Festival aims to lift motor sports’ image, popularity

Drift drivers demonstrate their skills at Koza Motor Sports Festival.

Drift drivers demonstrate their skills at Koza Motor Sports Festival.

A motocross driver shows he can jump.

A motocross driver shows he can jump.

Okinawa Prefecture does not seem to be very friendly to motor sports of any kind. Practically no motors sports events are organized on the island anywhere, and the few that take place have proven not to be particularly popular among local people.

In order to do something to boost the popularity of motor sports, a group of local enthusiasts organized the first Koza Motor Sports Festival a year ago that took place at Koza Sports Park. Encouraged by the response, the Koza Motor Sports Festival 2016 will take place at the same venue this weekend, on Nov. 5 and 6. Admission to the event is free and it runs from 9:30 to 17:00 on both days. The park is located just off the Okinawa Minami exit/entrance of the Okinawa Expressway.

The event will feature a display of various racing cars with appearances of top drivers from on and off the island performing demonstration drives. The public will also have a chance to experience riding in racing vehicles with professional race drivers during the event.

A variety of exhibition booths will display machines by two-wheel and four-wheel vehicle makers, custom cars and police cars. There’s a pro drivers’ talk show and live music event on a stage as well.

The venue is at Koza Stadium.

The venue is at Koza Stadium.

The demonstrations and displays feature FMX free style motocross, drift, Gymkhana, kart, bike Gymkhana, 4WD trial, mini bikes, bike trial, radio controlled cars, drag racing among others.

A limited number of visitors will have a chance to drive in vehicles with their children. Participants to this event will be chosen by a drawing.

JAF is organizing a traffic safety class for children, who will then given a special Kids’ Safety License.

As parking in the area is very limited, organizers urge visitors to use public transportation to and from the area. Temporary parking is available at AEON Mall Rycom, Awase Fishing Port and Okinawa City Farmers’ Learning Center. Free shuttle buses run from the parking areas to the festival venue and back every 20 to 30 minutes.

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00:55 30 Mar , 2024