Record breaking crowds descended on Silverstone for another instalment of Japfest, bringing together the very best of Japanese car culture across all of Europe for the 2024 event.
Strong winds weren’t enough to stop Japanese car enthusiasts from flocking to the famous Silverstone circuit for Fast Car Entertainment’s season opener, Japfest 2024.
Over 20,000 spectators attended the event, taking in the sights of more than 3500 cars on display. From Kei cars, to 100s of MX-5s, what could be the UK’s largest selection of R35 GT-Rs in one place (149) and our show favourite, a wide-body Honda NSX NA2.
Track sessions are a big appeal of Japfest 2024, and each session was filled with a mixture of road-going builds to full on Time Attack specials, offering the sweet smell of petrol and the sounds of wastegates and rev-limiters.
eBay Garage
Located in the heart of the show was an extraordinary display from our title Japfest 2024 partner, eBay. On display was our very own eBay project car, the FN2 Civic Type R, accompanied by a clean Blobeye Impreza WRX STI and an anime-inspired 350Z. Show goers immersed themselves into the world of auto parts and accessories at the eBay Garage. Not only that, but visitors challenged their mechanical prowess in interactive competitions, winning exclusive eBay merchandise along the way. And for those looking for advice, expert ambassadors were on hand ready to help you source the perfect part for your vehicle.
Car Clubs
Car clubs are the reason we can put on such a huge event for spectators, and this year’s displays did not disappoint. There’s something aesthetically pleasing about seeing almost 100 examples of the same model in one area, each somehow different from the next.
Batallion30Five – Best Club Stand
With over 3500 cars on display, choosing our best club awards was no easy feat. However, with almost 150 Nissan GT-Rs on display, the Best Club Stand award had to go to none other than Batallion30Five. With examples of stock, original launch year (2009) cars on display, alongside the latest iterations, mixed in with high power or even show-ready cars was a pleasure to see.
Best One Make Club
Taking home Best One Make Club was the MX-5 Europe Club. Their members brought together Mk1, Mk2, Mk3 and Mk4 builds of all natures, emphasising the back-to-basics sports car that we’ve missed in the modern motoring world.
Best Regional Club
Best Regional Club was won by the Midlands MR2 club for its eclectic mix of builds covering all ages.
Club Hero Award – Sara Davidge
And as for the coveted Club Hero Award, this was deservedly given to Sara Davidge from Jap Owners Of Hampshire (JOOH) car club. Sara was nominated for her caring nature, and the effort she puts into organising club meets and convoys throughout the year.
Auto Finesse Detailing Academy
Auto Finesse were back with an army of builds, covering off old, new, show-style and track-attack. There was one common theme amongst the selection of cars in that they were all impeccably finished, with major attention to detail, and above all else, completely spotless.
Drift Kings Sponsored By Tire Streets
As always, Drift Kings were back with three drifting sessions wowing the crowds. The sounds of 2Js, RBs and rotaries erupted in a cloud of smoke, reminding us all that petrol-powered fun is still at the forefront of the car world.
Japfest 2024 Trade Village
Not only were spectators ogling over spectacular builds, they also had the opportunity to purchase car parts, detailing products and more from the bustling trade village.
Some of the show’s standout cars were brought along by traders, including GeoByLuke’s Pink S15 and D1 Toyota Chaser drift car. Elsewhere we spotted a bonkers S2000 drag car, complete with what might be the largest turbo fitted to a car at the show, and that’s including the drift cars. Check out the photo above!
Fast Car paddock
What would Japfest be without our very own display? We put together some past and future feature cars, including the FEEL’s Civic FD2 and Infiniti G37. We also welcomed Jegan and his beautiful wide-body Honda NSX, which drew in the crowds when parked up inside the pit garage. Alongside the NSX was Tom’s pink-liveried Chaser, with almost 500bhp being produced from its iconic 1JZ engine.
Street Elite Winner
Street Elite Sponsored by Auto Finesse
In place of the show and shine competition, the Street Elite paddock is made of unique builds, all of which are finished to an extremely high level, and detailed accordingly. Those on the paddock battled it out to take home the award for the winner of the Street Elite, but it was Beth Hepworth and her stunning Honda Civic EG that ultimately won.
Taking 2nd place in our Street Elite competition sponsored by Auto Finesse was Philip Goleby’s Nissan 200SX.
Taking the final runner up spot in the Street Elite was Dan Hawes and his Nissan Silvia S15.
Drift Taxis!
New for 2024 was a hotly anticipated show feature. While we love to have our professional drifters on hand offering demonstrations around the famous circuit, we wanted a feature that allowed you to get up close and personal with these cars, and to experience them for yourselves. As a result, show goers had the opportunity to purchase passenger rides in a number of different purpose built drift cars to experience what it’s like going sideways around a Gymkhana style layout.
