Origins of Suzuka - 1960s Japanese Sports Car Racing - Assetto Corsa

[@GreenHornet553]

Just a follow up to something you pointed out at 11:57 in the video. Degner corner was indeed named after a motorcycle racer. East German motorcycle racer Ernst Degner, to be exact. As the story goes, Degner had a gust of wind lift the front wheel of his 50cc Suzuki and bailed out of the crash at turn 8. To mark the first crash, Suzuka decided to name the curve after him. Degner had another crazy crash at Suzuka in turn 2 when his 250cc bike crashed in 1963 and then burst into flames, being saved by the marshals and needing skin grafts to mend his burns. Degner's crashes at Suzuka aren't the only thing he's notable for, as he was also a world class bike racer and the reason why Suzuki became the king of two stroke technology. Basically Degner took the knowledge he learned from MZ lead designer Walter Kaaden about the two stroke engines they had and sold it to Suzuki in exchange for his freedom out of East Germany and being the top racer for the Hamamatsu outfit's racing team. Anywho, great video as always GPLaps. Love seeing the old Suzuka layout made into a track map.

[@I_Hate_Youtube_Handles]

The story of MZ is another wild ride that will make you really dislike Degner lol

[@truantray]

Matt Oxley wrote a great book about how Nazi rocket research in Peenemunde led to MZ two stroke technology stolen by Degner for Suzuki. Stealing Speed could be a great movie.

[@W4ZEL]

What a wildly interesting story

[@GreenHornet553]

@@I_Hate_KZbin_Handles On one hand Degner certainly did Walter Kaaden dirty by taking technology that gave MZ a leg up on the competition and selling it to Suzuki. That blew the little upstarts from the Warsaw Pact's chance at glory and left MZ to twist in the wind while Kaaden remained a footnote. On the other hand, there was no life to live in East Germany. No matter what MZ or the East German state could promise him in terms of luxuries, Degner was going to be living in a police state with no future and be under consistent watch of the Staasi had he stayed. Furthermore, the technology he stole from MZ and gave to Suzuki for his freedom ended up being more beneficial outside of the Eastern Bloc and helped create a motorcycle revolution where many bike manufacturers used Kaaden's work as a foundation to make leaps in bike tech for the masses that MZ was never going to be allowed to do because of limited resources and how tight fisted the Soviet Union was on its Eastern Bloc states. Bulgaria ran into a similar problem when it was trying to advance computer technology when an agreement with US tech company Rockwell and Bulgarian computer company Pravetz was blocked from Moscow out of fear Bulgaria would move closer to the West. If there's anyone to be mad at, it would be Suzuki for trying to erase Kaaden's name from history when it came to his work on two strokes. You could also argue that Degner should have talked Kaaden into escaping to the West with him, but given the situation it's hard to say.

[@danesorensen1775]

In his book, Jack Brabham reminisces about the deal he did with Honda to become their works Formula 2 team for 1966. While he was considering the deal, Honda offered him a motorcycle to test at Suzuka, and he came back saying that, "If Honda ever get their F1 cars to run as well as their bikes, the rest of us will be in trouble." He was right, but it didn't really happen for another couple of decades. (He and Denny Hulme went on to steamroll that year's F2 championship.)

[@StarkRaven59]

Honda's motorcycle arm, specifically Honda Racing Corporation, HRC, has been a historical powerhouse of bike design and Grand Prix weaponry.

[@Jakeoff17]

Jake absolutely killin it with that transition at the start

[@DanLMH]

Dat premiere pro cross zoom effect lol

[@LivingDeadPunker]

The transition from the roadside veiw to the cockpit was absolutely masterful!

[@Cloudman572]

The racing was great to watch but the commentary and history was just awesome, thanks.

[@DevilZ432]

Beautiful video as always Mr.Laps

[@jinxed_jinxed_3443]

I loved the transition at the start of the racing, nice.

[@SetsunaTheFandom]

I had no idea Daihatsu would make a prototype like the P5 until watching this video. Other than that, I find this track really interesting especially when you look between real-life Suzuka we have today with this version. Amazing scenery.

[@truantray]

So many unknown historic cars exist in Assetto Corsa.

[@cyberfutur5000]

Wow this is a beautiful track. I mean modern Suzuka still is one of the, if not the coolest tracks out there. But this has a flippin castle. (what happend to it?) and the hills on the side... it suzuka, but more beautiful and way, way, way more terrifying... The lamp posts and the slopes... go wide drop five meters in oncoming traffic or right into a steel post.... And given it's suzuka it'll rain a lot. I really want to race this in 60s GP cars. Thanks for sharing your passion with us

[@mdp26]

Peppy, small sportscars in the 60's: Shift up around 5800, but make sure you stay below 6000. Honda S800: Feel free to rev it above 9000, it's basically a motorcycle lol

[@ab8jeh]

Great intro piece as always. I still dont really understand why there are not more figure-8 tracks for the reason you describe (an equal balance of left and right corners). I made a fanatsy track called Pinwheel on AC, and this was one of the first guiding principles to have this even distribution.

[@Cloudman572]

I'm no expert but I guess it is problems with safely and lack of run off with bridges. That probably covers modern issues, maybe expense of figure 8, landscaping and racing bridge was problem earlier.

[@alixcoulter6824]

Pinwheel is a beautiful track! It has a great flow very reminiscent of vintage circuits. Would make for a good GP Laps video!

[@SockyNoob]

Pinwheel is neat

[@lazarbro]

The intros to these video make GP laps the BEST Sim racing content on KZbin. Honestly I could watch these visual histories all day long

[@mbgmadbull1141]

My itch to drive historical cars and courses is never cured because of your beautiful works of art you call youtube videos man. Keep it coming

[@johnedwards230]

I often wonder how tracks are recreated from 60 years ago with such accuracy

[@wendigockel]

I absolutely adore how your style of presenting videos hasn't changed a bit during the last few months, where the algorithm didn't show me any of your videos. The production value of GPLaps is great and always was!

[@SamuelsShea]

What I would give to see a video highlighting 70s Japanese sports car racing. Great stuff, Jake!

[@RemcoHitman]

Does 1967 count? 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpLPpIKMZsSsrK8feature=shared

[@elliotporterfield6921]

I just found your channel a couple days ago and I'm addicted. 10 years ago I spent all of my free time doing historic races against AI in rFactor and nr2003 and now you do it with a story and with great commentary. You rock.

[@artoodiitoo]

Makes me think Autumn Ring in Gran Turismo was possibly inspired by old Suzuka, Autumn Ring Reverse is like a miniature version of this

[@tylerroberts1276]

4:43 That was a great cut to the racing - Love that Honda engine note, sings like an expensive guitar or piano!

[@asciimation]

That track really showed off the lighting effects on the dash brilliantly. Watching someone else drive gives you time to notice things like that. Great film as always!

[@RicardoReisillustration]

Love this historic combos you come up with, I'll give this one a go later on! Thanks

[@mikemorgan8895]

As usual, the best content and commentary! Thanks Jake.

[@PastyOReily]

Just thought I'd leave a comment to say your content is outstanding as always mate 👍 much love and appreciation to you from little old England .

[@OgamiItto70]

Once upon a time (in the black-and-white, low resolution dawn of the television age) that very pale yellow color was called "TV White." Items (say, electric guitars, for instance) were painted that color in order to appear white on television. Items that were _actually_ painted white would be too bright and would wash out in the picture of the primitive TV cameras of the day.

[@wiegraf9009]

Damn that is some very interesting historical racing knowledge. Makes sense with Japan's racing color always having been white...

[@RickBarton]

Your commentary and story telling is top notch

[@Shakads]

12:02 "I don't know how I'd feel about having a corner I crashed in named after me" Could be worse... It could be a straight ! 😱

[@cat_03tv]

That combination of music, Jake's voice sounding like a historian and this awesome transition into the race were enough to already get a like from me. Wonderful track, wonderful car, awesome content as always :)

[@floscan]

Strange to think that they created such a good circuit inspite of having to literally cut through hills, where you have some recent F1 tracks where they had a literal blank slate to start with (like a purpose built island) but are no where near as good.

[@wiegraf9009]

In some ways a blank slate can be harder to work with. For example how the turn 1 hill at COTA keeps sinking because of the ground being unstable

[@BlueCJ]

Your videos never disappoint. I swear I've learned so much about racing here!

[@geoffmcwiggan2814]

I love your comments while you drive. You research is commendable, and you ain’t a bad steerer as well... maybe you can do a vid on a Brabham BT30 F2 car at a Australian race track as I had a relative that raced such a car back in 73

[@mazdaroadster-mx5]

the age of the legend Kunimitsu Takahashi. My favourite racer of all time, 2 and 4 wheels

[@GregzVR]

Another mesmerising video. Awesome stuff! I click, go full screen and watch to the end, even if the subject matter may or may not fully be my cup of tea.

[@donleblanc2669]

Loved this , so authentic ! Enjoy all your video s GPLaps 🤗❤

[@doyouhear8716]

This is a great video! Love the history, a bit of racing. Keep up the great work! Good to see somebody truly enjoying what they're doing on KZbin :)

[@caiuscosades6423]

Pre 1982 Suzuka has to be one of the most underrated race track layouts out there if not one of the greatest. Today Suzuka is an already amazing but in it's primal state. It's pure automotive porn beyond our wildest fantasies. The sweeping degner plus the chicaneless final turn with no Chicane are gems of motorsport forgotten to time.

[@Ikuconodule]

Bless you, Jake. Your videos are a joy every time. The transition from intro to race in this one was absolutely sick.

[@scotthecarnerd1995]

This is what racing is all about, buzzing engines, great circuit and close wheel to wheel action. Chef's kiss Jake beautiful 😉

[@AXIDNT66]

It's a shame so it's hard to learn about historic Japanese racing. Like South America, they have some really interesting cars and stories when you can learn about them, there just isn't a lot of info out there that you can find.

[@stinkyroadhog1347]

Seeing all the hills surrounding the circuit is so weird. Nowadays and even back in 1987 when F1 first turned up, the hills were all cutaway, elevation change was softened out and some corners got reprofiled. It's nice to see Suzuka in its purest form

[@SeyePhi]

I'm this close to ordering a GPLAPS hat. That's how much I enjoy this channel

[@Villoresi]

My body has kind of not been being my friend lately, so for me at least, this was just what the doctor ordered as far as I'm concerned. Another great look at the classics. And this track in particular has been one that we've needed a proper version of for a while. And I guess Sergio Loro has also released Vaca Valley now. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how many current cars would really look good in those specific shades of yellow. I agree though, for the period, they're great. There was a Mobara circuit (2.4 mi) used in 1952 from what I gather, but it's seemingly nigh impossible to find much of anything about it. Plenty of good stuff from Sergio, as well as Daniel over at HSS.

[@seangray4512]

Wow.....what a beautiful old Suzuka, no chicane before the start finish straight too!

[@andrewtsousis3130]

Excellent video! Suzuka is probably my favourite track.

[@ryklatortuga4146]

Toyota 2000GT - すばらし​い Su-Ba-Ra-Shii! - Makes the E-Type look like a real munter!

[@kiisseli8086]

Someone is going to hate you for that comment. :D But I agree.

[@MrMiniPilote]

Top notch as usual. Good stuff. I'll have to go dig up that stuff now. Thanks for the content.

[@fredscratchet1355]

Thanks Jake, yes Sergio certainly does some lovely cars and tracks, will definitely get these.

[@nikbear]

I could watch this all day! The track and car's look beautiful ❤ if I remember correctly, the legendary Japanese tuner, 'Pops' Yoshimura cut his teeth tuning the Triumphs and Mini coopers of the American airmen who were stationed in Japan, who used to race them on the air bases at the weekend 👍🏁

[@My40Love]

Another brilliant video man!

[@hvymtal8566]

As much as everything around Suzuka has changed, it's remarkable how the layout itself has changed very little. The only real character-altering changes were the change to degner, the casio triangle, and the motorcycle chicane. Otherwise it still feels all the part the same track the world first saw in the 60s, which is truly awesome! Easily my number 1 favorite anywhere Of the short versions of the track, the west course layout with chicane is probably the most fun IMO. Even without the iconic uphill esses the west course is a very dynamic and challenging layout, and great fun in both fast and slow cars Suzuka is one of the best tracks in the world, I really hope you come back to revisit it!

[@davidcoates9123]

Loved that one mate, thanks again.

[@vpreggie]

As usual your content is top notch. Relaxed, informative and good natured. Considering how many other streamers who have let me down as far as their “personal pursuits (*cough* Limitless *cough*) I am hoping and praying that you don’t ever go down that route. Your stuff is eagerly anticipated, and rewatched countless times.

[@rcr286]

Oh man...I downloaded this track when it came out, but I have yet to drive it. I know what I'm doing tonight! Great video.

[@KarlAdamsAudio]

Delightful. I was surprised that any S800 had five speeds, but that's one of the RSC upgrades from the standard car.

[@artoodiitoo]

My 1989 CRX has a similar "bump" in the bonnet to make clearance for the twin cams, maybe it was a small homage to the S800 20 years earlier ;>

[@vatch07075]

What a fantastic video. You're a great story teller. Would love to see a video like on Daytona or The Glen... maybe Seabring?

[@wiegraf9009]

I always assumed the titular castle in the Gran Turismo theme song "Moon Over the Castle" was Castle Nürburg, visible from the Nürburgring during the 24 hour endurance race, and I wonder if the castle at Suzuka was meant to recall that as well...

[@erickv9]

I think I have a new favorite KZbinr 🔥

[@TiaCertainly]

another great video!!!!!!

[@millennialchicken]

S800 is in my mid the most underrated mod for AC huge fun in lil car

[@unitoftemp]

Definitely trying this out after lunch.

[@squilliamtranceyson]

Thank you

[@IR_agri]

Great video also could i ask how u got to have all the riders leave at different times instead all at once in ur ride on the edge 3 video?

[@fluff5800]

Suzuka my favourite track!

[@Mark_Blanes]

Great video Jake, as always and such a fun blast from the past racing old suzuka. Please tell us what are the other cars in this race besides Honda S800 and the Daihatsu ? Is there a Toyota and what model ? Where can we find it to download please ?

[@earnshaw5]

I love Suzuka, a proper drivers circuit

[@miichaelneri4687]

Would love to see more American tracks if you have them. The Sebring race was awesome!

[@MikeVlcek]

This was fantastic :)

[@zootalk]

I wish you make a video showing us how to setup up your graphics, fov and real head motion.

[@jrojassengard2586]

sad to not see any Toyota S 800s, but still incredible!

[@AlguienMas]

Day 3 of asking GPLaps to do a video about F1 Challenge VB

[@bertram-raven]

Great video. Question: Can the "bloom" be reduced? I think it is blowing out the brightness during the day.

[@808Mordecai]

@GPLaps How did you change the position of the virtual mirror? I've been looking around and can't find any answers. Love your videos.

[@thebruzdog]

GPLaps the goat as always

[@HangmanOfficialUploads]

I really wish that AC modders put more effort into the trackside stuff. It's very lacking here too, same as the mass porting effort by Rainmaker. Maybe someone can improve it manually.

[@SeyePhi]

lots of work just to get this up

[@lukesmall7660]

Sick Video as always dude. PLEASE PLEASE make a video on how to set up ride5 for a wheel using that emulator you use. please

[@dinxsy8069]

With ACC still going strong, all the years of mods. i have to wonder what ACC 2 is going to offer besides new graphics

[@Dethmeister]

Hopefully a proper damage model, better convincing ai, day/night cycle with accelerated time, accelerated fuel consumption, etc.

[@sergioloro]

a mod market............ jaja.... just kidding

[@clintonmead]

Can you do an F1 race around this version of the circuit, maybe with some 60s F1 cars. Would love to see them slide through the Esses.

[@CommieFritzTheGreat]

sensational

[@ThisGuyMike]

Love the video, but you said it several times so it should be noted: Hugenholtz did not design Zandvoort. It was designed by 1927 Le Mans winner, S. C. H. "Sammy" Davis. The misconception that Hugenholtz designed the famed circuit in his home country is common.

[@fernandes5986]

Very good.

[@discodavid26]

What happened to that trackside castle?

[@johndifool2985]

When was that castle destroyed? Kind of a shame to demolition something like that. Google Maps shows some athletic fields in that location.

[@GPLaps]

I'm curious as well. I tried to learn a bit more information about the castle but I couldn't find anything!

[@MrShidPasta]

The castle was taken down in the late 60s to make way for more visitor activities

[@RTPJu]

Just want this in AMS2

[@CharlesB9496]

wow! Old suzuka looks like nurburgring!

[@RyanHellyer]

"It was a time before guard rails" ... said whilst looking at a guard rail in the background lol.

[@Cdjimmyjazznme]

Is that Peach's Castle?

[@KitamiK11]

What's that intro music?

[@GPLaps]

Its called "OK POP KO!" by Freedom Trail Studio

[@CptJET-he8nc]

👍

[@jasonoak4564]

The colours are so bright and washed out.