Did you know that there is a tow truck competition in Japan: what it takes to win it

Japan hosts interesting tow truck competitions/JAF

Japan is turning tow truck driving into a competitive sport, and the public is invited to watch. And it's quite a spectacle, let us tell you.

The annual JAF Highway Challenge pits emergency responders against each other in several challenges, including pulling an overturned car back onto its wheels as gently as possible, reports The Drive.

< p>Organized by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), which is Japan's counterpart to AAA, the Roadside Assistance Olympics bring together emergency responders from Tokyo and nine other prefectures. This is not a Battle Royale style battle where people hit each other over the head with traffic signs, but a friendly competition to educate the public about the JAF's role in keeping motorists safe.

The first competition involves the use of a tow truck, equipped with a winch to pull an overturned car back onto its four wheels. Although it sounds relatively simple to trained professionals, the goal is to put the shiny side up slowly and delicately to avoid further damage to the car.

In this light, it is a complex operation that requires perfect knowledge of where to attach the winch and in which direction to pull. Competitors will also be judged on their ability to pick up a motorcycle lying on its side without tipping it over and load it onto a trailer.

This isn't exactly a video of the race, but it gives you an idea of ​​what it's like evacuation of JAF emergency motorcycles:

And this is how they lift motorcycles: watch the video

The program also includes activities for children. Specifically, JAF staff will teach elementary school students how to change a tire using real tools.

While the road services competition is not a new event, 2024 will be the first time it is open to the public. It will be held on November 24 at the parking lot of the Aeon Mall Makuhari New City in Chiba, a city near Tokyo, and admission will be free.