Yeah. there have been 2 branded this way in the US in the last 2 years.
the first one was at California speedway almost 2 years ago. They had a demo race of JGTC cars as well as one of the first large draw time attacks and a D1 expo. Lots of booths, etc.
The last one was this spring at PIR in AZ. A more similar set up to the one happening at VIR. Its a real cool mix of JDM race/time attack cars, Grand Am cup cars, and an all around zoo. The draw in SoCal was significantly larger than expected. I'm curious to see what the draw will be in rural Virginia. Its only 1 hour from the Triangle in NC (my old home town) so I assume there will be a good turn out.
And for those of you who haven't been to VIR, it is IMO the nicest all around race track in the US. Extremely fun to drive, lots of places to watch from, lots of grass, places to camp, etc.
I am SOOO stoked to be going to this. It was an unexpected invitation for me. I frankily didn't think I was fast enough to be considered. I'm really excited. I'll have to figure out how to look bored like the "real" pro drivers. I'll be embarassing my Japanese hosts as I'll be the only guy in thier driving suit trying to get more pictures of things than people are taking of thier pit box.
There is a Mazda car show and you can enter your car in the Tarzan "my car challenge". Come on out! I'd like to see some of the east coast cars come out.
I also just discovered that the Mine's skyline will be in the US and in the care of Spoon USA at this point. I also believe the Sun Evo will be there. tons of super sick cars.
Matt