At Fuji Speedway, which by mid-October has finally started to feel like autumn, shakedown tests of the Knight Sports RX-8, which has been upgraded to 2010 spec, were held. It will participate in the Macau Grand Prix Road Sport Challenge Class.
Compared to the 2009 model, engine output has been increased by about 100ps, and tyres with greatly improved overall performance, including better grip, have been provided with the cooperation of Yokohama. Also, in conjunction with the increase in output, the final gear ratio, suspension and brake system have been altered, increasing the competitiveness of the car significantly.
Last year, the car suffered great damage in a crash during qualifying, and since sufficient repairs could not be carried out, the car had to compete in the race in a condition where it was barely drivable. However, with Tatsuya Tanikawa's aggressive driving it was able to achieve an overall result of 2nd place. This year, the goal is naturally to improve upon that result.
Team representative Mr. Hidefumi Nakamura commented, "I am relieved that the shakedown was completed without any problems. The main goals this time were to check each part, set-up the parts with changed specs and get a feel for the turn-in of the vehicle, but it was also possible to get a better lap time than expected. On the 26th, it will be loaded onto a ship bound for Macau. Looking at this year's entry list, although the class is different, it seems that about three R35 GT-R cars will be participating. I think that since the GT-R's speed in a straight line is remarkably fast, it will likely become a fierce race where cars will catch up on the mountainous section of the course, but the distance will increase on the straight section by the seaside. Of course, the capabilities of the RX-8 have also been improved, so with the advantage of experiences up to this point, if a good set-up can be found, there are good prospects for victory. I want to achieve results better than last year, so please cheer us on."

MZRacing plans to dispatch staff to report on the on-site situation at the 2010 Macau Grand Prix, Road Sports Challenge Race, in which Knight Sports is participating.