As the great Summer Touring approaches, it is important that we prepare not only our vehicles but also our minds – which is where this handy guide comes in. Whether or not you’re planning on driving a kaido racer, this will help everyone understand what to do during the event. 

To ensure the safety of yourself and others, along with maximum fun-having, please see this list of rules and etiquette to follow on the streets. Failure to follow this guide may result in vehicular damage, bodily harm, and/or a baseball bat through your windshield (just kidding, I don’t think anyone does that anymore).

Allow traffic to pass. 

The last thing we want to do is cause traffic jams and make people mad enough to call the police to shut us down. If a regular person is driving behind you, move into the lane on your right and allow them to pass you to mitigate the frustration of the general public as much as possible. 

Don’t follow too closely behind other cars or tailgate. 

Many lowered cars, especially those with front lips or deppas, may have to significantly slow down at a moment’s notice. This is especially important when going over bridges or driving on sections of highway with road expansion joints, but also for if any surprise potholes or road hazards decide to make an appearance. Make sure that you have enough space to stop, especially if you or the person in front of you are driving cars that are 30+ years old and still have the original brakes.

Pay attention to your surroundings.

Building upon rule number 2, make sure you are vigilant of those driving around you so that you can be prepared to make any necessary quick maneuvers safely.

This also applies for keeping watch for any camera cars. Allow them to pass on your left and be vigilant for any hand signals if they tell you to slow down, speed up, move ahead, etc.

Keep the group together.

Try your best to help all of the kaido racers stay together. This is mostly just so that all of the photos look really good, but it also helps ensure that no one gets lost. Try to familiarize yourself with the route before taking off in case you do get separated. In years past, drivers tend to stay in a single file line, but it’s okay to change into other lanes and move as a pack. 

Also on this note, if you are not driving an event car and are just there to enjoy the event, let the kaido racers pass you to stay with the rest of the event cars. You can also do your part by helping block any other drivers that are not part of the event if it helps people who are taking part merge back into the group (within reason, as per rule number 2) so that everyone can stay together. 

Be smart, and be careful. 

We’ve all seen the video going around of the guy hanging out the window while touring and falling out. While it was pretty funny, it won’t be fun for anyone if someone gets hurt while being careless. If you’re choosing to extend your limbs, or any part of your body, out of the window, please be careful while doing so.

Additionally, don’t do any burnouts, nonsuri (donuts or drifting), or engage in street racing. We are already driving a group of questionably modified vehicles and this brings even more unncessary attention. Save it for the right time and place, such as an official nonsuri event. Reckless behaviour or driving without care will not be tolerated. 

This is your official warning!

Be prepared ahead of time.

This is the time to treat yourself to a full tank, fill up your gas beforehand so that you’re ready for a night of driving. Do a nut and bolt check and ensure that all of your parts are securely fastened and torqued to spec. Even though most of us will be finishing up our cars until the very last second, do your best to test drive your car before the event to ensure that everything is solid. You don’t want to find out that your spoiler can’t handle highway speeds during the event. Checking your oil and all other fluids the day of the event is another good idea. 

Also in your best interest is bringing some tools with you, along with some extra supplies such as spare tires, jumper cables, zip ties, and ratchet straps, just in case. It’s better to be overprepared in case of an emergency so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible instead of waiting for a tow truck if you don’t have to.

Have fun!

These events are meant to be fun for everyone. Build a cool car, wear a fun outfit if you want to, and have a good time. Don’t be shy to talk to people and make friends. Enjoy yourself, and do what you can to help make the event be pleasant and enjoyable for all.