Shomaru Pass

Shomaru Pass is a winding mountain road in Saitama Prefecture, connecting Hanno with Chichibu. This 7-kilometer circuit is famous for its continuous technical curves and challenging surface. It's the home territory of Wataru Akiyama and the Northern Saitama Alliance, where they've perfected their technique over years of knowing every inch of the course.

Shomaru Pass has been an important trade route since the Edo period, connecting the cities of Hanno and Chichibu. In the 80s and 90s, it became a popular meeting point for touge drivers from Saitama. Wataru Akiyama grew up racing on these curves, developing an intimate knowledge of the circuit that allowed him to defend his territory against more experienced rivals, including members of Project D.

1. 01 The Canyon Curve - Blind corner with deep ravine
2. 02 Wataru's S - S-curve combination where he defends his territory
3. 03 The Narrow Bridge - Narrow section requiring precision
4. 04 The Twin Hairpins - Pair of consecutive hairpin turns
5. 05 The Summit Straight - Highest point with panoramic views

• Intimate knowledge of the local course
• Adaptation to irregular surface
• Braking in tight corners
• Control in blind corners
• Territory defense techniques

• Very irregular surface affecting stability
• Deep ravines without adequate protection
• Blind corners with local traffic
• Frequent morning fog
• Narrow road with little room for error

• Wataru Akiyama raced here his whole life with his AE85
• It's one of the few circuits where Project D had difficulties
• The irregular surface is famous for breaking suspensions
• Many drivers underestimate this circuit due to its simple appearance
• The Northern Saitama Alliance trained here daily