However, 2002 proved everyone wrong. The team powered through all 24 hours flawlessly, taking Fifth Place overall in the R34. Invigorated once again, Falken vowed to return in 2003, and we couldn't have been happier. The team called and gave us the exclusive chance to not only feature the car, but to witness it in action as well. You probably read about that last month ("Up Since May," Oct. '03), but if you didn't, here's what it was like: Drink 28 Red Bulls, stay up on your flight to Germany, run a marathon, stay up another night for the race, and then keep yourself awake to shoot the car after everything is over. It was tiring, but this is the reward: Falken's Skyline in our book. Chew on that one, suckas.
So, how did the race go? It was an adventure to say the least. Endurance is the name of the game here, and the R34 proved to have more spirit than a troop of cheerleaders in a naked pep rally. What, your school doesn't have naked pep rallies? It embraces every sweeping curve and each harrowing straight with the calm lucidity of a native Hawaiian on a 16-foot wave for hours and hours on end. This dependability kept it firmly in Third Place until a con-rod unfortunately split off and ripped an ausfahrt in the oil sump. The searing hot oil splashed onto the glowing exhaust pipes, causing an instant fire. Fortunately, the track staff, like a German version of Backdraft, extinguished the flames before a forest fire broke out, but not before it had a chance to melt the engine's cables, hoses, and everything else in its path. So was that the end? No way. The Falken team re-entered two hours later with the same car at 56th Place, winding up at 53rd overall.
Though this may be the last year for this particular R34, we hope Falken feels up to the challenge to build another beauty and bring it to the Nrburgring in 2004. We trust the team has some tricks under its belt, and we're looking forward to another chance to witness the underdog take its fans for a ride, hopefully next time to First Place. But before then, we'd just like to enjoy the memories of a spectacular race involving a highly inspirational car. R34, we salute you.
Fast FactsOwner The Falken Tire CorporationHometown Osaka, JapanRide Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (Nr-special)Daily Grind Rolling blackoutsUnder The Hood Nissan RB26DETT Nr special engine displaced at 2771 cc, Getrag six-speed manual transmission, twin-plate metal clutchRollers 11x18-inch Enkei wheels, Falken 290/60R18 tiresStoppers Project disc brakesInside Bride seat; Takata harnessStiff Stuff Tein coilovers
By Boyd Jaynes
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