2015 WTAC Form Guide

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Picking a winner this year was never going to be an easy task. The competition across all classes has gotten a lot fiercer with a number of teams capable of taking the win. As the official practice day draws to a close the only thing we can promise with any degree of certainly is that this year’s field is closer that it’s ever been.

When awarding our scores we’ve looked at the car’s past performance, pre-event testing and preparation as well our first impressions on the test day. We have then scored each car’s chances of winning its respective class out of 10. And so, without further ado here are our top picks for the 2015 Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge.

PRO CLASS

Tilton Interiors

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The reigning champs have proven time and time again they can overcome setbacks and come out on top. Going for their third WTAC title they are the team to beat.

Strengths: Very experienced team, tried and proved package, experienced driver, loads of pre-event testing.
Weaknesses: Some reliability issues but otherwise not many.
Our Score: 9/10

MCA Suspension

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MCA’s brand new car is big leap forward for the team. With a gun driver and the team’s previous experience in clocking consistently fast times, MCA is well position to dethrone Tilton.

Strengths: Very experienced team, aggressive and experienced driver, massively improved vehicle.
Weaknesses: Limited pre-event testing.
Our Score: 8.5/10

Scorch Racing

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In 2014 Suzuki came oh-so-close and will no doubt be going for the kill this year. The car now has the aero package that Andrew Brilliant originally envisaged for it.

Strengths: Has the passion, the skill and the car to go head to head with the fastest.
Weaknesses: The revised aero package had limited testing time. Some engine reliability issues.
Our Score: 8.5/10

RP 968

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This is a team that could potentially cause a major upset. They suffered a bit of a setback on Wednesday with flames seen bellowing out of the engine bay but they’re back in their garage today with the car looking as good as new.

Strengths: One of the most extreme builds we’ve ever soon. A very professional and experienced team.
Weaknesses: Little to no testing time. First time at WTAC.
Our Score: 8/10

SVA Imports

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UK champions did not come all this way to just ‘have a go’. They know what’s needed to win in time attack and have a well proven package to do it with. The car looked fast in practice and performed without any major issues.

Strengths: Very experienced team, light weight, reliable and very quick car, and experienced driver, plenty of pre-event testing.
Weaknesses: First time at WTAC (though Gareth has been here before with Redbrick Racing).
Our Score: 8/10

LYFE Motorsport

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This Utah-based team carries the hopes of the entire North American continent on their shoulders. Their car cannot be underestimated but lack of pre-event testing could be a problem.

Strengths: Experienced team, experienced driver, very advanced build.
Weaknesses: Lack of pre-event testing, heavy and complex vehicle.
Our Score: 7/10

Andy Forrest Performance

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Strengths: Very fast car with a killer power-to-weight ratio.
Weaknesses: First time at WTAC, largely untested aero package, suffered from gearbox issues during practice.
Our Score: 6.5/10

PRO-AM

Mick Sigsworth

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Like Tilton in Pro Class, Mick Sigsworth is the one to beat in Pro Am. In fact, many people tip him to be the fastest outright this year. This prediction is not without its merit as Mick is a very competent driver and in his hands the PMQ Evo is an absolute weapon.

Strengths: Reigning champion currently enjoying a big lead over other Pro Am competitors. Fast, reliable car, focused and experienced team.
Weaknesses: Intermittent mechanical issues plagued Mick last year but these seem to have been fixed.
Our Score: 9.5/10

Chris Alexander

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Here is a driver that has done a lot of off-season testing and reportedly shaved seconds off his 2014 best. The car certainly has the power and handling to take on Sigsworth’s Evo so it’ll come down to the driver’s capability of getting the most out of it.

Strengths: Very potent car with a quickly improving driver. plenty of pre-event testing.
Weaknesses: Persisting reliability issues. Car caught fire in practice.
Our Score: 8/10

Rob Nguyen

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Now equipped with a supercharger, Rob’s Mighty Mouse is a very serious title contender. If his performance last year is anything to go by this little Honda is not to be underestimated.

Strengths: Well balanced, reliable car with a killer power-to-weight ratio. experienced driver.
Weaknesses: New car for 2015 with limited testing time. Team sat out practice session so we haven’t seen the new package run yet.
Our Score: 8/10

Atsushi Shimaya

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This car was no slouch when it competed here in 2013 and has since been dramatically improved. It is certainly capable of being on the class podium.

Strengths: Well developed, tested and proven package, experienced driver.
Weaknesses: Somewhat underpowered in comparison with the top contenders in this class, mechanical issues during practice.
Our Score:7.5/10

Jason Wright

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Don’t make Hulk angry! This year Hulk has a billet engine, new transmission and revised aero. This should put Jason well within the podium contention.

Strengths: Reliable, powerful car, experienced driver, sufficient pre-event testing.
Weaknesses: Had a year hiatus from WTAC.
Our Score: 7/10

OPEN CLASS

Steve Ka / Powertune

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Strengths: Proven performer. Underwent a massive suspension and engine upgrade since last year. Plenty of testing prior to this year’s event.
Weaknesses: Nothing we can think of.
Our Score: 9/10

Nik Kalis / Team Sparta

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Strengths: Nik Kalis is back and he wants his trophy back! The car is finally doing what the driver wants it to and the new aero package will make this car a real threat.
Weaknesses: Judging by its performance so far, not many.
Our Score: 8/10

Evolution Custom Industries

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Strengths: Plenty of power, good handling, experienced driver.
Weaknesses: Lack of pre-event testing, some reliability issues.
Our Score: 8/10

Road Track Rally (RTR)

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Strengths: Well sorted, reliable package, experienced driver with plenty of time attack experience.
Weaknesses: Limited pre-event testing.
Our Score: 7.5/10

[b]3 Rotor Racing

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Strengths: Very professional looking build. Looked very fast and very comfortable in practice, this New Zealand team is certainly a podium material.
Weaknesses: First time at WTAC.
Our Score: 7.5/10


CLUBSPRINT

Jason Naidoo

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Strengths: WTAC veteran, new powerful engine, tried and proven performer. This year Jason will be hard to beat.
Weaknesses: Limited testing with the new engine.
Our Score: 9/10

David Lord

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Strengths: Another WTAC veteran who proved last year that he’s got what it takes to make the podium.
Weaknesses: Lack of pre-event testing.
Our Score: 8/10

John Richardson

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Strengths: Finishing just outside the podium last year, John has some unfinished business to take care of. He’s got a refined, well sorted package that could potentially put him on the podium this year.
Weaknesses: Competing against AWD EVOs and STIs, John’s R33 GTST might have some weight and RWD disadvantage.
Our Score: 7/10