TRACK: WORLD TIME ATTACK TESTING

– Words: Ryan Lewis. Photos: Matthew Everingham.

Just three short weeks lie between us and the start of 2011’s World Time Attack Challenge. Anticipation is growing amongst competitors and spectators alike.

Two of the builds we have been following closely are Shane Standley’s JZA80 Supra, and Steve Ka’s R34 GT-R. They’ve been taking every opportunity to stretch their legs around Eastern Creek in the lead up to WTAC.

On Wednesday last week, both cars were able to hit the track for a day of shakedown tests and tuning. Steve’s R34 has had it’s fair share of  hurdles to jump, and we’re very pleased to see the car out on the tarmac for testing.

Shane has his Supra entered in the Clubsprint class, while Steve is set to compete in the Open class against some big-budget machinery. Steve has owned a handful of race-prepped Skylines in the past, but his R34 is the best yet. It will be a real contender come race day.

Details of Steve’s R34 build are outlined in our original article here. The basics include an HKS T04Z turbo kit, HKS cams, N1 internals and a host of other quality parts listed in the earlier feature.

Both drivers made the most of the cool track temperatures early in the day and lapped well against the other cars present.

Shane’s Supra is a favourite within our feature cars at T-LD. Even so, improvements are being carried out all the time.

Nicknamed ‘Gorilla’, this JZA80 has seen a lot of time on tracks around NSW. How it will fair against the dedicated track cars at WTAC remains to be seen, but there is plenty of potential for it to perform well.

Despite being in the depths of winter right now, Sydney skies have been crystal clear. If conditions are like this on race day it will be the ideal scenario for quick times and enjoyable viewing.

The sound of wide-open RB26s and 2JZs side by side down the Eastern Creek main straight is something you can’t afford to miss.

Footage from the cabin of Shane’s Supra showed Steve’s GT-R shooting huge flames from the tailpipe. It’s a brutal setup under the hood and Steve is taking no prisoners.

If you haven’t already bought your tickets for WTAC, you’ll have to get them at the gate on the Friday or Saturday, August 5th and 6th. More information about that is available here.

Also a quick mention to Nik Kalis, who was also seen testing at the Creek and making necessary adjustments to his Evo’s setup.  Assisting Nik was fellow WTAC entrant, Jason Naidoo. Information on their respective builds are coming soon to T-LD.