It’d solely be three years previous, however the RAYS Fan Assembly is rapidly changing into a must-attend occasion in Japan – particularly in case your automotive is rolling on wheels from the enduring Japanese producer.
RAYS placed on this meet to thank its loyal buyer base, and this yr, over 750 attendee automobiles turned out at Fuji Speedway to be part of the occasion. Anybody with RAYS wheels on their automobile received a parking spot and free entry.
For me, what makes the RAYS Fan Assembly so particular is that I get the identical vibes as strolling by way of the parking zone at Tokyo Auto Salon. You get to see how everybody interprets wheel fitment, stance and coloration choice, and every part else have they carried out with their automobiles. It’s at all times a enjoyable day trip.
To convey the size of the occasion, I’ll preserve this post-picture heavy and simply chime in with some feedback from time to time.
I’ve to say all of the RAYS-equipped Tremendous GT automobiles that got here out for the day, just like the APR Lexus LC that competes within the GT300 class. Simply take a look at how intricately machined these single-lug Volk Racing wheels are.
Kazama-san from Kazama Auto was known as on stage in the course of the oh-so-Japanese ‘speak present’ phase to introduce the 2JZ-swapped GR86 he constructed to Method Drift Japan-spec, which was simply utilized in a brand new McDonald’s Japan business.
The automotive was drifted by Ken Gushi alongside WRC champion Kalle Rovanperä in his drift-spec GR Yaris. You possibly can try the ‘Drift Twins’ business above.
The race and demo automobiles continued…
RAYS’ huge wheel catalog caters to all autos, from off-roaders just like the Land Cruiser 300 to luxurious vans like the brand new Vellfire and Alphard.
This Prado was able to hit the paths.
I made point out of 750 attendee-owned automobiles, and early on within the day, these autos rapidly started filling up the massive parking space.
The range was undoubtedly there too.
Identical to in earlier years, I noticed a couple of Honda NSXs…
…And pals rolling in collectively, hoping they may get some model-specific lineups going.
For some purpose, the Subaru Impreza devoted are excellent at this.
Over by the RAYS pop-up store, the road was getting critically lengthy.
This was the place to seize all of your RAYS equipment, together with lug nuts, valve stems, and merchandise, all at discounted costs. I forgot to seize one of many cool caps on show and am kicking myself now!
Within the demo/race automotive space, Max Orido’s GT300 GR86 was not possible to overlook with its retina-burning fluro yellow base.
I heard that the GR Corolla is promoting significantly better within the USA than in Japan, however that might partially be as a result of the GR Yaris can be offered right here, so there’s a alternative. For those who had to decide on between the GR Corolla and the GR Yaris, which automotive would you go for?
I at all times love testing the present vary of RAYS wheels. Seeing them laid out like this exhibits what number of fashions the corporate makes beneath its varied sub-brands. Heaps.
Naturally, I at all times find yourself on the Volk Racing show.
With one draw within the morning and one other within the afternoon, RAYS saved everybody excited by making a gift of restricted version goodies. Two fortunate winners took house a set of wheels of their alternative. I do know which of them I’d have gone for!
I needed to shoot quick as there was so much to take a look at, however from time to time I simply needed to cease and admire some high quality fitment. Like this BNR34 GT-R on bronze Volk Racing 21As.
It was blindingly apparent simply how standard Volk Racing wheels are in Japan. Greater than half the automobiles within the parking space had been sporting them.
A Toyota Vellfire on air suspension and TE37s. Does it get any higher for a JDM household van?
This Roadster was wanting on level with Yokohama Advan tire stencils.
If I needed to decide a favourite automotive from the 2024 RAYS Fan Assembly, it must be this S13 on TE37Vs. There’s simply one thing particular a few super-clean two-tone Silvia slammed on dished wheels.
I got here throughout a couple of candy ER34 four-door Skylines on the meet, together with this GT-R Z-tune duplicate on LMGT4s. For those who didn’t already know, RAYS makes Nismo’s cast wheels.
Nismo LMGT4s are superior, however I actually love the look of the older Nismo LMGT2s.
Earlier than the TE37 there have been Volk Racing Touring Evolutions.
Seen extra clearly right here.
And these tri-spoke wheels that RAYS as soon as made for Trial in Osaka are nothing wanting iconic.
So cool!
Additionally cool are USDM automobiles in Japan, like this slammed LHD Subaru Legacy Outback, which makes use of its OEM overfenders to nail the look.
Talking of USDM, the proprietor of this Subaru BRZ went to the difficulty – and expense – of importing a set of US-only TE37SLs for his automotive. He ended up spending round double the price of a set of normal SLs in Japan, however that’s the value to pay to face out.
I’ve to present a little bit of area to this S110 Toyota Crown Tremendous Saloon four-door arduous prime.
The classic Volk Racing wire wheels look so proper.
Everybody who brings a automotive alongside to the RAYS Fan Assembly will get to solid a vote for his or her favourite automobile on show within the parking space. On the finish of the day, the three automobiles that acquired essentially the most votes had been introduced up in entrance of the principle stage, the place their house owners had been introduced with some cool prizes.
The 2024 RAYS Fan Assembly was one of the best to date, and I really feel like it is just going to get greater from right here. Roll on 2025!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
