◊Title recognition

• Those winning the highest number of season points in each class are recognized as recipients of the series title.
• In the class of a tie in series points, the title goes to the one with the most wins. If the number of wins is also the same, the one with the largest number of 2nd places and then 3rd places will decide the series title winner. If those are also the same, the total race distance achieved by the drivers will decide the title, and if that is still insufficient to decide the title winners, the decision will be made by the GTA.

◊GT500
Cars competing in the GT500 class must be cars the comply with the 2008 JAF National Technical Regulations for "Grand Touring Cars (JAF-GT500)" stated in Chapter 7 of the 1st edition or cars that are given special approval by the GTA.

◊GT300
Cars competing in the GT300 class must comply with the regulations stated in Chapter 8 of the same 2008 JAF-GT regulations for "Grand Touring Cars (JAF-GT300)" or cars that are given special approval by the GTA.

†Cars specially approved by GTA (Special Approval cars)
(1) JAF-GT cars that participated in the GT500 class in the 2007 series, (2) FIA GT cars, (3) Le Mans GT cars, (4) SCCA GT cars, (5) Grand-American GT cars, (6) DTM cars and (7) cars specially approved by GTA.

◊Newly constructed GT500 class cars to be used for two seasons
Cars participating in the 2007 SUPER GT with newly constructed (new design) chassis must be used for a second consecutive season. If such a car is damaged beyond repair during the course of the season, it can be replaced with a new car on approval from GTA. In the case of such a replacement, the car will start from the last grid position in its class at the first GT after replacement.

†Use of replacement cars or spare cars is not permitted.

◊Official qualifying
Excluding the set chosen by lottery, the remaining two of the sets of tires can be used freely. For the qualifying and free practice sessions, the use of tires other than the three sets mentioned above is prohibited under any circumstances (except in cases where the track has been declared wet by the Clerk of the Course).

◊Wet-weather tires
Except for during the race, the use of wet-weather tires is permitted in the various sessions only when the Clerk of the Course declares wet conditions. The groove pattern of new wet-condition tires have to register to be used with GTA at least ten days prior to the first Event in which the tires are to be used.

◊Use of tire warmers prohibited
Use of any external device to intentionally heat or warm the tires during the Events is strictly forbidden.

†Under the agreement between the competing tire manufactures and the GTA for the 2008 season, the number of tires which can be used during the race week is limited to 11 sets per car, with 12 sets allowed in the case of a 500 km race and 15 in the case of a 1,000 km race.

◊Licenses
All competing drivers must hold current and valid International licenses of grade B or higher issued by their respective ASN. Drivers holding International licenses of grade C must receive special approval of the GTA in order to compete.

◊Official Qualifying Practice Sessions
Two official qualifying practice sessions of 60 minutes each are set by the organizer. A minimum interval of 2.5 hours is compulsory between each qualifying practice session. The qualifying sessions will be conducted according to the following procedure of either (1) or (2):

1. The qualifying practice session of 60 minutes will be divided into three sections. The first session will start in order of GT500, GT300, and then both categories combined. The second session will start with both categories combined, GT300 and then GT500 for 20 minutes each.
2. The first qualifying practice session of 60 minutes will be divided into three 20-minute sections. The first session will be run in the order of GT300 only, GT500 only and then a combined session for both classes. The second session of 60 minutes or more will be divided into two sections and each class is to use 30 minutes separately.

If a Super Lap format or some other form of grid-determining qualifying method is used, a Supplementary Regulation set for each round.

†To qualify for the race, all drivers must achieve a lap time at least equal to 107% of the average time of the 3 best laps achieved by the top 3 cars in each class.

†Cars returning to the pit with the assistance of the marshals during the qualifying practice sessions or its interruption are not allowed to run for the remained of the session.

†The final lap time measured after the checkered flag or the run-on-the-track board is shown will be effective.

†If 2 or more cars achieve the same qualifying time, their order will be determined by the order in which they achieved it.

†When the number of cars that achieved a Qualifying Time is less than that of the number of cars permitted to start the race as stated in the Supplementary Regulations, the teams that could not achieve the Qualifying Time may submit a petition to the Stewards of the Meeting for starting the race. The position on the starting grid for such cars is to be at the very back of the category concerned.

†The top 12 ranked teams (by car) from the previous season in each class are guaranteed entry in the final race. Wild card car(s) are also guaranteed entry.

First qualifying session

• The qualifying practice session of 60 minutes will be divided into three sections. The first session will start in order of GT300, GT500, and then both categories combined.
• The SL in the 2nd qualifying practice session will be contested by the top 10 cars of each class from the 1st session.
• Cars that were unable to qualify to participate in the SL will be given grip positions after the top ten based on the order of their best time from the 1st qualifying session.

Second qualifying session (SL)

◊All-car session

• Before the SL, an all-car practice period of will be held with 15 minutes each for the GT300 and GT500 classes in that order.
• If both of the drivers for a car have not obtained a qualifying time by the end of this session, that car will not qualify for the final race.

◊Super Lap

• The SL will be contested by 10 cars from each class, with starting grid positions - from pole position to 10th place - determined by the lap time achieved by each car.
• The SL session will start with the 10 cars of the GT300 class, followed by the 10 cars of the GT500. Either of the two drivers in a competing car may attempt the SL.
• No work may be done on any of the cars during their class's session.
• The SL time attacks (timed lap) will be run one car at a time in the order beginning with the car with the slowest qualifying time from the first qualifying session and progressing up to the car with the fastest qualifying time. Each car will run four laps, with the first and second laps for warm-up, the third lap as the attack (timed) lap and the fourth lap as a cool-down lap and return to the pit. The headlights must be tuned on during the attack (timed) lap only.
• A car that cannot enter the course at the start of its SL laps but is able to enter the course at the time of the next course-in timing may run its time attack after one warm-up lap instead of two. If the car is still unable to enter the course at that time it loses its SL right.
• If a car spins out or stops on track if only momentarily, timing will be stopped and the car must return to the pit.
• If cars are unable to run a timed lap in the SL they will be given a grid position at the rear of the SL (top ten) grid spaces based on the order of their fastest qualifying time from the first session.
• Cars that fall victim to Yellow or Red flags caused by other cars during the timed lap will be given another chance to attempt their timed lap. Also, if a car obstructs another car's run during its cool-down lap, it will be penalized.

◊Number of grid positions
The number of positions on the starting grid will be stated in a Supplementary Regulation based on the certification requirements of each different circuit.

◊Formation
The starting grid will be set in a 1 by 1 staggered formation, according to the best lap times attained by each car during the qualifying sessions. However, the GT500 category cars will always be placed in front of the GT300 category cars regardless of the times attained during these qualifying sessions. A 2 by 2 formation is permitted for the rolling start of each event.

◊Car positions
The positions of the cars on the starting grid are determined by fastest time achieved by either one of the drivers for a car. The position of a car may be lowered on the grid regardless of time if a penalty has been given to that car.

◊Pole position
Pole position is given to the car that ran the fastest lap time in the official qualifying practice. The pole position and the grid of the top GT300 car will always be on the inner side of the track towards the first corner. If the pole position qualifier is unable to compete in the final race, its position on the grid will be left open.

†If a car withdraws from the competition before the final starting grid is announced, the positions on the starting grid will be moved up to fill that car's position. If a car withdraws after the final starting grid is announced, that position will be left open and other cars will remain in their own grid positions.

◊Rolling Start
The type of start adopted for each event will be a 'rolling' start.

◊Warm-up (free) run
Procedure for the start will begin 55 minutes before the start of the formation lap. A warm-up (free) run is allowed for 8 minutes after the opening of the pit exit.

◊Pit Start
Any car which is still in the pits when the pit exit is closed 37 min. before the start of the formation lap, or any car that returns to the pit after once taking position on the grid, will start from the pit.

◊Work on cars on the grid
Work on cars on the grid will be permitted until the "5 min. to start" signboard is shown. However, refueling and replenishing of all kinds of oil is prohibited.

◊Starting procedure
"5 min. to start" signboard: All work on cars on the grid must be stopped when the signboard appears. A car that cannot reach the grid by then must start from the pit.
"3 min. to start" signboard: Everyone excluding the drivers and the marshals shall evacuate the track.
"1min. to start" signboard: The engines are started by the drivers while seated in their cars.
"30 second to start": After this sign, a green flag will be waved in front of the grid, at the same time all cars will start the orderly formation lap led by the organizers' official leading car. During the formation lap, it is strictly prohibited to practice starts, to break the formation or to overtake. Until instructed by the organizer a formation of single file is permitted, but after instruction, the formation is set to double file and the cars must not deviate to the right or left of the line the car in front of it is running.

◊Cars unable to start
If a car is not able to start at the time of the formation lap, the driver is to open the window on the driver side, raise his hand, and signal to the marshal. After all other cars leave the grid, only the marshals may push the car to start it. Any cars that are unable to keep their position at the start of or during the formation lap, may not overtake the other cars and must take the rearmost position in their class. However, GT500 cars will enter the pit road and start the race from the pit.

◊Signals
The red light of the signal light on the start line is turned on at the moment the formation lap starts and yellow flags will be displayed at every post. The starting signal will be given by means of the starting light (green light) activated under the control of the Clerk of the Course. The race will start as the red light on the start line turns to green, but the cars must not overtake each other until they cross the start line.

◊Speed of the official lead car
The speed of the official leading car leading the field is kept at approx. 80 km/h. The organizers' official leading car will pull off at the end of the formation lap. The cars will continue on their own with the pole position car leading at a minimum speed limit of approximately 70 to 90 km/h. The leading car of the GT300 class is not permitted to exceed 90km/h until it passes the start line.

◊Start Delayed
If a problem arises during the formation lap, the red light will stay on. Yellow flags will be displayed at all the observation posts. The cars, with the pole position leading, will complete a new formation lap. They will be joined and led by the official leading car and will continue for another formation lap. In such a case, the race distance will be reduced by will be two laps.

◊Start Delayed for wet conditions
If the start of the race is imminent and conditions are considered unsafe in the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, the start of the race may be delayed.

◊Refueling
At least one refueling is compulsory during the race. Cooling of the fuel used or its supply device is prohibited. The engine must be stopped and all four wheels must be on the car during refueling. A driver can remain in his car during refueling. One or more crew members must be standing prepared with a fire extinguisher beside the car throughout all refueling operations. The refueling personnel and the crew member(s) with fire extinguisher(s) must wear fireproof suits, gloves, full-faced helmets and balaclavas. No jack operation is permitted during refueling.
All work is prohibited during refueling except the following: Changing of drivers, fastening of seat belts, setting timing transponder, connecting the driver's radio, drink bottles, and driver cooling suits, and changing ice in the ice box.

◊Turning off the engine
During any stop in the pits, the engine must be turned off. For any tuning or regulating, the engine may be started with the help of an auxiliary source of energy. However, when the car goes to rejoin the race, the engine must be started by the driver from his seat, using only those means available on board with the four wheels touching the ground.

◊Prohibition of reverse gear
The use of the reverse gear in the pit area is prohibited. If a car has passed its pit, the car can only be pushed back by its team personnel.

◊Work
During the race, it shall result in exclusion, to change cylinder blocks or the chassis. Failure to comply will result in penalty of exclusion.
With the exception of emergency repairs performed by the driver in a safe place off the track using with methods or means provided on the vehicle, no work such as refueling and repair work may be performed outside of each car's designated pit area.

◊Number of mechanics
Excluding tire manufacturer service technicians and fire extinguisher-holding safety personnel, a maximum of 5 team crew members per participating car may work on the car at any one time. (These 5 crew members must wear fireproof suits and heat-resistant gloves throughout the entire pit stop.)
With the exception of the crew members performing the refueling, a maximum of 3 team crew members per car can work on the car during refueling. The driver is not included in this number. Cleaning of the windscreen and windows and changing of the ice in the icebox are considered to be work on the car.

◊Tire changing
A maximum of 2 team crew members per car can change the tires on a given car in the pit stop and no changing of these two members is allowed during the tire changing process. The 2 mechanics who are in charge of changing tires must pick up the tires from their lying position on the ground, and fit it to the car without receiving any assistance from others. After removal from the car, the 2 tire-changing crew members must place the tires flat on the ground without any assistance. It is not permitted for these 2 tire-changing personnel to hand over the removed tires to other crew members or engage in dangerous actions such as throwing the tires out of the way.

†Changing tires during pit stops is not obligatory.

◊Restarting a race
When a race that has been stopped is restarted, the safety car starting method is used. If the race cannot be restarted, the lap before the appearance of the race stoppage signal is deemed the end of the race and the results of that lap become the race results.

◊Out of consideration for safety and fairness, a safety car will be used in SUPER GT races according to the following rules:

• When the safety car is brought out during a race, it will enter the track immediately without regard to where the lead car is at that time.
• After the safety car has completed one lap of the track, it will come to a stop at the front of the dummy grip and the GT500 cars will line up in single file behind it on the inside of the grid and the GT300 cars will line up in single file on the outside of the grid. The SC will then turn on its green light and let the cars up to the lead car pass.
• After passing the SC, the cars will continue at a safe speed and without passing until they reach the end of the row of their respective class row. During this process, the GT500 cars can pass the GT300 row until they reach the end of the GT500 row. The same is true for cars leaving the pit.
  
• Any incidents not covered by Sporting Regulations will be covered by FIA International Sporting Code Appendix H.

◊Checkered flag mishap
Should for any reason the checkered flag be displayed before the leading car completes the scheduled number of laps, due to carelessness or other reasons, the race will be deemed to have finished at that point.
Should the checkered flag be delayed, the final finishing positions will be determined according to the order of cars when the scheduled number of laps was completed.

◊Classification
The first car to complete the designated race distance in the shortest time is determined the first place finisher. The finishing place of the other cars will be determined by the number of laps completed at the time of the checkered flag and order in which cars having run the same number of laps cross the finish line.

• If a car runs its last lap in a time that is more than twice the time of the pole position time, that lap will not be counted.
• Cars having covered less than 70% of the number of laps covered by the winner in each category will not be classified.

◊Demotion of Performance

• Qualifying and fastest race laps: In each class, a handicap weight of 10kg will be compulsorily allocated for the subsequent race to cars qualifying in the top 3 places, and setting the top 3 fastest laps in each race.
  
• Race results: In each class, a handicap weight will be compulsorily allocated for the subsequent race to cars finishing in the top 4 places, according to the scale at below:

†In the case of a change in the car type or when both the team and drivers are changed, the handicap weight totals are not applied.

◊Handicap weight reduction
If a car with a weight handicap finishes 6th or lower in a race, a weight reduction will be made in accordance with the finishing place. If a car is not able to participate in the race, a weight reduction of 20kg will be made for the next race for both classes.

◊Position of handicap weight
The weight of the installation device used to load the handicap weights will be included within the total handicap weight. Handicap weights must be the standard lead plates. Plates up to 50 kg must be attached to the passenger's seat. Weights in excess of the first 50 kg can be attached to any location within the car without restriction. All cars with weight handicaps imposed must attach weight handicap sign stickers where designated.

◊Performance Lifting Measures
Based on the designated criteria, each car is eligible to expand the diameter of its air restrictor opening depending on the performance in the previous race. However, cars given a weight handicap of over 10 kg cannot use this system.

• Criteria:
  A. Cars slower than the standard time determined by adding 1 second to the average best lap time of the top 6 cars of each category in the qualifying practice. However, in races adopting a Super Lap, the criteria will be based on the times from the first qualifying session.
  B. Cars slower than the standard time determined by adding 0.5 seconds to the average of the top 6 best lap times of the race.
  C. Cars ranked in 7th position or below in the Series point standings in each category at the end of each race.
• Performance Lifting methods:
  Cars meeting all the above criteria will be allowed to reduce weight by 25 kg. Or, an increase in restrictor diameter equivalent to a 50 kg as indicated on the table can be made and 25 kg of weights added. Air restrictor diameters larger than those shown on the regulation table cannot be used. These performance lifting measures can only be used in two stages.

†When a car that has received performance lifting measures adopts a new chassis type or increases engine displacement the performance lifting measures will be retracted.

◊Special adjustment of performance
The GTA may make adjustments in the restrictors during the course of the season. According to the 2008 GTA Bulletin No.004-T, performance adjustments will be made for the GT500 class SC430, NSX, and GT-R machines based on the results of the first two rounds of the 2008 season. This adjustment is an adjustment in the minimum car weight and does not involve assignments of handicap weights.

◊Driver points

• Fastest lap points from the qualifying and the race and finishing place points for the race are given to the two drivers of a team.
• Driver series points are the sum of the points from the driver's best seven races of the season. However, the points from the last three races of the season must be included in the seven. Races that the drivers' team could not compete in can be used for the results dropped from the total. (Qualifying and best lap points are not given for the last race of the series)

◊Team points

• Race finishing place points and points for the number of laps run are awarded by car race number .
• The points earned in all the races of the series will count toward the final point total.

◊When race stopped due to force majeure

• If a race must be called before the leading car completes two laps of the final race, it will be considered an invalid race and no series points will be allocated.
• If a race must be called after the leading car has completed two laps of the final race but before 75% of the designated race distance is completed, it will be considered a valid race and half the normal points will be allocated toward the series point totals. In this case, points for best qualifying and race lap time will be allocated as usual and apply toward the series totals.
• If a race must be called after the leading car has completed 75% of the designated race distance it will be considered a valid race and all the normal points will be allocated.

◊Penalties imposed during the race
Drive-through penalty: The driver must enter the pit lane and rejoin the race from the pit exit without stopping in the pit.
Penalty stop: The driver must enter the pit lane, stop at the penalty stop area for the time penalized and then rejoin the race from the pit exit (no need to stop engine). In this case, a stop in the team's own pit is not allowed.

◊ Notification of penalties:
When the decision is made to impose a penalty, a signboard showing the confirmed penalty and a black board with the violating car number will be shown at the control line. If the penalty announcement cannot be made to the driver within the course of the race time, and equivalent to the penalty shall be added to the finishing time of the car concerned.
As penalties for violations occurring during the qualifying sessions, the best lap time of that session may be discarded or the session time at the time of the violation may be nullified.

◊Penalties:
False start: Drive-through penalty
Disobeying yellow flag: Drive-through penalty or more
Any violation in pit work: Drive-through penalty
Speeding in the pit lane: Drive-through penalty
Any breach of driving conduct: Drive-through penalty or penalty stop of up to 30 seconds

◊Exclusion
Any car that does not comply with an allocated penalty within three laps of the penalty allocation will be given a black flag as notification of Exclusion from the race.

◊Post-race Penalties
In addition to time penalties, the Stewards of the Meetings may impose penalties such as penalty fines, series point reductions, and racing suspension.

◊Driving Moral hazard:
In order to maintain a code of driving conduct, the GTA employs the driving moral hazard system.

†No protests and/or appeals against the above penalties will be heard.