Motegi’s 1.5‑mile oval is now shifting from racing to re‑imagined fan experience, setting new seats and viewing decks in time for the MotoGP event on 4 October.
Expanded fan vistas ahead of MotoGP
Through the spring, Honda’s subsidiary Mobilityland installed a “Green Campsite” at Turn 1 and a robust viewing deck at Turn 5, positioning spectators at two of the road course’s most critical overtaking points. At the uphill end of the circuit, a premium “Victory Corner Deck” was added to provide panoramic views of the final sector and the long start/finish straight toward Turn 1.
Selective reconstruction of the banking
Contrary to speculation, the oval’s banked sections have not been fully removed. While some asphalt strips have been replaced with turf, core segments of the oval are still intact and served as parking for the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend. Thus, a full dismantling of the banking remains on hold.
Phase‑by‑phase expansion plan
Mobilityland is redeveloping the oval in phases, transforming select segments into spectator and accommodation spaces while retaining other areas for operational needs such as parking and service facilities. The current schedule does not anticipate further oval changes in the near future, including the Super GT finale on 7‑8 November.
Legacy of IndyCar and NASCAR at Motegi
The stadium once hosted the Indy Japan 300 from 1998 and saw Danica Patrick’s sole IndyCar victory in 2008. After the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami halted the track, IndyCar ceased returning, and NASCAR left the region after two 1990s races. The oval’s last racing event came in 2022, when Honda renamed the circuit Mobility Resort Motegi to highlight its hotel and amusement park amenities.
Future usage of remaining oval sections
While motorsport.com confirms no imminent alterations to the oval, the future of its untouched parts remains undecided. Potential adaptive reuse is under deliberation as the resort looks to balance heritage, fan engagement, and evolving commercial objectives.
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