Downshift x JDM x Euro OPEN MEET at Queensland Raceway

I have to admit I had my questions when I first heard this month’s JDMST meet was going to be held at Queensland Raceway. The more you think about it, however the more sense it makes; a Private property in an area that won’t be affected by the noise, as well as being a place that 90% of people in the car scene know how to get to. Which was a good thing too; because the meet had to the largest JDMST meet I have ever seen!

The last couple of days have been incredibly hot weather, so it was perfect to get the cars out in the late afternoon and head up for a night meet up.

As always, there was a gold coast crew that met up to make the drive together. This immaculate Corolla wagon was something that really stood out for me.

For those that don’t know, Queensland Raceway is a motorsport complex in Ipswich that has a drag strip, rally course, kart course as well as the main raceway that holds a round of the V8 Supercars each year.

Once we got in through the gates I caught up with a couple of people shortly before I set out to find some of the more interesting cars of the event. Of course there were plenty of your typical, albeit amazing cars there but I was looking for something just that little bit more special.

I didn’t take too long before I spotted that special something. I have always been a big fan of the earlier circular model Porsche 911′s. The earlier the better. I saw this one on the way in and had to go introduce myself to the owner. Hopefully I will be bringing a feature on this car to you guys as well as a few other Porsche’s that the owner has.

This group of Ford Focus RS’ was pretty awesome to look at. It’s amazing what genres of cars you tend to see when you open the door just that little bit wider.

There was some very subtle styling on this BMW, but it was effective. The formula has been followed: low + wide.

It’s often hard to tell when EVO’s are modified as they usually look so aggressive from factory. I almost walked past this car as it was hiding in the shadows, but then I noticed the large kit and mudflaps. I wonder if it gets regular rally use?

Without a doubt, the car of the night for me had to be this 240Z that was in the lead image. Think of the most perfect 240 and this would have to be it. From what I gathered from the owner, it was bought from another owner who originally imported it like this from Japan. Yes, those are genuine Watanabe’s.

It’s just the perfect feeling to see a 240z this amazing and then open the bonnet to find a triple carb L series motor. It honestly made my night.

One final car that stood out for me was this Corolla. Being a fellow red Corolla owner, I had to pay the respect. From what I hear, this thing is incredibly quick too! I might have to try find that out first hand if the owner is going out to any events anytime soon.

I haven’t got much use out of the old Corolla as of late so it was pretty nice to bring that up to a JDMST meet again.

Unfortunately, some people weren’t very lucky on the drive home. This RX-7 owner was pulled up just as he left the Yamanto McDonalds. I suppose it is only to be expected that police will be pulling up a few cars when there is a meet on of this size.
That’s it from me; Josh will have some photos for you guys to check out as well!

- Grant