Japan never ceases to amaze us with its love of cars and its ability to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. A clear example is “All-Japan 4A-G Festival”, an annual event dedicated to enthusiasts of cars equipped with Toyota’s iconic 4A-G engine: from the Corolla AE86 to the Toyota MR2, and many more.
In this year’s edition, in addition to several of these jewels on wheels, what caught the most attention is a competition as peculiar as it is exciting: the “reverse braking” one. The winner: the pilot Manabu ‘Max’ Oridoa benchmark in Japanese competition.
Today, in things you’ll only see in Japan: a reverse braking competition
A month ago, the All-Japan 4A-G Festival brought together a large community of lovers of the legendary inline-four engine. Unlike other popular Toyota engines, such as the Supra’s 2JZ or the Tacoma’s 22R, the 4A-G still holds a special place in the hearts of the Japanese, which led to the birth of this a peculiar festival in which cars are enjoyed and pushed to the max.
Among the most anticipated events of the festival, which is a true paradise for participants and fans of Toyotas with a 4A-G heart, the “reverse braking competition” stands out. And we are not talking about a race like the one we saw in its day a Max Verstappen y Yuki Tsunodabut of a unique spectacle that requires the utmost skill.
This year, Manabu “Max” Orido, a renowned Japanese driver, has emerged as the undisputed champion. Known for his skills in Super GT y GT4 Asiaas well as for his participation in Formula Drift (in which it often competes with some of its most prized jewels), Orido has demonstrated his precision behind the wheel in this unique competition.
At the 4AG Festival,
Rear Stop ChampionshipQuite interesting
It was exciting pic.twitter.com/1Xggi20fP3
— MAX ORIDO (@MAXORIDOMANABU) June 30, 2024
The objective of the competition is simple but challenging: drivers must accelerate in reverse and brake as close as possible to a cone without knocking it over. All participants use the same model of car, a first-generation Toyota MR2 (AW11) with supercharger.
The scene is a true spectacle of precision and control, with some drivers braking too late and knocking over the cone, while others brake too early. Orido, however, managed to stop less than a centimetre from the cone, demonstrating astonishing precision.
But the festival is not just about the fun and exciting competition. It is also a chance to admire cars that have made history with the 4A-G engine, such as Orido’s Toyota MR2, with its teal bodywork, gold rims and dual-exit exhaust, a testament to the care and dedication that enthusiasts like him put into these vehicles.
Although The Toyota A-series engine was discontinued in 2006.is kept alive by enthusiasts and events such as the 4A-G festival. The atmosphere at the event is one of pure camaraderie and passion for cars. From the immaculate rows of AE86s and MR2s on display to the reverse braking competition, the event is a testament to the love of motoring in its purest form.
Max Orido’s victory is the icing on the cake, but the real star is the enthusiasm shared by all the attendees. If you haven’t yet seen the summary of the 4A-G Festival, we highly recommend it. You can find it on Vimeoand we are sure it will leave you with a silly smile and wanting to buy one of these toys.
Go directly to minute 1:24 to see Orido’s impressive reverse braking, or watch the entire video to soak up the true motorsport spirit of the festival.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
