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【Day2】14 Oct 2017
Once-a-year interaction with locals becomes precious memory
The sky was gloomy this morning, but at least it's not raining, so the entrants would be able to drive at ease compare to the previous day. The departure time was at 7 a.m., but many of the entrants were already checking the condition of their car by starting the engine before 6 a.m. as if they were talking to the car.
The rally for day two took a route of approximately 330 km from Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture to Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture. Stamp points and competition points were set in a hot spring town and a shopping street on the route, so the entrants had an opportunity to spend time with local people. Not only those who were looking forward to this annual classic car event, but also those who happened to be there warmly cheered the entrants. The entrants were also really excited about this once-a-year interaction with the locals, and gifts that they receive every year at stamp points and a little chat with them have become precious memories.
Since it was Saturday, many children also came to see the event at each spot. They were cheering the cars with their eyes shining, waving a flag and giving a high five to the entrants. The entrants driving a classic car, its engine sound, and the smell of gasoline must be unforgettable for the children.
Some patches of blue sky appeared on the way and the rain held off. Since as many as eleven PC competitions were canceled on day one, the entrants were all psyched up for today's competition. A PC competition took place on Takada Honcho Shopping Street and the results were announced on the spot. Surprisingly, three teams clocked the exact same time as a designated time. It is very difficult to clock an exact time in a PC competition because competitors are timed in 1/100 second. Not to mention condition of car, various factors such as the weather and temperature of the day directly influence competitions, and the key is how a driver and a co-driver synchronize their timing and compete as one. Any team, a team of father and son, husband and wife, brothers, sisters, or friends, must trust each other to achieve a good result. The enthusiasts were having a heated battle toward their goal.
On day three, the entrant will take a route of approximately 320 km from Karuizawa Town, Nagano prefecture to Hakone Town, Kanagawa prefecture. They will make another good memory in the next town too.
*A troupe of performers that portray notable characters from Japanese history.
(text & photo:Mika Iwamoto) |
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