At almost any meet on the island you'll see Japanese cars: Hondas, Nissans, Mitsubishis, Toyotas, Subarus and Mazdas, street and track. This guide explains what JDM means, how to move in the JDM scene in Puerto Rico and which events have pages this month.
What JDM means
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market. Strictly speaking, a JDM car or part was made to be sold in Japan, so it sometimes has different specs from the version sold in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
On the street, the word is used more broadly for any Japanese car modified in a Japanese style. Both meanings coexist at meets, and it's good to know the difference.
How the scene works in Puerto Rico
- Brand meets: crews and events dedicated to one brand, such as Honda or Nissan.
- Track: many Japanese cars run in bracket and street classes.
- Drift: drifting has roots in Japan and its own events on the island.
- Show: clean builds with wheels, stance and Japanese-style details.
Events with pages this month
- Nissan vs Todos: Sunday, Nov. 15, 10:00 a.m., Arecibo Motorsport. $15. Nissan against every other brand, with racing and a car display. Hosted by Nissan/INFINITI.
- Autos & Coffee 6.0: Sunday, Nov. 22, 8:00 a.m., Estratos Café, Cabo Rojo. Free. Presented by The Honda Project. Via @the_hondaproject.
- Viernes de Calle, Calle: Friday, Nov. 13, Salinas Speedway. The page announces a Singlecam class "invasion" and match races.
- Drift Wars 809 vs 100x35: Nov. 14 at Arecibo Motorsport, tickets from $15. Read our Drift Wars guide.
How to get in as a beginner
- Go to a brand meet. It's the easiest way to meet people with your car.
- Follow crews on social media. That's where meets and drives are announced, often with the @ on our pages.
- Ask before buying parts. Someone at the meet has done the same job.
- Start with the basics. Maintenance, tires and brakes before power.
- Try the track. If you want speed, the track is the place. See bracket racing in Puerto Rico.
Terms you'll hear
- Swap: replacing the original engine with another.
- Stance: how the car sits: height, wheels and fitment.
- OEM: original factory part.
- Singlecam: a term used at local tracks for a class. Confirm exact rules with the organizer.
Before importing parts or cars
Importing a car or parts involves costs and paperwork that vary by case. Before you buy, confirm requirements with the relevant agencies and a trusted shop. If you modify your car, review our car meet rules too.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Japanese car JDM?
Strictly, no. JDM means made for the Japanese market. On the street the term is used more broadly.
Where do I find JDM meets in Puerto Rico?
On the Puerto Rico Racing events calendar. Look for brand meets and track events.
Can I bring a stock car?
Yes. Meets have everything from stock cars to full builds.
Run a Japanese parts shop or garage? Advertise with Puerto Rico Racing. Find meets on events.