JapFest Poland - July 2019

JapFest Poland has quickly become one of the most desirable automotive events in central Europe attracting over 500 modified Japanese cars from countries in the surrounding region. The event makes use of an old military air strip in Legnica to accommodate tuners, drifters, racers, exhibitors and thousands of fans across a three day spectacle of sun, smoke, sound and sights. 

One thing that stood out across the long weekend was the real sense of togetherness and companionship. Like many of the automotive communities around the world, there is no doubt this a JDM family that assemble as a passionate and enthusiast group excited to show their rides and share their stories.

There was a constant stream of entertainment with vehicles parading the main roads, drag racing, drift wars and drift displays, show and shine, car wash, exhibitions and live dj's playing on the main stage.

We met Rafal from Subaru Lifestyle who had his 2003 Forester (below) on display. Modifications included a TD04L turbo from the Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0, top mount intercooler, bonnet scoop off the 2001 Bugeye Subaru, full 3 inch downpipe and exhaust, O.Z Racing wheels and a Whiteline front stabilizer (anti-roll) bar.  

And spent some time with our Whiteline European distributor OzParts who are Poland based wholesale distributor for other well known Australian brands like DBA Brakes and Extreme Clutch. Pictured below is Jakub Kosinski's Honda Civic Type R entry for the local rally events.

 On the Whiteline Performance stand we were pleased to have on display two very rare Japan only delivered (and still in the original right hand drive) Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Type RA's. The blue one pictured below is a 2004 Nurburgring edition that is one of only 400 available at the time.

It is a very clean example and comes with a number of unique factory features including:

• 2.0 EJ207 capacity engine equipped with a twinscroll collector
• Shorter gearbox with central electronic differential DCCD with additional water cooling
• Rear differential plate 
• Factory external oil cooler
• 12l water spray tank for intercooler with automatic spraying operation 
• Short steering gear 

On top of this are a host of aftermarket upgrades including:

• 18 inch forged Wedsports wheels
• Ganador titanium exhaust system 
• Cusco coilover suspension with electronic adjustment
• Grint sports steering wheel 
• Splitter stabilizers by IC Zero Sports

The white Subaru pictured above is a true collectors car since there were only ever 300 produced and delivered in Japan. They were available in 3 colours from factory which were Blue Mica, Pure White and yellow (limited to 50 of the 300 made). Based on the GD Chassis and Spec C trim which already featured lighter glass, a thinner roof construction, reinforced strut tower braces, a rear crossbar, aluminium boot lid and an air-cooled engine oil cooler, the the RA-R takes this race ready Subaru to another level.

The suspension was stiffened and lowered by 15mm all round. Interestingly, Subaru upgraded the rear anti-roll bar on this particular model to a 22mm thickness. The equivalent Whiteline version of this anti-roll bar is the BSR37Z which has 3 points of adjustment for dialling in the handling bias exactly how you need it. There is also a 24mm version available for more track focused set ups. Other stiffening products included additional bracing as well aluminium pillowball lateral links.

Other one-offs for this RA-R were the 18" STI wheels and front six-piston Brembo brakes finished in silver paint featuring the STI logo.

 A huge thanks to the organisers, participants and spectators who turned out to share in the three day spectacle. For more information on the event you can visit https://japfest.pl/en.