Maze Sea Circuit, motor racing circuit in Niigata, Japan
Maze Sea Circuit is a racing track in Nishikan-ku, Niigata, stretching about two kilometers with fifteen turns designed into its layout. The smooth asphalt surface accommodates both cars and motorcycles, offering a mix of high-speed straightaways and technical corners for drivers to navigate.
The track was established in 1967 by a local doctor named Yoshikazu Fujita who wanted to create a place for motorsport activities. It underwent major reconstruction in the 1970s, closed in the late 1970s, and reopened in 1987 with an improved layout that added a chicane and enhanced safety features for drivers.
The location is easily accessible by car with parking available nearby for visitors. Food stalls and small shops appear on race days, making it convenient to spend time here, though you should bring hearing protection as engine noise is substantial.
The track hosted rounds of the D1 Street Legal drifting series in 2008 and 2018, where drivers perform controlled slides and spins. These national events demonstrate how this regional circuit attracts serious competitors and fans from across Japan.
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