We had a great time last weekend participating in the second annual Arizona Rising Sun Rallye. This premier one-day driving event was organized specifically for Japanese classic cars (2004 and older), and is
modeled after other established events such as Touge California, the Arizona Copperstate 1000, and other vintage car driving events.
After an early-morning mandatory drivers’ meeting at The Warehouse in Mesa, AZ, all participants received a wristband and goodie bag containing a route book, dinner ticket, a t-shirt, and an assortment of items from the event sponsors. Roughly 30 cars participated, and we headed out in small groups for what would be a roughly six-hour drive.
Last year, we drove our ’92 Silvia Q’s and our ’98 S14. This year, we decided to be a bit more comfortable and drive the ’99 Stagea. No shortage of power, handles like a much smaller car, and it’s a pretty cushy environment for a long drive.
Each year, the route changes, and the organizers did an awesome job pre-planning and plotting a great scenic drive. Leaving Mesa, we took 87 towards Payson through Tonto Basin and along the shores of Roosevelt Lake, where we stopped for a sack lunch. From there, we headed for Globe / Miami, and then took 77 south through Hayden and Winkelman. A quick turn north on 177 took us through Kearney and Superior, on our way to Apache Junction, where we met up for an awesome dinner at Handlebar Pub and Grille.
The planners left stops and breaks to the groups, so we stopped frequently for photos and to chat with our fellow drivers. Having a navigator on-board makes all the difference – Last year, Becky and I drove separately, which makes for a little less relaxing drive.
Special thanks to The Finishing Touch Bodyshop in Fountain Hills, AZ, and We Don’t Lift Racing in Tempe as well as Arizona Powdercoat, The Warehouse, Adams Polishes, Rotary13b1, Auto Off Topic, Mazda, X-Comp Tires and Kyusha Club. Another big shout-out to Aaron (@toywagon) for his great photos of the event. Enjoy the gallery, and we hope you’ll join us next year at azrisingsunrallye.com!
Check out last year’s event: 2024 Arizona Rising Sun Rallye and a gallery of pics from the 2025 rallye!
