Moto GP Motegi

Hey all...am venturing to Japan from Australia in 3 weeks as an
accompanying teacher on a school trip...have managed to score a couple
of days without the kids and as such, have booked some tickets for the
Moto GP at Motegi...

Having never been to any GP or race track before, wondering if anyone
has any tips for Motegi...have also purchased a paddock pass...anyone
had this at Motegi...

Any advice for how best to enjoy my day would be great.

Ky

 

Ky,
I went to Motegi in 99, just a month after the terrorist attacks in the US,
so I hope that was the main reason why it was quite a dud. I've heard that
Motegi is not a favorite among teams or fans, but I hope you have a great
time.

I stayed in the grandstand at the start/finish line and didn't find it a
great viewing track. If you have time, you might want to wander around to
look for the best vantage point.

The paddock was great! Access to the privateers in the 250 & 125 classes
was about as good as at a club event. All of the racers are milling around
too. I got to stand right next to several, but didn't bother them. Mick
Doohan must be one of the most focused people ever to walk the earth.

Concessions at the track are pretty good, and several of the promotional
models were gorgeous Fool that I am, I never went into the Honda Museum,
though it looks really impressive in photos.

You're probably taking a bus to the track? If so, it's a long ride back
into Tokyo. The roads get real full, so make sure you're ready for a long
sit (maybe 3 hrs about).

Everything is well run, but there aren't many people who speak much English.
Maybe it was the crowd, but I found staff at the track to be a little less
patient/polite than the usual very polite Japanese.

Have fun,
Richard

 

Thanks for your advice Richard...I wasn't able to get a stand ticket
due to the fact I only found out I was getting rid of the kids two
weeks ago, but having got a non-reserved free seating area, I figured
I would just ensure that I get there early enough to wander around for
a good vantage point. Kinda thinking up around the bends near the
long straight (next to course side parking area) ...

I appreciate you letting me know also about the paddock pass...I was
told it was a bit of a special thing so I was hoping it would be what
you had told me...(and now I've no doubt the other half will want
photos of the promotional models..heh heh)

Being a Ducati fan (D'antin), but having owned the good ole CBR600, I
will make the most of my time at Motegi and will visit the Honda
Museum for sure...thankfully I know a bit of Japanese to get me
around, but perhaps a few extra key phrases might be handy for my day.

As for the long ride home, that'll probably be the worst thing about
the whole venture, but having just attended my first Moto GP, I'm sure
I won't be too bored on the bus

Again, thanks for taking the time to let me know about the track...you
wouldn't believe the hassles I've had trying to get information and
tickets...

Cheers
Ky

 

Ky,
You're welcome. It sounds like you're well prepared and know what to
expect. I think the only thing I forgot--though you'd figure it out
quickly--is that the access to the paddock is via an escalator and then
tunnel under the middle of the stands. There is a security check for passes
in the tunnel, so make sure they give you your pass at the ticket booth.
My guess is your ability to view the track is actually better somewhere
other than the stands. The stands are separated by an oval indy car thingy,
and you only barely see a couple corners, plus the jumbotron. I bet
somewhere on the back half you can see more.
Have a great time.
Richard