About the Circuit
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.
Track Layout
Real name: Shomaru Pass (正丸峠)
Technical Specifications
Length
7.0 km
Elevation
300 meters
Corners
35+ tight technical corners
Surface
Irregular asphalt with patches
Difficulty
High
Type
Technical downhill and uphill
History
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.
Key Points of the Route
The Canyon Curve - Blind corner with deep ravine
Wataru's S - S-curve combination where he defends his territory
The Narrow Bridge - Narrow section requiring precision
The Twin Hairpins - Pair of consecutive hairpin turns
The Summit Straight - Highest point with panoramic views
Skills to Master
Northern Saitama Alliance Drivers
Wataru Akiyama
Líder de la Alianza
Vehicle
Toyota Corolla Levin
180 CV
Nobuhiko Akiyama
Piloto de Velocidad
Vehicle
Toyota Altezza
200 CV
Kyōko Iwase
Piloto de Drifting
Vehicle
Mazda RX-7
280 CV
Sakamoto
Piloto de Agilidad
Vehicle
Suzuki Cappuccino
64 CV
Circuit Dangers
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
Trivia
- 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