The opening round of the 2009 All Japan Dirt Trial Championships was held at Maruwa Autoland Nasu in Tochigi prefecture. The morning started off with light rain, but by the second heat the rain was coming down constantly. Because of this, most cars ended up setting their best times in the first heat.
In class N2, 8times consecutive champion Hara was 4th in the first heat but set the top time in the second heat to take the overall win. This was the perfect start for his challenge on his 9th championship.
From this season, Kojima previously in class N1 moved to SA1 class and changed cars from Integra (DC2) to Integra (DC5). Even though he said he is still not used to the new car, his pre-event preparation paid off as he received his first win in the new class.
In class SA2, Nishimura entering JDC for the first time has shown a great performance to finished 5th, and his future looks bright ahead.
In SC1, Yamamoto introduced his new Civic Type R (FD2). With plenty of preseason testing, he set the top time on Saturdays practice round. During the first heat, he was on his way to set the best time, showing off the car's full potential, until he unfortunately had to retire due to a spin. Even with the rain coming down in the second heat, he was able to make up for his spin to finish 5th overall. Please look forward to more action from Yamamoto this season.
In class SC3, veteran driver Sumiyama finished in 2nd position. This season looks to hold more fierce battles with his main rival Yatagawa as each round unfolds.
The next round will be held at Mobility Omuta on 19th April. |