The Kyoto 500 is an oval racing event, that we run every year. Based on the Indy 500, it is 500 miles (270 laps) of the Kyoto Oval, in the Formula V8. Like the Indy 500, the race features a triple file rolling start under the pace car. Despite what many may think, oval racing offers some of the closest and most exciting racing you will find, with the leading cars travelling at speeds of up to 195 miles per hour.

The 2010 Kyoto 500

Signups for the 2010 Kyoto 500 are now OPEN!

The 2010 Kyoto 500 will take place on 26 June 2010, with the green flag to fall at 16:45 GMT. Qualifying weekend will be 19-20 June 2010. Please follow the links in the Kyoto 500 menu above for more information

The 2009 Kyoto 500

Useful Links: Official Results | Race Replay | Official Race Programme

The Official Selection for Driver of the Race, 2009 Kyoto 500 is Kevin Myers (z-ro 8). Kevin drove an exemplary race all day, bided his time in the race for the first 250 laps, then was right up there for the win in the last 20 laps. Unfortunately, he was not in it for the win at the last handful of laps after losing the draft, but his actions were what I would expect a Kyoto 500 Champion to do. Please assist in offering congratulations to him.

NDR have decided to offer not one, but TWO Official Rookie of the Race awards, which I am giving to two drivers who ran in their first Kyoto 500 this year. I was originally going to give just one, but felt the need to offer it to these two.

The first Rookie of the Race Award is being given to Jeff Garry (Skydiver173). Jeff was a constant front-runner in the practice races, did an exemplary job of showing the skills and attitude required to be a Kyoto 500 Champion. His advice, suggestions, and determination were greatly welcomed and appreciated, and we do look forward to seeing him back in the 2010 Kyoto 500. His unfortunate disconnect in the midway point of the race is what cost him the chance at victory. He had the skill, strategy, and ability to adjust to the situation needed to be there. Unfortunately, the Internet was not on his side this year.

The second, and just as deserved rookie of the race award goes to Tim Vecchoni (VECCHONI). Tim was only in his first few months of racing in Live for Speed, and to see him take the speed quickly and be up front quickly, and learn quickly in a truly "Trial By Fire" fashion earns him this award. His spectacular race exit with less than a mile to go in the run is an unfortunate way to go, but the experience he gained will help him in future runnings of The Greatest Spectacle in Live for Speed. We look forward to seeing him back in the future, and wish him the best of luck.

Also, congratulations go out again to Nolan Scott (BigTime), the 2009 Kyoto 500 Champion on his win. Unofficial history will mark it as a rather controversial win, but the win is official and a win nonetheless, and the official history considers him the Champion, with no bias. He did what he had to do to get that title, which is simply, to get there first. We hope he returns in 2010 to defend his title.

Another congratulations goes out to the 2009 Kyoto 500 Official Polesitter, Dan Sanger (Raven88) who was sadly unable to take the start due to connection issues. We hope that he returns for next year to attempt to win the pole again and finally be able to start from it without issue.

Honorable mentions go out to, in no particular order, Aaron Shearer (Wild) for his excellent driving on the day, with his chances ending unfortunately with less than 30 laps left in a spectacular incident in front of the main grandstands. Secondly, mention is given to Phil Diaz (PMD9409) for his fighting back from a lap down after being caught up in several incidents, to finish second