Classic cars, racing cars to open in Japan

OYAMA, Shizuoka -- An auto museum featuring some 40 classic cars and racing cars from around the world will open in this central Japan town on October 7.

A media preview was held on October 3, and the Fuji Motorsports Museum was built next to Fuji International Speedway. The facility is part of Toyota Motor Corp.'s project to create the Fuji Motorsports Forest, a place for social interaction among adult motorsports fans.

The history of automobiles is covered by the new facility, which has been the subject of a fascination with motorsports to visitors for more than 130 years. The featured cars include a 1899 model produced by French automaker Panhard et Levassor, a 1909 Thomas Flyer Model L from the United States, which is said to have proven the reliability and durability of gasoline-driven vehicles, Toyota's first racing car that was nearly lost to history, and Toyota's Formula One car that finished sixth in the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The museum's director, Naoaki Nunogaki, said, This is the world's first museum in which the auto industry has collaborated, and 130 years of history is concentrated in it. On October 7, the Fuji Speedway Hotel, with 120 guest rooms, including some overlooking the circuit, will open. Toyota President Akio Toyoda said that Motorsports are essential in the development of the auto industry. We'd like to plant lots of seeds for the future of motorsports here and nurture them into a wonderful 'forest' that many people can enjoy.