Throwback: When NASCAR raced in Japan

Yes, that's Rusty Wallace in Japan. NASCAR first raced in the country in 1996 and included such stars as Wallace, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jarrett. 'Made in Japan,' a documentary looking back at this time in NASCAR's history, airs Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. ET on FS1's 'Race Hub.'

The setting for NASCAR's first major international race was Japan's famous Suzuka Circuit. 'Made in Japan,' a documentary looking back at this time in NASCAR's history, airs Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. ET on FS1's 'Race Hub.'

Cars were shipped 7,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.

The setting for NASCAR's first major international race was Japan's famous Suzuka Circuit. 'Made in Japan,' a documentary looking back at this time in NASCAR's history, airs Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. ET on FS1's 'Race Hub.'

The cars on the starting grid, a world away.

Here's the layout of the iconic track.

Programs from the event included pictures and signatures from top drivers, plus a message in both English and Japanese.

Programs from the event included pictures and signatures from top drivers, plus a message in both English and Japanese.

Programs from the event included pictures and signatures from top drivers, plus a message in both English and Japanese.

A letter from Bill France Jr. to fans also was published in both English and Japanese.

Walter Mondale, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, wrote a letter as well.