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| This year, the La Festa Primavera 2022 marks its 13th year. The COVID-19 situation is still unpredictable, so all the entrants took a PCR test before participating and all necessary measures to prevent the spread of infection will be taken during the event just like last year. Feeling the joy of driving with their friends and beloved car, the entrants started the four-day spring journey. Yesterday's rain moistened the grounds and trees of Atsuta Jingu Shrine and the 58 cars set off from the shrine at 11:00 am. Under a cloudy sky, they competed PC competitions (a measurement competition to drive a designated section in a designated time in seconds) at NTP Nagoya Toyopet and received a stamp at the stamp point in the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, then left Nagoya to Tokoname. The entrants received the second stamp at NTP Marine Rinku, then headed to Tsu City in Mie Prefecture. It was not raining at each point, but on the way from Aichi to Mie we were caught in a heavy rain and the entrants participating with an open-top car were forced to change into rain wear. By the time we arrived at the next stamp point, Isshindenjinai Town (national treasure Senjuji Temple), the rain cleared up. Many local people were waiting for our arrival and warmly welcomed us. Every year many people come and watch the event in Isshindenjinai Town, but due to the spread of COVID-19, this was our first visit in three years. The entrants left Isshindenjinai Town and competed PC competitions at the Tsu City Industry and Sports Center, then headed to Ise. After receiving a stamp at Geku Sando in Ise Jingu Shrine, they headed to the next point, the Toba Observation deck. It’s 4:00 pm now and the chilly air was sapping their energy. At the Toba Observation deck, the entrants received the last stamp and competed the last PC competition of the day. PC competitions where they compete for accuracy measured in 1/100 seconds require concentration that is not affected by the weather. The entrants controlled their breathing before the start and the driver and co-driver synchronized their breathing. Their expression when they were looking at the measurement line told us how hard they were concentrating on the competition. The entrants finished the competition and arrived at the finish venue of day one, the Shima Kanko Hotel. Today's driving distance was approximately 270km. It was a tough day today because of the rain and cold temperature. On day two, the entrants are driving approximately 300km from Shima City, Mie Prefecture to Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. We all are looking forward to meeting people and enjoying the scenery there. （text & photo／Mika Iwamoto） |
 DB sets off from Atsuta Jingu Shrine  Praying for road safety before start  OSCA MT4 welcomed in Isshindenjinai Town  PORSCHE 356A SPEEDSTER receives stamp at Toba Observation deck  STANGUELLINI S1100 competing PC competition at Toba Observation deck after receiving stamp |
