GT5 Transcripts/Honda Mobil 1 NSX (JGTC) '01

Nakajima Planning, a race team founded by former Formula 1 driver Satoru Nakajima, entered a Mobil 1-sponsored Honda (Acura) NSX in the 2001 Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC). The NSX, which underwent a thorough change in 2000 that centered on a specially built smaller gearbox, was at the peak of its competitive power. The 2001 model was an improved version of the previous model where the gearbox was strengthened for better reliability.
Driving the car for Nakajima were Tsugio Matsuda and German racer Dominik Schwager, a duo active in the Formula car racing scene. This year marked the first time Matsuda contested in the JGTC. Unfortunately, the NSX suffered a setback with new regulations concerning the shape of the roof-mounted air snorkel. The new shape resulted in loss of engine power, which gave it a big disadvantage coming out of corners. Adding to the dismay was the 50-kg weight handicap subjected to all mid-engine cars. 
Thanks to a clever pit strategy, the Schwager-Matsuda won the fifth race at Twin Ring Motegi, but after that things went downhill. The car failed to earn any more championship points and stalled in the rankings at 8th place. Nevertheless, spurred on by Nakajima's famous name, the white-colored Mobil 1 NSX was a crowd favorite at almost every JGTC venue and thrilled many fans that year.
Category:GT5 Transcripts