2009 I Heart Honda Kumpoo at Tsukuba Circuit - Spring Flings

The Type One DC5 Integra takes ghostriding the whip to a whole new level.

Despite falling into the days of the rainy season in Japan, Tsukuba Circuit opened its paddocks to the warm sun and a cool breeze to welcome the second I Heart Honda event, entitled Kumpoo. The Japanese word kumpoo, not to be confused with "kung pao" the Chinese chicken dish made famous by Panda Express, is a seasonal haiku phrase meaning "the final winds that blow before summer." I don't know anyone in the import industry who's chic enough to come up with this snappy title other than Tatsuru "Ichi" Ichishima from Spoon Sports. Not a surprise as I Heart Honda is Spoon's pet project.

Just like the inaugural I Heart Honda that took place last year, more than a thousand Honda cars gathered. But unlike the first event, this event was on a weekend so the attendance was larger at approximately 5,000-plus Honda fans who came to see, experience and touch the cars they "heart" so much. Ichi says, "I Heart Honda is where Honda lovers, whether new or old, can come and enjoy these wonderful cars." He also added that "this time we have even more activities all during the day like the Best Motoring/Hot Version DC5 One Make Race, the Civic One Make Race and the VTEC Saisoku Battle." The Hot Version cast of Keiichi Tsuchiya, Michigami Ryo, Yuji Ide, Manabu Orido and friends were all on-site to compete in these special battles and sign autographs for the fans. A talk show with the drivers hosted by J-Wave DJ and occasional racecar driver, Piston Nishizawa was also a crowd pleaser.

The track wasn't limited to driving by these JDM superstars since there was plenty of time for the visitors to go out with their own cars on the track. Over 200 cars signed up for the track day portion making the driver's meeting more like a casting call for American Idol with track marshals shouting out instructions on the PA. The unquestionable stars of the day were the demo and race cars representing the top tier Honda tuners of Japan. J's Racing, Top Fuel, Seeker, Vision, ASM, Prodrive, HKS, Arrows, Max Racing and obviously Spoon Sports. First time shops Orangeball, Hyakushi, Racing Gear, Seidoya and Arvou also showed up symbolizing their Honda spirit for all to see.

By Taro Koki

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