Around Mazda’s biggest event, Mazda Fan FestaThis time I went to Mazda’s biggest event, Mazda Fan Festa Tohoku 2025.
It is a great event for fans who own or love Mazda.
Of course, you don’t have to own a Mazda to attend the event.
In this article, I will introduce what the author did at the event and recommendations.
What is Mazda Fun Festa?
The Mazda Fan Festa 2025 in Tohoku was a participatory event for Mazda fans held at Sportsland SUGO in Miyagi Prefecture on April 5 and 6, 2025. At the venue, the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B and the RX-792P, which debuted for the first time in Japan, were demonstrated to fascinated visitors. Also on display were the MAZDA SPIRIT RACING ROADSTER 12R and the CX-60 Rally concept. In addition, motorsports competitions such as the Roadster Party Race III and the Matsudai endurance race were also held, allowing many fans to experience the appeal of Mazda.
Fee of Mazda Fun Festa
Advance Tickets
One-day ticket: 2,500 yen/person
Two-day ticket: 4,000 yen
Day ticket
3,000 yen
- Junior high school students and younger are free if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Parking fee will be charged separately.
My experience of Day 1 (Saturday)
circuit test ride
First thing in the morning, I went to get a numbered ticket needed to test drive the car. I really wanted to ride the MT Roadster, but had to give it up due to overcrowding. Instead, I was given a numbered ticket for the CX-60.
The test ride is not on the main circuit, but on the kart track. At the time indicated on the numbered ticket, the driver’s briefing begins, with an explanation of the course and disclaimers.
Once that is over, it is time to start the test ride. It is not often that I get a chance to drive on a circuit, so I had a very productive time.
You must have a numbered ticket for the test ride, so if you want to ride, you need to come early.
Also, don’t forget your driving license.
Demonstration run of the Le Mans winning Mazda 787B and talk show
At this circuit, there were about four B787 demo runs per day. After the demo runs, there was a talk show by Terada, who was the Japanese driver who drove the Mazda 787B to overall victory in the 1991 Le Mans 24-hour race. He was a very good talker and spoke passionately about his impressions of the race and the history of race cars.
Engine compression ignition experience
What a surprise! At the Mazda Fun Festa, visitors can experience the compression ignition of a diesel engine!
In this exhibit, visitors can experience the mechanism of a diesel engine, which ignites spontaneously when fuel is compressed to a high pressure without mixing it with air. Since ignition is achieved by the heat of compression without the use of a spark plug, the engine delivers powerful torque and excellent fuel economy. Visitors can experience the structure and acceleration characteristics in an easy-to-understand manner through test drives and cutaway model exhibits.
What a niche manufacturer!
VR experience of radio-controlled racing and B787
The radio-controlled race is a participatory event where visitors can operate the car, compete on a small course, and enjoy heated battles. The B787 VR experience allows visitors to virtually experience driving the 1991 Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B on the track from the driver’s perspective, realistically reproducing the four-rotor sound and sense of speed, simulating the excitement of the time.
watching races
Along with each event, several races are held in a day.
It is very attractive to be able to watch the races at any time of the day, even in front of the home straight, which is very high in F1, from the comfort of such a close distance.
Endurance races with more than 30 cars can also be seen, which is quite impressive.
Watching Race Vehicles
In the main venue, there is a lineup of cars that will be competing in the race. It is not often that one gets a chance to see a race car up close, so it is quite exciting. Of course, the interiors are quite different from those of ordinary cars.
Please note that it is absolutely forbidden to touch the cars.
My experience of Day 2 (Sunday)
race spectating
The first day we had to get numbered tickets and we had an early morning, so the second day we came a little more leisurely.
Since it was the last day of the event, the finals of the races that had been held on Saturday would be held.
The pits looked busy from the morning and the venue was filled with excitement.
Personally, I think race cars look cool from the back angle.
Participation in SUV Parade
The Mazda SUV Parade is a powerful demonstration of the latest SUV models driving in formation on the circuit, featuring popular models such as the CX-60, CX-5, and CX-8, allowing visitors to experience the design and performance of each model up close and personal. The lineup of various SUVs is a sight to behold, and this event is a great opportunity to experience the fun of driving and the appeal of Mazda’s SUV lineup all at the same time.
If you register in advance and win the lottery, you can participate in the SUV parade. This is a very valuable experience to be able to drive on this circuit, so if you own a Mazda SUV, you should definitely participate.
All Mazda Circuit Parade
The All Mazda Circuit Parade is a popular event that allows Mazda vehicle owners to drive their cars around the circuit with their pride and joy. A wide variety of Mazda vehicles, including past Roadsters, RX-7s, and CX series cars, gather together and drive around the track in formation. This is a special program that offers a sense of togetherness and a spectacle brimming with Mazda love that can only be enjoyed by those who participate in the event.
What a surprise, I was able to start the event on the front row. With no cars on the circuit spread out before me, I felt as if I were in pole position.
As before, a group photo is taken at the starting line before the parade begins.
It will surely be a good memory with my car.
Sendai’s famous beef tongue (Gyu-tan)
On the second day, we experienced the same other activities I just mentioned, including a test drive as on the first day, a program to test our own driving skills, and an engine head cover polishing experience.
Basically, we walked all day and got very hungry.
At a highway service area on the way home, I ate Sendai’s famous beef tongue.
It was very tender, chewy, and delicious!
If you are interested in eating it, you should do so as soon as possible, because you will probably miss the chance to eat it once you go beyond Miyagi Prefecture.
I ate it at a service area right after entering the highway from the circuit.
I highly recommend you try it.
Summary
Mazda Fan Festa 2025 in Tohoku is a participatory event where visitors can enjoy a variety of programs such as 787B demo runs, SUV and all-Mazda parade, radio-controlled races, and VR experiences. Mazda vehicle owners and fans will gather to share the joy of driving and the appeal of past models. It was a special two-day event where the excitement of motorsports and interaction among fans could be fully enjoyed.
I heard that the next event will be held at Fuji Speedway, and I would definitely like to attend.
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