The Japan Keirin Autorace Foundation, or JKA, Zaidanhōjin JKA, is the regulating body for pari-mutuel
keirin
– literally "racing cycle" – is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start behind a motorized or non-motorized pacer. It was developed in Japan around 1948 for gamblin ...
cycle racing and
Auto Race
Auto racing (also known as car racing, motor racing, or automobile racing) is a motorsport involving the racing of automobiles for competition.
Auto racing has existed since the invention of the automobile. Races of various sorts were organise ...
motorcycle racing competitions in
Japan
Japan ( ja, 日本, or , and formally , ''Nihonkoku'') is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean, and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan, while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north ...
. These sports—two of Japan's four authorized where
gambling is permitted—were originally regulated by two separate organizations. These sports and organizations were brought under the authority of the JKA on April 1, 2008.
Keirin
Prior to the JKA's founding,
keirin
– literally "racing cycle" – is a form of motor-paced cycle racing in which track cyclists sprint for victory following a speed-controlled start behind a motorized or non-motorized pacer. It was developed in Japan around 1948 for gamblin ...
races were overseen by the , lit. Japan Bicycle Promotion Association, or Japan Keirin Association, often abbreviated NJS. Today the present JKA is responsible for fostering Japan's
bicycle
A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.
Bic ...
industry and regulating keirin racing in Japan.
In addition to licensing keirin racers, the association sets specifications for frames and parts such as wheel size, spoke count, frame geometry, and even weight and material of components. These requirements were established in 1957 in an attempt to prevent any racers from having equipment-related advantages.
Because the foundation's main objective is supporting the Japanese cycling market, its bureaucracy is notoriously critical of foreign manufacturers attempting to enter the Japanese market. The Italian cycling equipment manufacturer Campagnolo has, though, received keirin racing certification.
A common misconception regarding certification is that it is a mark of quality, when in fact it is simply a mark of standardization; parts stamped with the NJS logo have become fashionable in recent years with some Western cyclists.
Auto race
Japan's
auto race
Auto racing (also known as car racing, motor racing, or automobile racing) is a motorsport involving the racing of automobiles for competition.
Auto racing has existed since the invention of the automobile. Races of various sorts were organise ...
industry was overseen by the , , lit. Japan Compact Car Promotion Association prior to the founding of the JKA.
Notes
External links
JKA official websiteKeirin official websiteAutorace website
{{Authority control
Cycle racing in Japan
Cycle racing organizations
Motorsport in Japan
Sports governing bodies in Japan