The most popular question that we've been receiving lately is "What’s going on with the 2012 DSPORT Tokyo Auto Salon Tour?" As this October 2011 "All-Japan edition" of DSPORT is wrapping up, this question has also been on our minds. In years past, we would always green light this endeavor. It has always been the annual event that we look forward to producing. However, the disasters that struck Japan in March of this year prompted us to reevaluate our standard plans. While we’ve ultimately reached a decision, we wanted to share our thought process.

Case Against a 2012 DSPORT Tokyo Tour

Even though Tokyo and the other areas visited on the DPSORT Tokyo tour are well beyond the disaster impact zone, radiation levels are higher than normal right now even in these outlying areas. In all likelihood, radiation levels would also be above normal levels during the time of a 2012 TAS tour. Of course, the levels are said to be safe, but not everyone believes the experts. From a marketing standpoint for a DSPORT TAS tour, we have to assume that this would have a negative impact on the number of signups for the tour. Having reduced numbers increases production costs for the tour. On top of this major challenge, our government’s mismanagement of funds has helped to make our dollar a less-desirable currency. Our all-mighty U.S. dollar is now bowing to Canadian and Australian dollars. Against the Japanese yen, our dollar was worth roughly 88 yen while we were in Japan. Now, the value fluctuates around 15- percent lower in the 75-to-77-yen-per-dollar range. This also increases tour costs as the hotel, transportation and other “in Japan” costs are increased by 15 percent. To further complicate manners, the dynamic situation in Japan has put much of the tour planning on hold. Even if a decision was made today to go forward with the tour, there’s the possibility that Nitto Tire and CARMATE wouldn’t be able to organize the drift experience in time. This was one of the highlights on the tour. All in all, there’s a strong case against a 2012 DSPORT Tokyo tour.

Case Supporting a 2012 DSPORT Tokyo Tour

The momentum after such a successful 2011 DSPORT Tokyo Auto Salon Tour had never been stronger. In 2011, the tour was better than ever and the addition of so many attendees from Australia and New Zealand added a new dimension. Failing to produce a 2012 tour might jeopardize and forever stall the growth of the DSPORT tour. Our dream of escorting 80-plus enthusiasts on two mega tour buses through Japan may never be realized. While the Japan disaster and weak U.S. dollar will have an impact on the tour participation and costs, it must be done.

The Current Ruling

For those anxiously awaiting our decision to produce the tour, we truly appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. As of August 1st, our decision is to forge ahead and work toward putting together a 2012 DSPORT TAS tour. We assume that the tour cost will be going up 15 percent thanks to our weak dollar and that means a projected cost in the neighborhood of $2,875. So if you are interested, start saving now. Of course, that’s just our initial projection. We’ll be negotiating hard to reduce the overall tour cost. We will have finalized costs by August 30th and you can get updates by visiting our dsporttas.com website or by becoming a friend on our Facebook site. If all goes as planned, we should have until October 1st to get everyone signed up and on board for the tour. Stay tuned.