011 IndyCar Series season|2011]]
| align=center|[[2011 IndyCar Series|2011]]
| September 17
| September 17
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]]
| {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Scott Dixon]]
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Dallara]]
| [[Honda]]
| [[Honda]]
|align="center"|63
| [[Chip Ganassi Racing]]
|align="center"|187.929 (302.442)
| ''[[2011 Indy Japan: The Final|report]]''
|align="center"|1:56:41
|align="center"|96.635
| [[2011 Indy Japan: The Final|Report]]
|align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Indy Japan: The Final|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2011_Indy_Japan_The_Final/O/|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2011 Motegi Indycars|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/races/2011-motegi-indycars/|work=Motor Sport|access-date=October 21, 2021}}</ref>
|}
|}


=== Notes ===
*Qualifying record: [[Dan Wheldon]] 201.165&nbsp;mph (323.743&nbsp;km/h), 2004
*Qualifying record: [[Dan Wheldon]] 201.165&nbsp;mph (323.743&nbsp;km/h), 2004
*Race record: [[Dan Wheldon]] 166.114&nbsp;mph (267.334&nbsp;km/h), 2004
*Race record: [[Dan Wheldon]] 166.114&nbsp;mph (267.334&nbsp;km/h), 2004
*'''2008''': Held on same day as [[Long Beach Grand Prix]] due to scheduling conflict as a result of reunification.
*Note: Because of Open-Wheel Reunification in 2008, the 2008 Indy Japan 300 race was a half-field race. "Transitioning" teams at Long Beach raced for full IRL points despite using the former Champ Car codes.
*'''2011''': Race held on road course due to track damage on the oval from the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|earthquake]].

==See also==
* [[Japanese Grand Prix]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{Refbegin}}
==External links==
*[http://www.twinring.jp/indyjapan/ Indy Japan 300 Official Site] {{ja icon}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110202135518/http://www.twinring.jp/indyjapan/ Indy Japan 300 Official Site] {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.champcarstats.com/tracks/motegi.htm Champ Car Stats]
*[http://www.champcarstats.com/tracks/motegi.htm Champ Car Stats]
{{Refend}}

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[[Category:Indy Japan 300| ]]
[[Category:Indy Japan 300]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1998]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events established in 1998]]
[[Category:Recurring sporting events disestablished in 2011]]

[[ja:インディジャパン300]]
[[pt:Indy Japan 300]]
[[ru:Indy Japan 300]]

Latest revision as of 14:08, 29 March 2024

Indy Japan 300
IndyCar Series
VenueTwin Ring Motegi
First race1998
First IRL race2003
Last race2011
Distance304 miles (489 km)
Laps200
Previous namesFuji 200 (1966)
Budweiser 500k (1998)
Firestone Firehawk 500k (1999–2001)
Bridgestone Potenza 500k (2002)
Indy Japan 300 (2003-2010)
Indy Japan: The Final (2011)

The Indy Japan 300 presented by Bridgestone was an Indy Racing League IndyCar Series race held at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan. The 2008 race marked the historic first ever win for a woman driver in American open wheel racing when Danica Patrick of Andretti-Green Racing took the checkered flag.

The first American open-wheel race in Japan was held in 1966 at Fuji Speedway. Jackie Stewart won the Fuji Japan 200, which was held as an exhibition race, and no championship points were awarded. USAC did not return.

For a short period in the late 1980s and early 1990s the CART series explored the prospects of holding a race in Japan. Possible locations would be either Suzuka, Fuji, or a street course in another city. The FIA objected, citing conflicts with Formula One and other interests. In addition, rules were put into place requiring that any CART race outside of North America be held on an oval. Despite the objections, in 1991 CART made their first trip across the Pacific Ocean, and held a street race at Surfer's Paradise, Australia. The plans for a race in Japan were scrapped.

In 1994, Honda joined the CART series, and by 1996, was widely successful. Interest in holding a race in Japan resurfaced, and upon the completion of the Twin Ring Motegi oval, a race was first held in 1998 without FIA objection. The race continued as a CART event through 2002. In 2003, Honda switched alliances to the Indy Racing League, and the race became an IndyCar Series event. On February 9, 2011, it was announced that the series would not return to Motegi for the 2012 season.[1]

Scheduling

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From 2003 to 2006, the race marked the final IRL race before the Indianapolis 500. The extended travel time required typically found the race held the weekend before or after Easter, leaving one or two weeks of travel and rest time until practice began at Indianapolis in early May. This situation was widely unpopular for fans, and for television, because it left a large gap in the schedule, and disrupted continuity leading to the series' premier event. In 2007, the race at Kansas Speedway was moved immediately after Motegi to be the race preceding the Indianapolis 500.

In 2008, following the open wheel unification, the race served as part of the unique "doubleheader" weekend with the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Existing IRL teams raced at Motegi, and former Champ Car teams raced at Long Beach. For 2009, in an effort to reorganize the IndyCar schedule, the race was moved to September (swapping with the MotoGP event) on the Respect-for-the-Aged Day and autumnal equinox public holidays, also kept for 2010.

Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, it was announced that the 2011 event would be moved to the 2.98 mile road course (used by MotoGP but utilized oval pit lane rather than traditional pit lane due to lack of room) due to damage to the oval.[2] The 2011 event was the final running, a decision made before, and unrelated to, the earthquake and tsunami.

Past winners

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Season Date Driver Team Chassis Engine Race Distance Race Time Average Speed
(mph)
Report Refs
Laps Miles (km)
CART Champ Car history
1998 March 28 Mexico Adrian Fernández Patrick Racing Reynard Ford-Cosworth 201 311.349 (501.067) 1:57:12 159.393 Report [3][4]
1999 April 10 Mexico Adrian Fernández Patrick Racing Reynard Ford-Cosworth 201 311.349 (501.067) 1:46:01 176.195 Report [5][6]
2000 May 13 United States Michael Andretti Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford-Cosworth 201 311.349 (501.067) 1:58:52 157.154 Report [7][8]
2001 May 19 Sweden Kenny Bräck Team Rahal Lola Ford-Cosworth 201 311.349 (501.067) 1:44:48 178.113 Report [9][10]
2002 April 27 Brazil Bruno Junqueira Chip Ganassi Racing Lola Toyota 201 311.349 (501.067) 2:00:05 155.447 Report [11][12]
IRL IndyCar Series history
2003 April 13 United States Scott Sharp Kelley Racing Dallara Toyota 200 309.8 (498.574) 2:21:18 129.09 Report [13][14]
2004 April 16 United Kingdom Dan Wheldon Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 1:49:48 166.114 Report [15][16]
2005 April 30 United Kingdom Dan Wheldon Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 2:16:46 133.365 Report [17][18]
2006 April 22 Brazil Hélio Castroneves Penske Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 1:59:01 153.248 Report [19][20]
2007 April 21 Brazil Tony Kanaan Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 1:52:23 162.295 Report [21][22]
2008 April 20 United States Danica Patrick Andretti Green Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 1:51:03 164.258 Report [23][24]
2009 September 19 New Zealand Scott Dixon Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 1:51:38 163.401 Report [25][26]
2010 September 18 Brazil Hélio Castroneves Penske Racing Dallara Honda 200 309.8 (498.574) 2:04:04 147.008 Report [27][28]
2011 September 17 New Zealand Scott Dixon Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda 63 187.929 (302.442) 1:56:41 96.635 Report [29][30]

Notes

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  • Qualifying record: Dan Wheldon 201.165 mph (323.743 km/h), 2004
  • Race record: Dan Wheldon 166.114 mph (267.334 km/h), 2004
  • 2008: Held on same day as Long Beach Grand Prix due to scheduling conflict as a result of reunification.
  • 2011: Race held on road course due to track damage on the oval from the earthquake.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Lewandowski, Dave. "Sayonara, Twin Ring Motegi". IndyCar.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2011.
  2. ^ Series keeps Japan date, to run road course Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "1998 Budweiser 500K". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  4. ^ "1998 Motegi Champ Cars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  5. ^ "1999 Firestone Firehawk 500K". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  6. ^ "1999 Motegi Champ Cars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  7. ^ "2000 Firestone Firehawk 500K". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  8. ^ "2000 Motegi Champ Cars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  9. ^ "2001 Firestone Firehawk 500K". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  10. ^ "2001 Motegi Champ Cars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  11. ^ "2002 Bridgestone Potenza 500". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  12. ^ "2002 Motegi Champ Cars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "2003 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  14. ^ "2003 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  15. ^ "2004 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  16. ^ "2004 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  17. ^ "2005 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  18. ^ "2005 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  19. ^ "2006 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  20. ^ "2006 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  21. ^ "2007 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  22. ^ "2007 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  23. ^ "2008 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  24. ^ "2008 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  25. ^ "2009 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  26. ^ "2009 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  27. ^ "2010 Indy Japan 300". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  28. ^ "2010 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "2011 Indy Japan: The Final". Racing-Reference. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "2011 Motegi Indycars". Motor Sport. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
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