Team Nismo were hoping to make it three GT-R wins in a row at Fuji Speedway today as they began the race from the front row of the grid after qualifying in second place in a very wet Superlap yesterday. It was not to be however as Team ARTA (Autobacs Racing Team Aguri) brought home their #8 NSX in first place for their first SuperGT season 2009 victory.

The #1 Motul Autech Nismo GT-R did manage to snatch a handful of points off their nearest championship rival team for the round however as they passed the Petronas Tom’s #36 SC430 with just two laps to go to finish in second. A great result for team Nismo who continue to carry the most “success ballast” in the field with an added 48kg of weight in the car. With this under their belt, they have a comforting 11 point lead over Petronas Tom’s on the ladder.

The next GT-R to finish was the #3 HASEMI TOMICA EBBRO GT-R in sixth place. This leaves them with an additional 8 points for the round which pushes them ahead in the championship rankings to equal third position with Team Yoshiko (Rockstar #18 NSX). This in turn bumps Team Zent Cerumo down to fifth spot, and all with just two rounds of the season left!

Not the best race for the #24 HIS ADVAN KONDO Racing GT-R nor the #12 IMPUL Calsonic GT-R who finished 13th and 15th respectively. A point finish is what both teams needed, especially Kondo Racing who were in a attractive 6th position on the ladder but will now drop.

Until the full SuperGT race report with hi-res photos comes out (courtesy of Nissan) enjoy these photos of the qualifying round and today’s final.

Link: SuperGT Championship Ladder (not updated at time of writing)
Link: SuperGT Website