Chapter 95: Chapter 83: A Brand New Track Record
Long-lasting driving memories have already accustomed them to running within the range of the white lines, especially when encountering the first corner.
Just like in the "Initial D" manga, Takahashi Ryosuke’s evaluation of Sudou Keiichi pointed out that professional drivers running on mountain roads or streets tend to instinctively leave some space when cornering.
This is because there are no oncoming vehicles on the track as well, so the instinct of professional drivers is to consider whether a third-party vehicle might appear when driving across the line in the opposite direction, subconsciously leaving space for reaction and control.
But the problem is, once you leave too much space, it’s equivalent to giving the car behind you a chance to overtake; habits like these are often difficult to change abruptly.
"Hoshino, is this driver called Xiangbei a new student from the racing academy?"
Yamamoto Naoki asked as he sat beside Hoshino Yoshi.
These two didn’t have any real disputes, nor were they particularly familiar with each other, having only met a few times in races at most.
"Yes."
"Has some skill. How does he compare with you?"
"Much better than me."
Hoshino Yoshi stared unblinkingly at the track, now understanding why Principal Nakajima insisted on urging him to run the simulator—because Chen Xiangbei’s practical track skills are even more impressive.
Upon hearing these words, Yamamoto Naoki’s eyes widened.
Drivers often carry some pride; unless the skill gap is especially large, they rarely openly admit inferiority.
A rookie this skilled?
Quickly, the scene on the track gave Yamamoto Naoki the answer.
At the Suzuka Circuit’s second corner, Chen Xiangbei used the exit speed advantage to launch an attack on Hashimoto Ichiro’s GTR.
However, due to the acceleration of the big naturally aspirated engine, it couldn’t compare to the twin-turbocharged "Japanese War God", and Chen Xiangbei’s car couldn’t get past the front wheels, allowing the opponent to gain distance through acceleration advantage.
Yet the appearance of this scene already shook Hashimoto Ichiro’s confidence.
What’s the meaning of initiating an overtaking attack within two corners under absolute performance disadvantage?
Even running on a track he’s not proficient on, achieving this indicates a driver of at least Super Formula or Super GT level in Hashimoto Ichiro’s mind.
Never having seen Chen Xiangbei, it means this kid is an unknown in the Japan car scene.
Is it really possible for a random newcomer to be this capable?
Hashimoto Ichiro found it incredible yet refused to concede!
Even if the G35 is faster, overtaking is unlikely; the GTR can fully block the opponent’s overtaking route through performance advantage.
Additionally, due to the open day, other performance cars are also running laps on the track, becoming obstacles for Chen Xiangbei’s overtaking.
Facing the subsequent strong blocking of overtaking lines by Hashimoto Ichiro, Chen Xiangbei’s mouth showed a hint of a smile.
Next was the consecutive S-curves of the Suzuka Circuit; it’s hard to overtake in such low-speed corners in Formula racing unless you seize the chance to cross lines for overtaking.
Far less than normal overtaking sections that rely on slipstream to launch overtaking, or the simpler and cruder later method of opening DRS to force overtakes.
But for drivers accustomed to mountain road techniques, consecutive S-curves are akin to "five consecutive hairpins," where cutting corners and line advantage make blocking attempts by Hashimoto Ichiro futile!
At this moment, Chen Xiangbei began to accelerate, and before entering the corner, braked late to simulate an overtaking move.
Seeing this, Hashimoto Ichiro immediately changed lanes to block the outside entry line, leaving Chen Xiangbei with no overtaking space; the two cars entered the corner almost bumper to bumper.
However, when cutting from the outside to the inside to pass the corner’s center, Chen Xiangbei downshifted, replenished throttle, and changed lanes, with the torque explosion causing a rotational speed difference between front and rear wheels, even making the G35 rear wheel show signs of burnout and tail swing.
Hashimoto Ichiro was at the lowest speed of the corner center at that moment, only able to watch Chen Xiangbei’s car nose move from the outside line of the S-curve from rear wheel position to front wheel position until the entire car completely overtook.
Overtaken?
Looking at the taillights of the G35 in front, Hashimoto Ichiro’s eyes were filled with disbelief, a vehicle with performance disadvantage overtaking from the outside like this is something that only happens in movies.
Before Hashimoto Ichiro could figure out what happened, he saw Chen Xiangbei leave the GTR behind with astonishing line speed in the consecutive S-curves, not even giving a chance to chase and counterattack!
Having covered six corners, a third of the Suzuka Circuit in under a minute, using street racing techniques to have already decided the outcome between the two cars.
Even running with track techniques, Hashimoto Ichiro’s lap speed wouldn’t possibly be faster than Chen Xiangbei’s.
A few fellow mountain road drivers accompanying Hashimoto Ichiro were all stunned, aware of Chen Xiangbei’s formidable abilities, making this match not easily won.
Yet, they didn’t expect Hashimoto Ichiro to lose so swiftly.
Replacing with F4 champion Hoshino Yoshi personally to run, perhaps might not win against Hashimoto Ichiro.
This novice seated in the stands without a car managed to crush Hashimoto Ichiro!
"Seems like he’s really just playing."
Hoshino Yoshi repeated Chen Xiangbei’s words in a tone full of emotion.
Initially worried about Chen Xiangbei’s complacency, Hoshino Yoshi now understood it was confidence brought by absolute skill.
The gap between the two almost reached the level of amateur challenging professional.