HeatTreated

JGTC is one of my favorite races to watch.. especially rooting for the RE Amemiya cars in the past years.
- that is, WHEN I could catch it on 'Nascar' Channel (oops, I mean Speed Channel)

I found this story about Amemiya and thought Id share to the others like me who are off for 4 days and spending way too much time surfing the net.

anyways, I really hope Mazda.jp helps in his efforts sometime very soon.

-= read on =-

The article is from 2002


RE Amemiya Veteran Specialist in Racing Rotary Engines
In the 1980s, Mazda's rotary engine dominated a number of American races as the power plant of the Mazda RX-7 and other models. Following the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours victory by the Mazda 787B, the company's rotary engine became a common topic of conversation around the world. After hard battling with other major names like Mercedes, Jaguar, Porsche, Peugeot and Nissan, the Mazda rotary engine-powered car gave an exceptional performance, showing fantastic speed and reliability.
However, recently the rotary engine seems to have faded from the major competitions in the world of motor sports. But not so in Japan, where a private specialist, RE Amemiya Racing, continues to challenge the top runners in the JGTC Series.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Mr. Isami Amemiya

Unique

Isami Amemiya, engineer, tuner and owner of the team, is a unique character in the JGTC, not only because of his racing activities but his special personality as well. He can often be seen in the paddock being asked for an autograph or having his picture taken with young girls. Because of his friendly and openhearted style, everyone likes Amemiya.

He started his carrier as a rotary engine specialist in a rather peculiar way. He had a love for cars since his childhood and dove headfirst into the world of the automobile at the age of 15. "I became a sheet metal and painting technician."

After working hard at the profession for a number of years, Amemiya opened his own shop at the young age of 21. Looking back on his early days, he commented, "It was by pure chance, but there quite a few Mazda cars among our clients. One day, I started trying to dismantle the rotary engines of some the cars that had been in accidents. It was long time ago that I began groping my own way." Since then, Amemiya has spent his entire carrier single-mindedly in the line of working on Mazda rotary engines.

In 1974, he opened his first tune-up shop and took part in drag races that were on the American military base in Tachikawa, Tokyo. From there, he extend his motor sports activities, engaging in various drag race events with models like the Mazda RX-3 and RX-7 powered by rotary engines that he personally tuned. His name rose to fame as the "rotary engine tuner."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Graduation to the JGTC
In the 1980s, he began his involvement in circuit racing in earnest with, of course, Mazda cars powered by rotary engines he had tuned. It was during this period that, in addition to tuning engines, RE Amemiya began working on chassis and body development. His age, 33 (i.e., born in 1946).

As an engine-tuning technician, he took part in many local races and several big events, and finally moved into the largest race series for the car's category, the JGTC, in 1995. But why has he persisted using the rotary engine?
"Because, originally we started off tuning rotary engines, and that is all that we have done so far as a tuning shop. So I cannot work on reciprocal engines."

Here is a man that knows all there is to know about Mazda rotary engines tuned for racing. So, what advantages does he feel that the rotary has over the reciprocal engine?
"The Mazda rotary engine has many common components among the different types of engines. So one example is that it is easy to overhaul."
What about the weak points?
"The rotary engine does not have strong torque, and it's impossible to increase the bore to increase displacement."

The JGTC has become quite successful, attracting large spectator crowds and getting excellent media coverage. Entrants in the series include big constructor-related works teams like Mugen-Dome Project, Toyota Team Tom's, Toyota Team SARD, Toyota Team CERUMO and NISMO in the GT500 class. Recently, the trend has even reached the GT300 class, with constructors more or less supporting the top teams running cars like the Toyota MR-S, Nissan Silvia and Subaru Impreza.

Under such circumstances, what about RE Amemiya? They are making a go of it on their own. Since the time Mazda Speed ended practically all of its activities in 1999, Amemiya has been forced to do everything solo. In spite of this, RE Amemiya has won races and fought numerous close battles with the constructor-supported teams.
"To be honest, when talking about the structure of a team, budget is the essential factor. This is what we lack. If you don't have a sufficient budget, it's not possible to have a good team structure. People often speak of 'private teams' in an overall sense, but there are actually several kinds. Some have their car built by the factory. Even though I have difficulties raising funds and we work hard to keep on racing in the JGTC. I think this gives added enthusiasm to the people gathered at the circuit."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Fighting a Lonely Battle
Production of the Mazda 20B engine has already ended. Hence, RE Amemiya has to search for parts in wrecking yards. Does Mazda supply parts? "No they don't. " So it becomes easy to imagine this entirely private team developing a car from scratch to compete with works teams.

The JGTC cars have become really sophisticated recently. Many of them are developed and built using computer analysis methods, where the technologies continue to advance. Take suspensions, for example... The current trend is to use inboard-type damper units: the dampers are mounted horizontally in the wheel housing, like the suspension of a Formula car.
"We've reached out limit," revealed Amemiya.

The No.7 Mazda RX-7 entered by RE Amemiya Racing fought for the 2001 Championship Title until the final round of the season.
"Yes, because our mechanics worked so very hard. But this year, it has become more difficult, and it will be even more difficult next year."

Even so, the high performance of the No.7 car presents it as a contender for the series title. The car, driven by Haruhiko Matsumoto and Nobuteru Taniguchi, finished sixth in the first round and claimed the fastest lap during the GT-A test sessions at Sugo. It's terrific that a truly private team that develops its car entirely on its own continues to show such promise as it takes part in the races.
"Yes, both the mechanics and drivers work very hard."

You mean, it's a complete team effort... The drivers, the mechanics, everything?
"Exactly. I don't think that there is really that much of a difference in driver ability. The driver has to communicate well with the mechanics to get the car set up correctly. I think the drivers that can do that get the good results. Communications are very important, and in that respect, I think our team is going in the right direction."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




2003 SEASON
As RE Amemiya has risen to fame, the company remains busy tending to its business of tuning Mazda rotary engines, chassis' and bodies. But what about their plans for the coming seasons in the JGTC?
"Without any help from the constructor, it is difficult... Moreover, next season the technical regulations will change to allow even more advanced modification of the car, and this is a disadvantage for private constructors or tuners like us."
Amemiya's face instantly filled with an intense look of pain...
"If we get even a little bit of help from the constructor, we'll be able to continue on with the rotary engine. That is our desire. A new model, the Mazda RX-8, will be introduced to the market next year. We want to study the possibilities of racing with that car. But we don't have any plans at the moment. It's just what we want to do..."
Depends on Mazda?
"Yes."


A first-class private engine tuner specializing in the Mazda racing rotary engine, and a highly skilled chassis and body tuner, RE Amemiya is indispensable part of the JGTC.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Copyright 2002 JGTC.net. http://www.jgtc.net

clayne

Thank you for posting this.

I want to point out one thing:

"The Mazda rotary engine has many common components among the different types of engines. So one example is that it is easy to overhaul."

Which is why more people should start learning how to do their own rebuilds. For the following reasons:

Cost (big one).
Close connection to your own car and engine.
Knowledge, experience, learning.
Getting away from relying on rebuilding and reman. outfits as a way of fixing engine issues.
Increasing the field of knowledgable rotary rebuilders rather than relying on a small field of "experts."

So many people are afraid of the nebulous dark magic within the rotary engine when it's not anymore complex than a piston engine - probably less so.

It seems these days the biggest issues are parts availability.

luiml73

iTrader: (1)

good Article!!


Mazda better do something to help this man and the Company

diablone

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for posting that HeatTreated.

And I agree with clayne's comments on people rebuilding. Sure some people may just not have the time or space to do the job, but theres plenty out there preaching how few parts a rotary has, and still never touching them.