Heritage Unleashed

McLaren owners unite for a thrilling day of speed, style and family fun.

On November 9, the Fuji Speedway circuit in the foothills of Mount Fuji was once again home to the annual McLaren Japan track day.

This exclusive event, open exclusively to McLaren owners, brings together people from all over Japan to celebrate the passion they share: driving the best cars in the world.

McLaren is famously born on the track, but the event goes further. Besides track events, such as a special hot lap by Bruno Senna, the first appearance in Japan of the Solus GT, expert-free practice and, of course, the parade, this year’s edition also included other family-focused events.

Of course, McLaren cars are equally at home on the track and road, a fact that was clearly on display during the short touring event, when the cars left the grounds of Fuji Speedway and toured the scenic Shizuoka countryside.

From its founding by racing legend Bruce McLaren to today’s exploits of the Formula One team, racing DNA is part of McLaren and every car they make.

During track day, owners from beginners to experts enjoyed putting their driving skills to the test. The vehicles gathered ran the gamut of McLaren’s epic history. Models from the present lineup, such as McLaren’s first hybrid supercar, the Artura, and its sibling, the Artura Spider, were there, alongside the 750S, the next-level supercar that surpasses all previous benchmarks for performance, engagement and purity.

There was a special spotlight on the Solus GT. This circuit-only hypercar, based on the McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo concept car from the video game Gran Turismo Sport, epitomizes the dedication to speed and the driving experience that is at the core of each McLaren.

For those who like the classics, there was also much to feast eyes and ears on. A McLaren must be heard as well as seen. Legendary models such as the McLaren Senna and P1 could be seen next to extremely rare legends like the MP4-12C—vehicles that send a shiver of excitement down the spine of every true car aficionado.

The high point was the parade of more than 170 McLarens. After preparing in the pit lane, the cars, with the Solus GT in the vanguard, made their way across the track. Where else can one see the legendary McLaren Senna next to the hammerhead-shaped nose of the new hybrid Artura, followed by the Ultimate series P1 next to the current bestselling 750S Spider? Every McLaren is an iconic testament to British excellence, and track day is the perfect occasion for McLaren owners to connect with this rich heritage, absorb the racing spirit and connect with fellow owners.

Driving a McLaren is more than just owning a supercar. It is being part of a tradition that is steeped in racing excellence and engineering prowess, as well as the camaraderie and teamwork needed to build a winning racing team. It means being a member of the select group that knows what it feels like to drive the most exciting cars on the road.

Words: Mathias Ponts

McLaren
instagram.com/mclarenautojapan

January 2025