Replica GT40 racing in Japan?

[Keith]

Any of you guys know anything about a "GT40" racing in Japan's premier motorsport series, Super GT?

I had heard that a "Ford GT" was racing in it but not a GT40.

Just caught the re-run of a race at Sugo and the commentator mentioned a GT40 quote: "built in South Africa, not to be confused with a Ford GT obtainable from Ford Motor Company" Unquote. Saw a very brief clip of the car in question moving very slowly(!) but difficult to say what it's pedigree was.

Apparently, this car has been quite successful, finishing as high as 5th recently.

If this is true, then the racing history of the GT40 and it's derivatives including clones and replicas continues 40 years on which would be a fantastic record for a single model. Super GT is a world class series with all of Japans major automotive players entering factory backed machines, and is the fastest of all GT classes worldwide.

So, if there is anyone out there with further info, please post here!rockonsmile

 

[The Dutch(Jos Vervoorn)]

Old post ...

Hi there,
A few months ago i posted the following:

http://www.gt40s.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18491&highlight=japan

You can find more info on : http://www.dhg-racing.net

 

[Strobe]

Keith
Looks like Ford new pedigree with 3.5ltr implant!

http://supergt.net/en/

Would be quite a circle to see a return to top flight racing for the original body!

Steve

 

[Lee]

From one of those links I managed to find 5 pages of photos but nothing with much detail. From the sharp 'point' on the front of the front clip it looks like a CAV of some form. Here is page 2 of the 5 pages. Links to the other pages ia across the bottom of this one.

http://www.dhg-racing.net/gallery/list.php?sct=gt300&rnd=2#

 

[Keith]

Thanks for the replies. It's very confusing - the car on the DHG website looks nothing like the one I saw racing at Sugo and they refer to it as a "Ford GT".

The commentator was very specific that the entry was a "GT40 and NOT a Ford GT"

Finally, they have made the classic mistake of mixing images of scantily clad Pit Popsies with racing cars and now I cannot remember what the car looks like at all.

 

[Gordo]

Reply

I was at the GT rally last week and a fellow from New Zeeland told me that the car was a "tube frame" racer with a GT body. Not thought of too highly I was told.

Gordo.

 

[Keith]

Thanks - that sounds like the one. It wasn't travelling too quickly at Sugo but got a 5th in class (I assume GT300) in the previous round. I'd like more detail though. As it was allegedly built in South Africa, perhaps our SA forum buddies could chime in?

'Ello 'ello 'ello? Wots that there Avitar there then my good fellow?

 

[Ron Earp]

Wasn't one of the Baily Edwards GT40s racing in a SA series? Could be that car in Japan.

Ron

 

[Strobe]

I think there is confusion here though cause to my knowledge Peter has the only GT down here in active racing. Not in Japan though!

Anyway, these manufacturers would not miss a chance at free advertisment in a high profile series and it would be all over their websites!

I think this is a Ford GT in Japan, will do some digging in SA though!

 

[Strobe]

Here is the PDF excerpt from their site on the rspecs of the Car running GT300, Would guess since they name Ford GT??? but who knows, maybe a Sbarro replica!

 

[Keith]

Thanks. The commentator was most specific:

"built in South Africa, not to be confused with a Ford GT obtainable from Ford Motor Company"

Very confusing. If it IS a replica GT40 then as already stated it would be an amazing histporical milestone in motorsport. Bit like a Lotus 49 running in F1 today....