Setting a Benchmark
D1 Motorsports Brings Ings+ Japan GR86 Demo Car to Sepang for a Benchmark Run
A bit of back story, leading up to this very special occasion;
A few months back, the guys from D1 Motorsports had purchased a special demo car, in the shape of a Toyota GR86, from the Japanese bodykit company; Ings+ Japan. We also heard of this plan where Ings Japan & D1 Motorsports wanted to bring the demo car to Sepang Circuit, in an attempt to set a benchmark time for the car. We wanted to join in. Fast forward to the third week of August, on a Saturday morning.
In a collaborative effort to push performance boundaries and showcase Japanese engineering prowess, D1 Motorsports recently brought the Ings+ Japan Toyota GR86 Demo Car to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for a dedicated trackday benchmark session. The initiative aimed to demonstrate the car's potential outside of Japan and test the effectiveness of the Ings+ aero package on one of Southeast Asia’s most demanding circuits.
The Vision: From Japan to Malaysia​
The idea was spearheaded by Yamano-san from Ings+ Japan, who wanted to test the GR86 on Sepang’s technical layout to obtain a benchmark time. To take on this challenge, Masahiro Sasaki was selected as the driver — a natural choice, given his close relationship with Yamano-san and his previous experience driving this very GR86 demo car back in Japan. With his familiarity and fine-tuned feel for the car’s characteristics, Sasaki was the perfect man for the job.
Proving Performance, Not Just in Japan
For Ings+ Japan, the event wasn’t just about lap times — it was about validation. The GR86, still naturally aspirated and sporting only light but purposeful modifications, was brought out to prove that Ings+ bodykits do more than just look aggressive. With simple added modifications; a full exhaust system with remap, coilovers, big brake kit, and upgraded differential, the car remained close to stock in terms of power. The focus was on aerodynamic efficiency, grip, stability, and high-speed cornering performance — and it delivered.
A Collective Effort
The trackday wasn’t just a solo mission. Present on the day were key figures who made it happen:
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Yamano-san from Ings+ Japan
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Haris, Asnina & Junaidi from D1 Motorsports
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Zul & Ann from Miliseconds Motorsports, who coordinated logistics and trackday arrangements
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TD Racing, led by local motorsport icon Tengku Djan Ley, who provided technical support from his workshop
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This event was a seamless collaboration between Japanese and Malaysian motorsport communities, working together to bring the GR86’s benchmark project to life.
Planning Around Unpredictability
D1 Motorsports strategically secured two trackday sessions — one in the morning and one in the evening — allowing flexibility to adapt to Sepang’s unpredictable weather and traffic conditions. The team’s anticipation did pay off, because an early morning downpour had dampened the track, making it vital to play things by ear and adjust the run schedule based on track surface and congestion. Sasaki had to wait it out a few times, due to the heavy traffic of trackday participants getting a time of their own.
This was crucial, as Sasaki had less than 18 hours on our soil, and he has to catch his flight back to Japan later that night.
Despite a less-than-ideal conditions, Sasaki managed to clock an impressive time of 2:29.379 on the second attempt — using Bridgestone Potenza RE12-D Type A tyres, a lesser grippier compound compared to the RE-12D & the RE71-RS warm-up tyres. Due to the amount of cars on track at the time, they decided not to use the sticky RE-12D set of rubbers , as it would've been a waste. Also, given the lesser traffic flow, damp patches, and warmer-than-ideal surface, the team believes the car is capable of a sub-2:28 lap in optimal conditions. Maybe that’s due for a NEXT round for D1, who knows.
A Triple Win for D1 Motorsports
The spotlight may have been on the GR86, but D1 Motorsports didn’t come to Sepang with just one car. Also in attendance were their Kansai Service GR Yaris and the fan-favorite ZC33S Kansai Swift Sport — both cars that have built reputations for track-ready performance.
Sasaki-san was requested by D1 to drive these two machines to see how good the car performs as well, in the hands of a professional driver, setting fast laps in both. The result? Despite having one passenger in both the GR Yaris & the Swift Sport for the timed runs, Sasaki & the two hot-hatches achieved 1st (2:33:965 for the Kansai GR Yaris) and 2nd place (2:35.793 for the Kansai Swift Sport) finishes in the 1600 Turbo Category, making it a clean sweep for D1 Motorsports on the day.
Driver Feedback and Setup
According to Sasaki-san, the GR86 performed flawlessly. Thanks to the setup work he had previously done in Japan, no changes were needed to the car’s handling. He knew exactly how to work around the car’s slight understeer on corner exits, maintaining flow and precision throughout the lap.
The balance, responsiveness, and predictability of the chassis gave him the confidence to push, even under suboptimal track conditions.
Towards the end of the day, as Sasaki & Yamano-san will be heading back to the hotel, have their dinner & catch their flight back to the Land of Rising Sun, a quick autograph session & group photo session was done altogether before waving goodbye to both of them, knowing they've done a splendid job here in Malaysia. What was fun to see, was the random items was presented for Sasaki-san to sign on; from t-shirts, to helmets, to a steering wheel, and even a make-up powder compact, we hope they'll keep the items, and not appearing anytime soon on Marketplace (side eye engaged).
What’s Next for the Demo Car?
Interestingly, there are no plans to alter the GR86’s current state. It will remain exactly as it was during the Sepang run — a record-setting demo car, untouched, preserved in its proven configuration.
As for D1 Motorsports, the future holds more exciting possibilities. Known for being an AP holder (allowing them to legally import reconditioned cars), they also have the capacity to bring in demo cars from Japan or even build performance cars in Japan before importing them into Malaysia.
And now, as an authorized dealer for Ings+ Japan, D1 Motorsports is hoping this event not only showcased the brand’s capabilities — but also raised awareness among Malaysian enthusiasts about who to contact for genuine Ings+ products.
Conclusion
This benchmark effort at Sepang wasn't just a trackday — it was a calculated and collaborative demonstration of performance, precision, and international passion for motorsport. With three standout cars and a highly respected driver at the helm, D1 Motorsports and Ings+ Japan have made their mark.
A new benchmark has been set — and Malaysia took center stage.
We'd like to thank the owners at D1 Motorsports for inviting & collaborating with us on this special occasion & covering them exclusively. And to our crew who covered on & off track for the day. We hope to see everyone again soon, and with D1 Motorsports, maybe another exclusive "GR" feature.
Till NEXT time,