Eric Hsu posted on January 16, 2010 12:14
On May 21 and 22 near the outskirts of Sydney, Australia at the Eastern Creek Raceway the guys at Superlap Australia will be hosting the first ever World Time Attack Challenge. The title sponsor of the event is Advan/Yokohama, but the event is also supported by Wynn's and Hi Octane Racing. From what I remember, Wynn's is a chemical company that sold fuel additives, cleaners, etc. here in America in the 80's. I guess they've made a comeback elsewhere in the world. Anyhow, this should be an exciting event. Here are some of the confirmed cars so far are (click on the images for specs and details on each car):
Sun Automotive Cyber EVO - Japan:
Pan Speed RX7 (FD) - Japan:
Cusco Tomei Impreza STi (GD) - Japan:
Sierra Sierra EVO8 - USA:
APC Racing EVO 8 MR - Australia:
Advan Hi-Octane Racing Skyline GT-R (BNR-34) - Ausralia:
Cricket Wireless NSX -USA
Tilton Interiors EVO 9 - Australia
I believe there are discussions with some of the British Time Attack teams going on. It really wouldn't be a "world" event unless you had the Brits there now would it?
From what I've heard some of the more arrogant teams in Japan pretty much laughed at the idea. That's too fucking bad they don't have the balls to come out and show the world how fast they are if you ask me. More cars are being confirmed and will be added to the list as the news spreads. Is Time Attack big enough so that there needs to be an event with entrants from all over the world? Probably not, but this event will be very exciting regardless.
What are the organizers going to do about the different safety regulations and parts rules among the different countries? I'm sure there will be some Japanese and American rules that don't crossover to Australian rules. Some examples off the top of my head are: a car can have an aluminum roll cage in Japan and a car can have full slicks in America. I'm guessing the British and Australian rules are probably FIA based so there won't be too many issues. It seems Japan, Australia, and the UK have similar tire rules. Anyhow, check the Superlap Australia website for participant updates and event details.
ADDED 1/18/10: I had an email discussion with Ian from Superlap where he explained how all of the cars will be examined case by case for their application of CAMS safety regulations. CAMS is the Australian motorsport governing body. For the most part, the professionally built cars that are built to FIA and/or SCCA rules should have no problems passing CAMS regulations. We also discussed tires. There will be no slicks or grooved "DOT " slicks (e.g. Hankook C91, Hoosier R8/A8, etc.) allowed. The only tires allowed are "R" compound treaded tires that must be commercially available so that any team can purchase them. In fact, tires will all be provided by the Yokohama truck (if the team will be running Yoks). One team will be running Dunlops provided from the local Dunlop motorpsport dealer in Sydney. In fact, here's a list of the legal tires:
Bridgestone RE540S, RE55
Continental Conti Competition C1
Dunlop Formula R, Formula 901, Formula W10, SP Super Sport Race
Federal 595 RSR, FZ201
Hoosier Street TD
Hankook Ventus (the list does not specify model)
Kumho Ecsta V700, V70A
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup, TB15
Ohtsu Falken Azenis, Azenis RT215
Pirelli P Zero C, P Zero Corsa
Silverstone FTZ Sport Type RR, S575, S585
Toyo Proxes RA-1, Proxes R888, Trampio R881
Yokohama A021R, A032R, A038R, A039R, A048R, A050
Andrew is really good at voice overs isn't he? BTW that was me in the chrome dome protector straw fishing hat and Cosworth T-shirt for .0013 seconds.