93 teams for World Time Attack
Aussie racers look to repel foreign invaders at Sydney Motorsport ParkAn "arms race" between local and international competitors is set to explode into open warfare at this weekend's World Time Attack Challenge in Sydney.
After starting as a grass-root motorsport activity five years ago, this year’s World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) will see 93 teams compete at Sydney Motorsport Park, with entries from Japan, USA, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Event organiser Ian Baker said the intensity of development aimed at setting the fastest flying lap on semi-treaded street-legal tyres is "mind blowing".
"World Time Attack has become an arms race to see who can build the lightest, most powerful and most aerodynamically effective car - and this year the Australian teams have really stepped up to try and meet the standard of the overseas squads," he said.
One of the leading Australian competitors is expected to be the Hankook-supported Nissan Silvia of father and son team, Murray and Joshua Coote. Coote Senior's name is well known from his rallying days, when he campaigned in various Datsuns (later Nissans). Coote also supplies suspension to most of the current crop of key ARC teams.
After finishing 10th in last year's event the Silvia, has undergone a thorough upgrade with big changes to the car’s aero and suspension, as well as undergoing a major weight reduction.
In addition to an engine upgrade that has boosted power to more than 470kW at the rear wheels, the Silvia’s front end benefits from new front and rear diffusers, while the body has been lightened, with custom doors and plastic windows.
Also racing for Australia will be the Mitsubishi Evo of former V8 Supercar driver, Garth Walden. The Evo has a new Cosworth-spec engine that boosts power to around 600kW, plus changes to its aero kit which have also reduced weight.
"We've gained good time around some familiar tracks, so it's obvious to us that the time spent on the car is paying off," Walden said.
"Our goal is to win. Our car is a whole lot better than last year and we're feeling pretty confident that we can do it."
World Time Attack will run from August 10-11 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Watch highlights of last year's World Time Attack Challenge below.
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