Zandvoort Circuit, The Netherlands 26th July 2020: JAPFEST; Who needs more explanation? With lock-downs being removed from boarder countries, greenlight for car events in The Netherlands and Petrol Heads in need for speed where the right combination for a successful JAPFEST. Not forgetting a sunny summer temperature forecast for the Sunday, which contributed to a sold out JAPFEST.
Text: Benjamin Wefer
Picture: Benjamin Wefer/Quincy Marquita

A lot of car enthusiasm found their way to the newly rebuild ‘Formula 1 ready’ track. Zandvoort Circuit went through several changes ( like the Arie ‘Luyendijkbocht’ got turned into a more Nascar look alike curve) over the winter period for what supposed to be the first race in 35 years (last Grand prix was held in 1985). But due to obvious reason, this was postponed to 2021.

backend of the start grid with ‘Arie Luyendijkbocht’ in the back

But for now we can enjoy the track by organizing the first official Covid-19 proof car event of the year; JAPFEST! And this event didn’t go unnoticed; a paddock full of cars, from the most iconic Japanese cars, to the most exotic styled ones to the most recent ones. Good attendance of visitor (all within NL Covid-19 regulations!)

Also well represented on the club paddock was the Mazda Club from Belgium. A very young club which was founded only 2 years ago and has now 200 registered member and over a thousand community members.

A what seems to be a traditional appearance during JAPFEST is the crew from ‘Sneaky Tuning’. Well represented by several member including a well-known Quarter mile Drag car; Goldy owned by Maruli van Haastert. Don’t let this beaty fool you. This Honda civic might seems like a daily car, but this wolf in sheep clothes will do a quartermile in 9.70 seconds (Best E.T)!

Sneaky Tuner: Andy Winklaar

Goldy disguise as a street car

And what is a Japanese car event without quatermile races? And the boys from cannabis energy where ready to go ‘old skool’ with Leo “Hoon it till the wheels fall off” Honders at the starting line. Making sure nobody jumped the line and got a fair start. The races where close, especially within the 60ft. so intense that Leo’s hair was all confused, judge for yourself.

.	Leo’s Hair after some close 60ft.

And the absolute winner during the quatermile (Car) races is Nathan Dumee, in his 1997 Honda civic Hatchback. Richie Palacios, took the second place  in his Skyline R33 GTR. Third place when to Patrick Kreuter in his yellow Toyota Supra MK5 2020.

Suzuki GSXR dominant during JAPFEST quatermile races. Randolf Meulens on his 2008 Suzuki GSXR1000 who takes the win at zandvoort, leaving Valentino Merckens also on a 2008 Suzuki GSXR1000 in second place. Third place went to Christy Rekers on her 2001 Suzuki GSXR

1st place Randolf Meulens

2nd Place Valentino Merckens

3rd Place Christy

JAPFEST was also host to the first Time Attack round of this 2020. In the Club class (limited to not quicker than 2.10 sec) , it is Ben Jansen who takes the win. Ben also set a new PB of 2.10 seconds at 117 km/hrs. average. We asked Ben how the new track felt, which he replied; ‘with the modification done to the track, I am now 2 seconds quicker than last season, with a faster car you would be able to get more out of the track!

2nd place in the club class when to Wim van Putten, just 1.13 seconds behind Ben. Dominik Okruhlansky took the third place with a 2.12 seconds lap. In the Time Attack Pro class, the absolute winner was taken by Christian Hafer with a two minute flat run, follow by Patrick Gillich just 1 second behind him (2.01 seconds).

Ben Janson; Winner Time Attack Club class.

Beside all the racing, JAPFEST was host to Best in Shine & REV Battle, see table below for winners
Best of Show
1st Place Toyota Celica
2nd Place Jeffrey Duyck (Honda CRX)
3rd Place Bas van Dongen (Toyota Supra)

Rev Battle
Winner Jens Wolfent (Mitsubishi Eclipse)

2 Step rev Battle
Winner John Bentalge (Honda Civic)

JAPFEST; The first covid-19 proof car event of the year got some blessing from the weather gods contributed in its success. And this didn’t go unnoticed. A car event which had it all; Quartermile races, rev battles, a parade, Time Attack, Best of Shine and many more. Next stop, GR8 Summer Jam – International Carshow 2020 at Breepark Breda (The Netherlands) on 22nd 23rd August. Make sure you don’t miss it!