The contemporary manifestation of the "vintage beach race" originates back to the early 1920s, a pivotal period in history when the booming industrial revolution was propelling the limits of engineering capabilities in machinery. Originating in Europe and America, predominantly on expansive sandy stretches and deserted terrains, enthusiasts began pushing the boundaries by attempting speed records and organizing public races that welcomed anyone daring enough to take the wheel.
Today, this historical legacy endures in several global locations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Denmark. These events have become an annual spectacle, attracting a staggering 100,000 spectators from around the globe. The races not only serve as a testament to the enduring allure of vintage motoring culture but also as a vibrant celebration of the audacity and thrill that accompanies the pursuit of speed on these historic racing grounds.
The "SPEED IS MY RELIGION" project aims to showcase the unique personalities of ordinary men and women who participate in vintage motoring events. Through this project, the aim is to provide an in-depth look at the individuals who are passionate about vintage cars, and bikes, and who compete in races, rallies, and other events. It is an effort to explore their motivations, their experiences, and the challenges they face as they pursue their love for retro motoring. By showcasing the human side of these events, the project hopes to inspire others to get involved in the vintage motoring community and experience the joy and excitement of these events firsthand.
The Ōarai Sun Beach is a sandy haven in Japan that overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean. Its breathtaking scenery is the perfect backdrop for motoring enthusiasts from various countries, making it a go-to destination for beach race organisers. This is an event that attracts the finest vintage bikes and hot rods from all over Japan, so it's a great experience not only for those participating but also for those watching.
The cultural and heritage exchange between America and Japan is a fascinating phenomenon that has resulted in some truly intriguing outcomes. In many cases, the Japanese have taken the core tenets of American culture and elevated them to new heights, creating a unique blend of the two cultures that is both captivating and enriching. This process of cultural re-creation is a testament to the Japanese ability to see beyond the surface level of American culture and understand its underlying values and principles.
It's amazing to witness the level of attention to detail and care that goes into this process, resulting in a refined and improved version of the American culture.
The SAND FLAT'S is such an example of something that in many aspects can compete with the American edition of the modern iteration of the "beach race".
49 years old / Japan /racing number 308
私の名前は齋藤真奈
My name is Mana Saito.
年齢は49歳です。
I am 49 years old.
職業はアパレルブランド ”Blue Rose.308 “でプリントデザイン商品などの販売をしています。
I own an apparel business called “Blue Rose 308” that designs and merchandises a range of products, printed with digital images.
"Blue Rose" の花言葉は可能性や夢叶う
According to the language of flowers, “Blue Rose” means “possibility” and “making dreams come true”.
"308" は私の誕生日3月8日と国連が定めた国際女性デーが同日なので、何歳になっても前向きに強く逞しく生きてる事が少しでも皆さんの勇気などに繋がり、幸せに生きていって欲しいという願いでブランドを立ち上げました。
March 8th (308) is my birthday and, coincidentally, it is also United Nations International Women's Day. As a woman, my ambition is to be strong and forward-thinking irrespective of age. I believe this positive attitude might help women to be courageous and lead happier lives. My brand, “Blue Rose 308”, was founded on these principles.
レースに出て練習不足を痛感しましたが、無事に完走できて良かったです。
It was absolutely wonderful to be able to complete the race although I felt I could have built up more strength through training.
バイクは Harley Davidson 37UL です。
The model I own and ride is Harley-Davidson 37UL.
42 years old / Japan /racing number 17
IG: fubuki_triumph
名前 岡田 吹雪
My name is Fubuki Okada
年齢 42歳
I am 42 years old.
職業 会社員(損害保険代理店勤務)
I work as an agent for an insurance company.
2021年の千里浜サンドフラッツを観戦して、私も出たいと思いバイクを作ってもらった経緯があります。そして2022年の千里浜サンドフラッツに出場して、昨年2023年の大洗にも出ました。昨年は派手に転んでしまう失敗をしたので、今年はそのリベンジと転んだトラウマを払拭するために来ました。
I had a major accident during the Oharau ’23 race. It was quite a shock. My motivation for entering this race is to overcome that traumatic experience and turn it around into something positive. I have been an enthusiastic rider since watching Chirihama Sandflats ’21. It inspired me to commission a bespoke model. I then entered the race at Sandflats ’22 followed by Oarai 2023.
どう感じたか
スタート直前までめちゃくちゃ緊張と怖さがありました。
でも仲間がずっと付き添ってくれて、緊張をほぐし楽しむ気持ちが出てきました。
予選レースの隣がフラットトラック仲間だったおかげでテンション上げていけました。
スタート後はアクセル全開でめちゃくちゃ気持ちよく走れました。
最高に楽しかったです!
How did I feel?
Absolutely fantastic!
Acceleration has been excellent from the start and it felt wonderful.
Having said that, prior to starting the race, I was insanely frightened and nervous but the people around me at the track were really supportive. They helped me to stay strong and composed. I performed much better as a result.
私のバイク Triumph 1966年 T120ボンネビル
My model: Triumph 1966 T120 Bonneville
Japan /racing number 6x
My name is Atsushi Yasui.
The USA guys is saying “Sushi”. My nickname is “Sushi”. This is because Atsushi is very difficult. “Sushi” is very easy.
My job is a clothing designer ( president ) in my clothing company. All made in japan – fabric, sewing...the entire production is made in Japan.
The company name is THE FREEWHEELERS (IG: freewheelers_and_company)
It’s all about speed and the trill.
I became champion in the 45 and 80 class last year here. I hope this year to became champion in both class again. And I also hope to be champion with my car in V8 with my car.
The last year the sand was a bit soft. But this year is also good. The cost is a bit short – only 1/10th of a mile, unfortunately.
This is 1946 HARLEY DAVIDSON (FL) KNUCCKELHEAD and my second one is HARLEY DAVIDSON (WL) 1942
My bike is a little bit change / tuned. Engine and carburettors are tuned.
I am here with my friend Yoshi who also bring a knucklehead and WL Borth bikes are very fast.
P.S. During the 2023 SPEED WEEK racing event at Bonneville, Mr. Asui broke 3 world records riding a heavily customised 1946 Harley Davidson FL -"THE MONSTER" as follows:
CLASS: A-VF1650 / 143.746 mph
CLASS: A-VG1650 / 143.721 mph
CLASS: APS-VG1650 / 145.131mph
Source: ROLLER Magazine #49
Japan /racing number 4
IG: ystat2
ヨシ·サカモト
My name is Yoshi Sakamoto
タトゥー·アーティス
I am a motorcycle engineer, as well as a tattoo artist.
Iレースが好きだから.
really love watching those races,
最高の気分
I’m feeling fabulous being here. It’s a great feeling.
私のバイク:
1941 knucklehead, Harley-Davidson
1942 WLA, Harley-Davidson
My bikes are:
1941 knucklehead, Harley-Davidson
1942 WLA, Harley-Davidson
P.S. During the 2023 SPEED WEEK racing event at Bonneville, Mr. Sakamoto broke 1 world records riding a heavily customised 1947 Harley Davidson FL -"THE GRYPHON" as follows:
CLASS: M-VF1350 / 133.602 mph
Source: ROLLER Magazine #49
Full galleries from the SAND FLAT’S beach race can be found below:
Translation from Japanese to English - Mrs. Seiko Hatfield
Main Logo Graphic Artist - Ms. Emily Johnston (IG: emilyneoart)