Headed to Porsche Experience Day

The big day is finally here: Porsche Experience Day. Yesterday’s rain had cleared overnight, and the sun was starting to peek through this morning.

Looking good!

The one thing we absolutely didn’t want to miss at this event was the parade lap. The first 70 cars to sign up would get to drive their own Porsches around Fuji Speedway.

Registration opened at 8 a.m., so we left the hotel at 7 and…

arrived at the circuit at around 7:40.

But… there was already a huge line!

I was starting to think, “There’s no way we’ll make it!” But somehow, we snagged spot number 44.

What a relief! ε-(´∀｀*)

Meanwhile, my husband was in line to reserve a slot for a professional photo of our Porsche. He managed to book that, too.

A spectacular lineup of Porsches

After checking in, I took a look around the parking lot. It was an incredible sight, with all kinds of Porsches—including models I’d never seen before. It was a Porsche event, after all, so naturally the place was full of Porsches (well, obviously!). I couldn’t help thinking what a disaster it would be if a missile hit right here…

A classic 911,

a 911 50,

and even a Boxster Spyder!

They were all seriously gorgeous!

Inside the Porsche Lounge

After taking photos of the Porsches in the parking lot, we headed to the Porsche Lounge—but there was another long line. As a couple who hate waiting in line, we weren’t thrilled, but there was no getting around it. We checked in and…

picked up a 70th-anniversary gift,

and went inside. Here’s what the lounge looked like.

There was even an object that looked like a cake shaped like a 356. It looked delicious (lol).

Before we knew it, it was time for the grid walk… (and, once again, a huge line)

The 919 Hybrid Tribute was on display this time (not the Evo), and the crowd around it was so thick that I gave up trying to take a photo. (My husband seems to have managed one, though.)

We also got a close-up look at the Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo that would lead the parade lap.

They looked fantastic parked side by side. And I have to say, white really suits them.

A professional photo of our Porsche

Before we knew it, it was time for our car’s photo session. We walked from the paddock back to the parking lot and headed to the photo spot.

I thought they would simply take a photo of the car, but there was a 3D “356” artwork laid out on the ground.

We parked at the designated spot, and when they photographed the car head-on, the result was this amazing shot!

What a great keepsake!

Watching the Porsche Carrera Cup

While all that was going on, the Porsche Carrera Cup final was underway. We took photos from the grandstand, and…

(My husband was working hard with his telephoto lens, lol.)

By the time we got back to the Porsche Lounge, it was already time for the buffet lunch. Unfortunately, every seat was taken, so we couldn’t sit down. Instead, I’m writing this blog from the third-floor terrace.

The skies are gradually clearing, so maybe the weather will be even better by the time of the parade lap. We’ll see!

As for today’s parade lap, my husband said,

“I’ve driven at Fuji before, so you can take the wheel.”

So, unbelievably, I’m going to be the one driving.

My first time on a racetrack! (ﾟ∀ﾟ)!!

What if I get hooked? (lol) I’ll share all about the parade lap in a separate post. For now, I’m off to watch the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia!