TRACK GUIDE: Autopolis

Submitted by Kirk Pedersen on Fri, 2009-10-09 09:00

Opened in 1990 for an unheard-of cost of $500 million, Autopolis is located near Kamitsue village in Japan and is a tricky little track that you’ll have fun with in SHIFT. 

   

  Autopolis was built by ambitious Japanese investment banker Tomonori Tsurumaki, who envisioned a luxury resort on top of a mountain along with an artificial ski slope and art by the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso where other wealthy people could watch races and escape from the hectic Japanese lifestyle.   Three years after it was finished, Tsurumaki’s company went bankrupt and the resort – which had three hotels as well as the aforementioned ski slope and fine art - was up for sale. It changed hands twice more since and is currently owned by motorcycle giant Kawasaki.    Tight turns, sharp corners and cool scenery are a part of what makes Autopolis so much fun to drive. Amusement park rides and mountains light up the background, but don’t stare too long.   Currently, Autopolis hosts events in the D1 Grand Prix, Super GT and Formula V6 Asia racing series.