japanese Archives - Laidback Lifestyle

The SR Heritage Event Reignited My Love for Japan

Since the late ’80s, grip racers, drifters, and weekend warriors have played the distinct note of Nissan’s 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo-charged performance engine. Since then the SR20 seems to have a fanbase that has only grown. The SR Heritage event held at Shizuoka’s Fuji Speedway is a testament engine’s legacy. The cars and culture surrounding the engine things equally legendary.

Many consider the late ’80s and early ’90s the golden era of motorsports culture in Japan. Initial D, Best Motoring International, and games like Gran Turismo have elevated this twenty-year period of time a mythical status. Nissan’s SR engine was racing in the mountains, on the track, and straight into our hearts.

Below are photos of the event. An article will be linked below once written.

March 20, 2022March 20, 2022 by Laidbackmarco

One Year In Japan

June 16, 2019July 12, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

It’s A Small World

Waking up in the warm futon, the cold air made me resist the idea of ever leaving the blanket burrito. Hunger and thirst are things that push… Read more “It’s A Small World”

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

Being Sick In Japan: How I Get Over Colds

April 25, 2019April 25, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

Fuji Speedway Drift Event: Part 4

Fuji Speedway Drift : Winding Down

As the day winded down crews began swapping tires, relaxing, and preparing to leave as the sun started to set over one of the best days I’ve had. The Fuji Speedway Drift event was coming to a close. I had wished that the sun remain where it was forever and that this day wouldn’t end. This wasn’t just a golden hour of the day for photos, it was one of the golden moments of my life.

February 2, 2019February 23, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

Fuji Speedway Drift Event: Part 3

Seeing The Serious

Drivers make laps around the track was mesmerizing. With their driving ability, stickers, and chassis adorned with aggressive upgrades you could see the hours poured in. The jealousy bug bit me hard because I knew there were people who made a living from driving cars, meanwhile I couldn’t make money off of anything I tried. I imagined myself in the driver’s seat of one of the cars as it made its way around the small track.

January 29, 2019January 29, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

Fuji Speedway Drift Event: Part 2

Arriving at the Drift Event Late

I had missed the rain and arrived to the pleasing sound of engines roaring, tires squealing, and turbos hissing. In the parking area were people relaxing, chatting, and cooling down their cars after their time on the track. The atmosphere calmed me despite the loud noises of all the cars. I’m glad Japanese Drift Events are Chill.

January 29, 2019January 29, 2019 by Laidbackmarco

Fuji Speedway Drift Event

I just returned from

Tokyo Auto Salon so I was a reluctant to want to go to the drift event the following day. Money is getting to be a little tight. Low pay and my growing list of expenses made me hesitate to say yes. The continual debt that I owe my parents hung over me like a shadow as I put gas in my car. Stress stopped me dead in my tracks when I had to pay a tolls. Hungry I was hesitant to feed myself after watching the bills from my pocket drain.

I’ll be more stressed about money moving through the rest of the month. Feeling truly happy was worth it. At the same time it was also emotionally painful to be so close to a dream and constrained to the sidelines. In that way one of the most pleasurable moments in my life cut deep with a poisoned blade.