It was in 1981 that the new regulations for Group A touring car races came into effect. Group A, whose modifications were suppressed in a form similar to that of commercial cars in the motorsports car regulations, became very popular due to the heated races by the familiar vehicles seen in the city. The Group A touring car races started in 1985 as JTC (All Japan Touring Car Championship) in Japan. Automakers participated in the races one after another aiming at the promotion effect of commercial cars, and the race went on to great success.

Group A was divided into three divisions depending on the displacement. With the participation of the R32 Skyline GT-R, the class with the largest displacement attracted the spectators with the heated battles for the top ranks. On the other hand, the class with the smallest displacement up to 1600cc competed for victory. No car in this class showed overwhelming strength; instead, many teams used cars prepared by Toyota and Honda to compete in the fierce battle.