# The Chaotic Debut of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka


In May 1963, the Japan Automobile Sports Association (Jasa) faced a monumental challenge as it organized the nation’s inaugural international grand prix at the newly opened Suzuka race track. This historic event was not without its share of chaos and confusion, setting the stage for a memorable yet tumultuous race.

## A Grand Venue with High Expectations

Suzuka, which had just opened its doors eight months prior, was designed primarily as a testing ground for Honda’s motorcycles. The venue boasted excellent facilities and attracted a diverse lineup of international drivers and vehicles. However, despite the promising setup, the event struggled to draw spectators. As noted by Autocar, “Despite excellent amenities, an interesting field of international drivers and cars, and efficient pre-race planning, there was little to attract a spectator back.”

## A Flawless Race, But Chaotic Support Events

While the main sports car races proceeded without incident—often resembling “near carbon copies” of one another, with Lotus 23 drivers dominating the podiums—the support races were marred by disarray. Autocar reported that scrutineering was lax, with no serious checks to ensure compliance with FIA regulations. Many cars flaunted modifications, such as four-speed gearboxes instead of the standard three-speed, and dual electric fuel pumps alongside mechanical ones.

Protests from team representatives led to some reinspections, but the oversight remained insufficient. The situation escalated when it became evident that several Japanese manufacturers had homologated various optional gear and axle ratios, complicating fair competition. Ultimately, Jasa decided to limit protests to issues of weight and capacity, disregarding other concerns raised by teams.

## A High Carnage Rate and Controversial Outcomes

The racing conditions were perilous, particularly in the touring car category, where 23 out of 100 cars were written off during practice, with a similar fate befalling many during the races. Drivers voiced their frustrations over being forced off the track, leading to an “appalling carnage rate.”

The sub-1300cc GT race was fiercely contested but marred by incidents, including a car overturning on lap 10 and the disqualification of the Austin-Healey for an undersized windscreen, which controversially benefited a local motorcycle racer.

In the 1300-1600cc touring car race, chaos reigned as Vauxhall Victor driver Soichi Sakai swerved erratically down the main straight, nearly colliding with a pit signaling official. The crowd erupted in protest, and at the race’s conclusion, Sakai faced the ire of spectators, with stewards disqualifying him only after the race had ended.

## More Surprises on Day Two

The second day of racing brought even more surprises. Arthur Owen, driving a Jaguar E-Type, was so dominant in the over-2500cc GT race that competitors demanded his disqualification, arguing he was only invited to participate, not to win. Despite his refusal to step down, Jasa awarded the trophy to second-place finisher Tatsu Yokoyama, leaving Owen with a trophy inscribed in Japanese that read “Best Performance by Guest,” a bitter consolation prize.

## A Promising Future for Japanese Motorsport

Despite the tumultuous events of the inaugural Japanese Grand Prix, the experience served as a learning opportunity for Jasa. By the time the series returned to Suzuka in 1964, significant improvements in driving standards and sportsmanship were noted, paving the way for a brighter future in Japanese motorsport.

In conclusion, the chaotic debut of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka remains a fascinating chapter in motorsport history, illustrating the challenges of organizing a major racing event for the first time. As the sport evolved, so too did the standards and expectations, ultimately leading to the rich motorsport culture Japan enjoys today.