Mazda presents the 2017 Touge California — Registration open

We at Japanese Nostalgic Car are proud to announce that Touge California, our vintage road rally for all Japanese marques, returns for 2017 with Mazda as the title sponsor. It is a particularly great honor this year, as 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of Mazda’s rotary engine, and Touge California will be part of the festivities. 

The 2017 Touge California will take place on July 15 in southern California. The road rally will cover approximately 200 miles of twisting mountain roads and stunning lakeside drives that represent the namesake of the event.

In Japanese, touge refers to the hallowed mountain passes that gave birth to up- and down-hill battles, the art of drifting, and some of the country’s most renowned racing heroes. Many of the cars we know and love were forged on such roads, and Touge California was designed to bring the spirit of Japanese motoring to America.

Entries are now being accepted. We’re looking for exceptional pre-1980 Japanese cars and driver/navigator teams who are ready to embrace a fun and challenging day behind the wheel. Touge California is not a race or timed competition.

DATE: Saturday, July 15, 2017. Start time will be at 10 a.m. Pacific Time at a southern California location to be disclosed upon acceptance into the event.

ELIGIBLE VEHICLES: Any Japanese car manufactured before 1980, though continuation models are eligible (i.e., the Mazda RX-7 was introduced in 1979, so all examples of that generation through its completion in 1985 are permitted). Stock and modified cars are welcome, though we’re looking for outstanding examples. No project cars, mismatched paint, excessive rust or major dents, please. All vehicles must have valid registration and insurance.

TEAMS: All teams are required to have a driver and a navigator. No exceptions. Additional passengers are permitted, but only as many as there are seatbelts in the vehicle. All participants must be 18 or older. No prior rally experience is required.

ROUTE: We will give exact route instructions on the day of the event, but generally speaking we will start in San Diego County. Expect a mix of moderately challenging canyon roads, beach cruising, and a little suburban traffic. As is customary for Touge California events, the finish will include festivities hosted by our title sponsor, Mazda, in Orange County, California.

ENTRY: We are looking for a range of makes and models and have limited openings. Application is not guarantee of entry. Early registration will be taken into consideration. Deadline for entries is Sunday, June 18, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All applications will undergo a selection process; we will notify accepted entries no later than Friday, June 30, 2017.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The entry fee is $100 per car, which includes a gift bag and dinner. No fees are due until acceptance is confirmed. To apply, please fill out the application form. We hope you can join us!

For a more detailed explanation of the event, see last year’s Touge California.

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27 Responses to Mazda presents the 2017 Touge California — Registration open

  1. XRaider says:

    There’s some typos in this post

  2. alvin says:

    One the most memorable automotive events in my life! Patrick and Ben put on a spectacular rallye, I can’t recommend enough.

  3. Ricky Mena Jr says:

    I have to full heartedly agree with Alvin! Patrick and Ben did an amazing, outstanding job putting the whole experience together! Although I was not part of the pre 80’s touge…I know, I know, still looking to one day own a 70’s era awesome Japanese car, I did and was fortunate enough to take part in the 80’s touge with my 87 S12. Hoping to take part again! It was the best time I’ve had driving and spending time with friends and new friends that share this passion of Japanese Cars! Highly recommend, memories and a great time had by all.

  4. SiRMarlon says:

    Hopefully my Rotary truck can make the cut.

  5. Geoff says:

    This was so much fun last year, thanks for all your hard work, Ben and Patrick!

  6. Myron Vernis says:

    Had an absolute blast in my old Mazda a couple years ago. Hoping to be able to make the trek from Ohio again for this year’s event.

  7. John says:

    Any changes from last year to avoid the late finish time?

  8. JB21 says:

    That photo on top…that’s actually my sister driving that RX-7.

  9. ioTus says:

    Although my 84 RX-7 seems to qualify, I still feel a bit out of place with a fuel injected 13b.
    I’m wondering if there’s going to be an 80’s touge event later in the year?

  10. Jonathan Domingo says:

    That is true Ricky Mena Jr. Maybe JNC will have that this year again. I was wondering if they posted any official photos of the 80s touge.

  11. Solex68 says:

    Hope my restored silver Datsun 2000 Roadster gets in. It was on this site once before:
    http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/events-nissan-jam-part-02/
    now it’s time to see it in action!

  12. Solex68 says:

    Did I mention I have matching numbers engine & chassis, Koni Shocks and Twin 44 PHH Solexes?

  13. Alex says:

    How about a 1981 Toyota starlet KP61?
    The starlet KP60-KP61 series was in production from 1978-1984.

  14. Solex68 says:

    Has the accepted list been announced?

  15. Solex68 says:

    Sadly…my 2000 Roadster wasn’t selected.

  16. KQN says:

    Excited to have been picked from the waitlist with my ’73 Carina for my first Touge.

  17. Scott Webb says:

    Any time/place to watch the cars go by, or a finishing time/place to see the cars gather for those of us who aren’t participating (i.e. my Japanese car isn’t nostalgic)? I realize that you don’t want to reveal the starting point or too much of the route to discourage unauthorized participation, but it would be cool to see some of the cars drive by and/or interact with everyone once it’s over.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      Sorry, there isn’t any place to do that. We can’t have everyone at the end either because Mazda is hosting a dinner, and they’ve only accounted for the people participating on the event.

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