Mazda's debut with a rotary engine car on the Japanese racing circuit took place in November 1969 at the All Japan Suzuka Automobile Race.
   The touring car champion at that time was the Skyline GT-R. Mazda entered the R100 (Familia Rotary Coupe) to challenge the mighty Skyline. However, as the R100's European-spec over fenders did not meet the Japanese regulations, it was restricted to the R class instead of the Skyline-dominated GT-2 class.
   Thanks to its 214 hp maximum power, the R100 quickly became the undisputed class champion.