Chapter 3. Aiming for the Porsche GT3

3-1: Encounter with Ferrari

— Oh… suddenly Ferrari!?

Ferrari was an even more distant dream than the GT3 back then. But it was a time when used Ferraris dropped significantly in price due to the Lehman Shock. On a whim, I went with my son to a Ferrari dealer in Kyoto just to see one up close, and that was the start.

Though casual, the sight of a bright red Ferrari F430 instantly captivated me. The dealer even offered to start the engine, and hearing that sound hooked me even more (laughs).

“I want a Ferrari,” I couldn’t suppress the feeling, and after canceling GT3 orders twice, I impulsively ordered a Ferrari.

— An impulsive Ferrari purchase… that’s wild!

No, no! I didn’t just pay casually—I risked everything, dipping into my personal savings (laughs). I remember driving home with my heart pounding, thinking, “What have I done?”

A few weeks later, the Ferrari was delivered. The moment I got in and started driving my dream car, I was shocked.

“What is this? A toy?”

Having driven high-quality German cars like BMW, the Italian car felt flimsy, like a toy.

Sure, it was fast in a straight line with a cool F1-like engine sound, but it wobbled in corners, had unstable handling, and the ride felt like a soft luxury car.

I was shocked thinking, “My dream Ferrari has such driving performance…” Of course, it’s a matter of personal taste, but as a German car fan, it felt lacking.

— Even after taking such a big leap of faith to buy it…

Exactly. Plus, the Ferrari drew a lot of attention on the streets. The loud engine and cool design made people stare intensely. If I were someone who liked showing off, that would be great, but I’m shy and couldn’t handle the attention.

Before long, I found myself sneaking out late at night, quietly starting the Ferrari and driving 4-5 laps on the Hanshin Expressway before returning home (laughs). That’s no way to enjoy owning a Ferrari, so I planned to sell it after six months. Then I discovered a Ferrari tuning shop.

3-2: The Tuning Shop That Changed Everything

— Here we go again… tuning shop!

Yes, again (laughs). This shop was circuit-focused. When I told them, “I bought my dream Ferrari, but it’s completely undriveable,” they said:

“No, no, Kimura-san. Don’t underestimate Ferrari.”

“Sure, the stock Ferrari is comfortable and easy to drive even for women. But with some tuning, you’ll discover Ferrari’s incredible true potential. Our customers run this Ferrari at Suzuka Circuit in amazing times,” they said.

I thought, “No way a Ferrari can do that!” but I was intrigued. I ended up asking them to change the suspension and tires to make it an amazing Ferrari.

— And back to the circuit?

Yes. Since I couldn’t enjoy the Ferrari on the streets without unwanted attention, I decided the circuit was the only place to drive it. After upgrading the suspension, I went back to the circuit for the first time in about five years.

It was incredible.

“What is this? It drives amazingly well!” I was positively shocked, and my view of Ferrari changed completely. I fell back in love with circuit driving.

I believe Ferrari shines on the circuit. Some say, “It’s a waste to drive a Ferrari on the circuit; it damages the car,” but Ferrari is just as suited to the circuit as Porsche.

3-3: Future Outlook

— Are you still deeply into circuit driving?

Yes. I’m so into it that I film my runs with a GoPro every time and enjoy watching the videos with a drink afterward (laughs). It’s a world of self-satisfaction, but it’s very enjoyable.

When I was a teenager, I dreamed of driving an RX-7 on mountain roads, but that never happened. Now I’m fulfilling that dream on the circuit, feeling like a boy again every time I drive.

— Is your goal to buy a Porsche GT3 still alive?

Absolutely! Actually, about two years ago, I bought a 911 Carrera S. I thought the 911 was a versatile car for both commuting and fun driving, but I sold it after 10 months. Though I admired the 911, the Roadster was enough for city driving, and I only drove the 911 about 20 days in those 10 months…

I realized I want to drive hard on the circuit, so if it’s Porsche, it has to be a GT3. That’s my single goal now.

— Lastly, what does a car mean to you?

Hmm… that’s a tough one. It’s my source of energy and a partner. When I achieve a goal at work, I buy the car I want, which motivates me for the next challenge. Even in tough times, the car comforts me and helps me keep going. It’s a partner through both hard and happy times.

Others might think, “A grown man still going to circuits is childish,” but I don’t care. I want to keep living life with a boyish spirit, enjoying every moment with my cars.

[Blog Administrator Mina’s Thoughts]
Mr. Kimura spoke with the enthusiasm of a boy throughout. It amazed me how much cars can enrich a person’s life, and this interview left me deeply touched. Mr. Kimura, if you ever get that GT3, please take me for a ride (laughs)! Thank you very much for your time!