If you've never heard of the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, don't be surprised. This highly competitive race series comprises of multiple events held on Japan 's premier road courses. In 2002 the first-ever sanctioned JGTC race held off Japan soil was thrown at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia . This marked a huge step in bringing JGTC to an international level and eventually led up to this past GT Live event held Dec 18-19 at the Fontana Speedway in Sourthern California.

World War II was the last time we saw both these countries in a global battle but from the looks of this past Japan vs. US Drifting competition, we have plenty more raging left in store.v

From 80 degree days to near freezing nights, the crowd stood anxious waiting for the first tandem fight. The track was laid out in an unorthodox fashion with a ¼ strip leading into the first chicane followed by a quick S-turn and out through the last bank. Drivers were topping over 100MPH into the first section with Keiichi Tsuchiya boldly stating that points will be deducted if the judges saw even a hint of throttle lift. This was to be an all out speed exhibition and pilots had to be at the top of their game to advance to the next round.

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The right drivers and cars mean little without the right performance parts and tuning. Many of the industries leading manufacturers and tuning shops endured the 80 mph San Bernandino winds to setup their booths along vendor row.

Event goers were able to learn more about the products and the people behind some of the fastest and most extreme J-cars on the planet.

Finally, what's an automobile event without a heathly dose of street and show cars? This event brought out some of the best show and street cars that roam the streets of America.

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