Reviving Legends: Neoclassic Machines in the Drag Racing Scene

Drag racing events often bring together a diverse range of vehicles, from vintage classics like the Skyline GT-R Hakosuka to cutting-edge models like the RZ34. Among the lineup, a special category of “neoclassic” cars—those from the late 20th century—continues to impress with modernized performance while upholding their nostalgic charm. Here’s a closer look at some standout builds from the drag racing community.

The 256 Supra: A Beautiful Fusion of Style and Power

Driver: Hiroyuki Kanda | Best Time: 11.657 seconds

Hiroyuki Kanda’s JZA70 Supra boasts an eye-catching appearance with its repainted factory shade, maintaining the timeless appeal of this classic Toyota model.

Custom-painted Toyota JZA70 Supra showcased at drag racing event

Beneath the hood lies a 1.5JZ engine paired with a powerful HKS GTⅢ4R turbocharger. Together, they generate an impressive 600 horsepower and 80kgm of torque. Kanda has also enhanced the drivetrain with a Finland-made dog box transmission, mated to the factory R154 gearbox, for increased durability and smoother operation.

1.5JZ engine setup in Toyota Supra ready for both drag and street use

Inside, the Supra remains comfortably equipped with air conditioning, door panels, and carpeting preserved. The custom 300 km/h cluster is a one-off piece that exemplifies detail-oriented craftsmanship.

Interior of JZA70 Supra retaining factory features for everyday usability

A Two-Decade Evolution: Tsujimura’s Mazda RX-7 FC3S

Driver: Masahiko Tsujimura | Best Time: 11.821 seconds

Masahiko Tsujimura’s journey into drag racing began with a stripped Skyline Hakosuka, but 20 years ago, he switched to the second-generation RX-7 due to its sleek design. His FC3S features significant improvements, including a custom rotary build from RS Pantera.

Mazda RX-7 FC3S racing during drag event

The extended side port rotary engine provides robust power and durability, enabling Tsujimura to confidently push boundaries on the strip. The interior is street-friendly, retaining the dashboard, carpeting, and even AC—perfect for daily driving. Additionally, it features a reinforced OS Giken cross-gear transmission for optimal torque distribution.

Detailed engine modifications on the RX-7 FC3S by rotary tuning experts

Pure Performance: COVER-PF Mazda SA22C RX-7

Driver: Atsushi Chikada | Best Time: 12.758 seconds

Atsushi Chikada is a seasoned SA22C enthusiast who has owned four first-generation RX-7s. After temporarily parting with the model, he acquired another one six years ago, transforming it into a peak-performance drag machine.

Mazda SA22C RX-7 with aggressive drag setup

Initially equipped with a turbo setup, Chikada switched to a naturally aspirated 13B rotary with peripheral porting and injection, boosting output to 300 horsepower. The sequential TTI dog box further enhances acceleration, making this RX-7 an absolute beast.

Weight-efficient Mazda SA22C interior with tailored injection controls

Lightweight Speed: The Cardock Nakayama Pulsar

Driver: Kiyoshi Tanabe | Best Time: 13.804 seconds

Kiyoshi Tanabe’s Nissan Pulsar stands out as a rare drag project. Stripped down to just 900kg thanks to meticulous weight-saving measures, including an ultra-light FRP hood, this car is prime for front-wheel-drive racing.

Nissan Pulsar modified with lightweight body and performance-oriented upgrades

The SR16VE engine, upgraded with N1 cams, outputs 220 horsepower. Although the engine suffered a failure during the last race, Tanabe has already set plans in motion for a revised build ahead of the next season.

Close-up of SR16VE engine setup in Nissan Pulsar drag racer

Key Technical Specifications

These builds highlight the maddening passion and unparalleled engineering prowess of drag racing enthusiasts around the world.