Excitement is quickly brewing for the start of the World Time Attack Challenge and today the Speedhunters crew was out in full force at Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway taking a look behind the scenes, as teams got ready for what is the Time Attack event of the year. We met up early in the morning with Casey Dhnaram and Matthew Mead who will be shooting at the track along with Rod and I.
I probably found myself approaching the pits in a completely opposite fashion to most people that will come to see the event, as my familiarity with the Japanese competitors lead me to look at what the local shops showed up with first. After spending the last couple of days seeing some of the wildest and most highly modified cars I have ever come across I was further impressed by the variety of the cars competing in the other classes.
The Aussies like to do things a little bit differently to what I've seen in other countries…
…and the popularity with rotaries seems to be very strong in this discipline much like in the drag scene we unexpectedly, but very pleasantly, came across since our arrival.
The R-Magic RX-7 was stealing a lot of attention putting down some very solid preliminary practice laps. You can see D1 driver Yoshioka in the background checking out the FD as it's prepared prior to its first outing. Yoshioka will join Ueno and other pro drifters in the drift exhibition.
The newly developed aero, which we first saw in Fuji Speedway last month when it was out for final testing, certainly grabbed a lot of attention.
This close up is for geeks-only! These are the brand new Super Lap version of the popular Volk Racing TE37 wheels as used on the R-Magic car. Their one-piece construction is even lighter than the regular items.
When Tarzan requested more downforce on the Cyber Evo Nakajima-san, the president of Voltex, got straight to work mounting a new set of wing stays on one of the spare carbon wings. How is that for service!
The second I saw this Datsun 510 I grinned. This is the prefect example of how the Aussies like to do things! Surely this redefines the term "front-mount" intercooler.
The lightweight classic obviously struggles to put down power the modified Nissan FJ supplies. The wing helps a little!
It's always so refreshing seeing an AE86 set-up for grip. This thing seemed to tackle that first corner at Eastern Creek full out!
I'm not quite sure if this Radical will participate in the event or if it was just out for some independent testing, but it definitely deserved a shot.
The savage power delivery of the High Octane Racing GT-R was something I was very glad to witness with my own eyes! Mark Berry seems to have no problem handling the tail happy R34, recently equipped with a new front spoiler and an active rear spoiler which sits well above the roofline of the car.
I can't wait to see what the Sierra Sierra Evo will be able to do around the Eastern Creek. The engine bay looked very impressive!
If this R34 GT-R M-spec will compete it will probably be in the street class. Very clean car.
Wearing the yellow race suit is Sasaki-san, the Super GT-driver that is in charge of extracting the best possible lap out of the Panspeed car.
That is our very own Casey walking down the pit lane, hunting for his next shot.
Peter Tarach from Modified flew in today from LA and came straight to the track to get started with his coverage, trying his best not so succumb to the effects of extreme jet lag.
GT Auto's hot FD!
I think this MR2 is one car I will have to hunt down for some more pictures tomorrow. That "thing" under the spoiler is the intercooler!
It seems Australians love their boxers as much as they love their rotaries!
Tarzan has a tough job driving both the Cyber Evo and Tomei/Cusco/Voltex Impreza. Both cars had their fair share of problems today with some gearbox issues hindering the Impreza's set-up and the Evo snapping one of the camshafts. As I type this, I'm pretty sure the Garage HRS guys are still in the pits trying to replace broken parts. Good luck guys!
Some GT3 Lamborghini Gallardos were at the track for some non-WTA-related testing adding a very welcome addition to the line up of cars.
There is nothing quite like the sound of a race-prepped V10, especially as the drivers machine-gun down the gears before each corner.
Random car spotting! Nice old-school Corolla CS in the parking lot.
Australian-based photographer Mark Pakula showing us how real pros do it. Carry tons of expensive camera equipment and a high-end video camera but shoot with an iPhone! Haha
I though that AE86 was loud until I heard this thing at full throttle. My ears are still ringing!
Pro-drag shop Gas Motorsport were setting up their booth and brought down some serious machines for display.
Horsepower madness! It just so happens we visited Gas the other days so you can expect to read more about them very soon.
Another parking lot finding, a mean looking Ford Escort rocking massively widened fenders.
This Otomoto S13 will be driven by Yoshioka in the drift exhibition. Can't wait to see both in action.
As the sun set the track began to empty but the work in the pits didn't end for many. We will all be back at the track early tomorrow ready to take in all the action. I hope to see a good turnout over the next two days as all things are pointing to this being one truly epic event.
-Dino Dalle Carbonare