A recap of the Idlers 12 Hour Race at Twin Ring Motegi

The Idlers 12 Hour endurance race at Twin Ring Motegi has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Japanese grassroots motorsport calendar. Known for its demanding format, extreme summer heat, and eclectic mix of competitors, the 2025 running of the event marked a new chapter for RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB). For the first time, Nakai-san entered a fleet of modern Porsches—two 997 Turbos and two 997 GT3s—signaling a bold evolution beyond his iconic air-cooled builds.

Preparation began at the brand-new RWB headquarters in Nikko, where the team assembled in the days leading up to the race. Long nights were spent fine-tuning the cars, dialing in setups, and ensuring the 997s were ready for the grueling demands of endurance competition. Testing took place on the technical mountain passes near the workshop, where the cars were pushed hard through elevation changes and tight switchbacks to refine balance, response, and cooling systems.

The KTEC team, one of only a handful of authorised RWB builders worldwide— were once again invited to race. Having forged a reputation for precision Porsche builds and long-standing ties with Nakai-san, KTEC joined the team at Motegi, bringing both technical expertise and the pride of carrying the Australian flag into one of Japan’s toughest endurance contests. Their collaboration underscored the global nature of RWB today: a tight-knit family spanning continents, united by a shared passion for Porsche and endurance racing.

When race weekend arrived, Motegi delivered its trademark brutality. Track temperatures soared into the high 30s, placing enormous strain on engines, brakes, and drivers alike. The 4.8km circuit, with its mix of long straights, tight corners, and punishing braking zones, demanded absolute consistency and reliability over the twelve-hour contest.

Despite the heat, the RWB 997s ran faultlessly. The Turbos delivered relentless pace on the straights, while the GT3s balanced speed with endurance-friendly handling. Across countless driver changes, fuel stops, and tire swaps, the cars never faltered. Strategy was clean, pit work was precise, and the drivers executed without mistakes.

By the time the checkered flag fell, all four RWB entries crossed the line—twelve hours of racing completed without a single major issue. For RWB, it was proof that Nakai’s move into modern water-cooled platforms could withstand the unforgiving test of endurance racing. For KTEC, it was validation on the international stage, proudly representing both Australia and the growing RWB global network in one of motorsport’s most unique events.

The Idlers 12 Hour remains one of the purest expressions of endurance racing—a place where privateer teams can share the grid with legends, where perseverance matters as much as outright speed, and where the paddock feels like family. For RWB, 2025 will be remembered as the year the new generation cars proved themselves at Motegi. And for teams like KTEC, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when passion and precision meet at the highest level.

For anyone who has ever imagined competing at Idlers, there’s only one way to know what it feels like: get on the grid. Next year, the opportunity awaits.