The long weekend wasn’t over, nor was 402 Automotive, as the Cathedral of Speed changed shape from Super to Supra, hosting another Japfest! It’s a car event that requires no introduction, attracting thousands of car enthusiasts, pure JDM lovers, and car owners every year. It was a day packed with several activities around the track, including quarter-mile racing, multiple hot lap sessions, and the Hour of Power, among others. Not to be forgotten is the paddock of the circuit, which was the place to be for admiring your favorite JDM car, purchasing merchandise and beverages, obtaining more detailed information about competing vehicles at the Show and Shine, or simply enjoying a few minutes on a race simulation.

Text: Benjamin Wefer,
Pictures: Benjamin Wefer,

The paddock was the place to be if you wanted to spot your favorite JDM car. There were all kinds of Japanese brands and models, from fully rebuilt ones to project cars, from the newest versions to the very first models.The paddock was the place to be if you wanted to spot your favorite JDM car. There were all kinds of Japanese brands and models, from fully rebuilt ones to project cars, from the newest versions to the very first models. One car spotted on the paddock, which was unique, was the GR Supra GT4 100th Edition Tribute in Victory Orange. The what? Let us break it down for you. To commemorate the 100th build of the Supra GT4 race car, Toyota has launched two special-edition models, one of which is road-legal, the Supra RZ Plasma Orange 100 Edition (only made for Japan). To keep the celebration ongoing, Toyota Europe launches the Supra GT4 100th Edition Tribute in Victory Orange. Only 100 of these were produced, and only three were delivered to the Netherlands. Remarkable is that this one was number 1 of 100!

But for the best of the best, the best of show stand was where you needed to be. Several car owners showcased their vehicles in front of the audience and jury. Presenter Roland interviewed the owners to gather more details and the history of the cars. Competitors had two choices: either the Best of Show or the Best of Show Classic for the old-timers. The best of the five winners on the classic cars were a Subaru Impreza from Stefan, a Honda Civic from Kenny, a Mazda MX-5 from Jurrien, and the Honda S2000 from Manuela. The top five Best of Show awards went to Daniel Merten’s Toyota Supra, Rogier’s Mazda RX-7, Erik’s Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, and Hester’s Toyota Chaser. Congrats to all winners.

With all these Japanese cars in one place, of course, you needed to know who was the fastest on the block. “402 Automotive” had that cover—two hours of heads-up racing between several cars and, including heads-up races between bikes. Race master Leo Honders was operating the Christmas tree and guided new timers to pre-stage and stage their vehicles. Around 20 cars and 15 bikes entertained the spectators with some thrilling races.

On the starting line, we spotted Tymon Wijngaarde. The Wijgaarde family is a well-known name in drag racing on the island of Curaçao. Tymon and his 1990 Honda Civic (ED-6) have a long history together. He bought it in 2009. Wijgaarde replaced the original engine with a B16A1 and began customizing it bit by bit. He was a frequent drag race participant during previous Japfest editions till 2014 when he was obligated to sell it. He then moved away for a while to pursue RC car racing. Meanwhile, the Civic stood still for over a decade. Last year, Wijgaarde repurchased his old Civic, and after some minor tune-ups, he is now living the fast lane.

Another well-known name on the grid was Lisette de Koning, also known as Lola Racing. Lisette had just returned a few weeks ago from a major racing event in the UK and was now at Japfest to relax and enjoy the day. She is an authentic JDM enthusiast with a deep passion for cars (read our interview with her to learn more about her history).

Besides the quarter-mile races, JDM car owners had the opportunity for some hot laps on the track. There were several twenty-minute sessions where owners could enjoy their cars at maximum speed, and spectators had the time of their lives from the grandstand, hearing the roar of the JDM engine.

And, of course, the car display moment was part of Japfest during the hour of power. Hour of Power is the latest addition to 402’s events at the track, where several stunts are performed, including donuts and drift demonstrations, which culminate in a display moment. Only the most prestigious cars are showcased in front of the grandstand, receiving the ultimate photograph of the event. And a breathtaking view that you will never forget.

The first edition of this year’s Japfest is a fact. It’s a Supra Monday with only the best JDM cars. For all JDM enthusiasts looking for more, the next JDM-focused car event will be Japfest Zolder at Circuit Zolder in Belgium on July 13, 2025. Be there!