For my next post from the Idlers Games at Tsukuba Circuit, I thought I'd take a break from the on-course action and share some of the images I shot while exploring the paddock. With all of the cars on hand, one could easily spend the whole day wandering about, taking in the fantastic machinery up close.
As you can tell by the previous posts, the event was paradise for AE86 fans. You see boro boro AE86's all the time in Japan, but the cars here obviously get no shortage of TLC from their owners.
Here's another view of the Suzuki Cappuccino that was the front-runner in the GT-K class. The beefy tires mounted on SSR mesh wheels hint at what this monster kei car is capable of.
Here's a static view of the current evolution of Nakai-san's 930. Can you spot the changes since the last time we've seen this car?
The car is now rocking flat black wheels that match the body color well. Note the Virgin logos on the spokes…
I thought the Hard Rock Cafe and Hollister logos on the rear spoiler(s) were pretty cool. Outside of a few donks and scrapers in the USA, you don't see too many non-automotive brand logos on cars. Will this catch on elsewhere?
There were a handful of track-tuned aircooled Volkswagens out. That Ghia is still one of the coolest classic VW's I've ever seen. Too bad our VW month already passed…
In fitting with the "GT Fighters" class name, this 180SX had a true GT car style to it. Unfortunatley it would end up retiring following a multi-car crash during the opening moments of the race.
This tuned Fiat 500 wasn't running, but it was still getting a lot of attention from people in the paddock. Chrysler-Fiat, hurry up and get this car to the USA!
Are we looking at a quick body fix here, or the beginning of the JDM Porsche "rat look"? 
Does anyone else notice the resemblance between this AE86 and one owned by a certain Japanese high profile automotive personality?
This was one of two Mazda Autozam AZ-1 kei cars that were running. I'm fairly well-versed on my old school Japanese wheels, but I couldn't identify these ones. Anyone have a guess?
The maroon RWB Porsche is another car that proves that form and function are never mutually exclusive. Look at how the lips of the wheels just barely pop out from under the fenders. Beautiful…
Another view of the Lancia Beta Coupe I posted earlier.
And a glimpse into the car's stripped out cockpit. I love how close the shifter is to the driver's seat.
Look closely at the rear bumper, and you can see the turbocharger that helps propel this 993. This car would end up finishing second in the Super Cup race.
I believe some of you wanted to see more of this S15. This car is the definition of a high quality track-ready street car.
I don't think any caption can summarize the raw beauty of the RWB 993.
Another shot of Nojima-san's Levin. I didn't think it'd be possible to improve on how the car looked last year, but I think he's managed to do just that.
The car is nothing less than automotive artwork. Even better is the fact that it's a 100% functional car used on both the street and the track.
After a long day at the track, the machines begin their trips home. Some leave on the back of transporters while others roll out of the gates like any other car…
Idlers club. Is there anything better?
-Mike Garrett