One of our Facebook fans asked whether Friday was like a practice day for the “real” race on Saturday. I explained, in an elaborate way, that Thursday, NOT Friday was the practice day and that WTAC is a two-day event. The fan, clearly unconvinced, asked again: “so, are they already going hard on Friday?” Do they ever…
Let us quickly recap today’s action at the track. To begin with, the weather could not have been more perfect; sunny with a slight southerly wind, cool but not cold. The track was quick and the teams were out to prove themselves. Cyber Evo was first to establish itself right where it wants to be – in the No.1 spot with a 1:30.8220 lap. Not quite as fast as last year’s winning lap but getting very, very close. Next was Kouta Sasaki, driving the Panspeed RX-7 with 1:32.3580, followed by Australia’s Mark Berry with a time of 1:32.3630.
Mark Berry was rather pleased with the way the car is performing. He hinted that he needs to adjust his driving style to suit the new aero but is confident he can shave a second or two off his time. Being placed in a 3rd spot after the morning session has focused Mark even more. We could tell he wants that podium place. Badly. After suffering with mechanical issues last year, it was great to see Mark in a top form and posting fast times again.
Scorch Racing was out easing in the new gearbox. With a lap time of 1:32.4250, the s15 was only marginally slower than the top three, but we couldn’t help but feel the car’s got a lot more in it.
By mid-afternoon things have changed dramatically. The event’s odds-on favourite, Garage Revolution RX-7 reset the bar at 1:30.6160 (getting very close to last year’s record). Australian Tilton Evo, driven by Garth Walden posted a 1:31.2530 lap that would have seen him in a runner-up position last year, moving ahead of Berry, who also posted his fastest lap yet – 1:31.9050. Then it was time for the Sierra Sierra team to throw down the gauntlet, which they did with a 1:30.7490, moving them into a second spot, only 1/10th of a second behind Garage Revolution. As the track cooled down again and the afternoon sun flooded the main straight with its orange glow, we were looking at Japan – USA – Japan top three. Sounds familiar? It should, that was last year’s podium line-up.
There was still another Pro Class session to be held, and one person was yet to have his final say. That person’s name – Tarzan Yamada. As the Cyber Evo came screaming down the main straight, its noise drowning out our announcer’s excited voice, even casual observers could knew something special has happened.
Cyber Evo has bettered its last year’s record lap time and reset the bar for Pro Class at 1:30.3690. Is 1:29 on the cards tomorrow? We’ll just have to wait and see.
WOWs and WOEs
• Pulse Racing Evo, extremely fast in practice (rumoured to run a 1:31 in testing) had to retire due to engine failure.
• Prep’d Motorsport Lotus also suffered serious engine damage and had to be relegated to display duties at the Yokohama tent.
• GT AutoGarage/HKS R35 GTR caught fire which, luckily, was put out quickly minimising the damage. We’re hoping to see the car competing again tomorrow.
• Team RevolutionNZ Evo, driven by Jono Lester is in a 10th position with a 1:34.8240. Our New Zealand insider tells us the car should be able to shave a couple of seconds of their current lap time. When the competition’s this close, a couple of seconds can mean a difference between 10th or 5th spot.
• The fastest Open Class car was Morpowa Racing’s 180SX, driven by Simon Podelewski. It’s worth pointing out here just how much faster the Open Class is this year; in 2010 the fastest time was 1:36, second fastest 1:39 and third 1:40. At the end of Day 1 this year we have four cars in the 1:35 second bracket, three in 1:37 and five in 1:38s. This is a massive improvement. Even visually, walking through the pits, it’s often difficult to tell the Open and Pro Class cars apart.
• The most surprising performer of the day would have to be MCA Suspension’s S13. Yes, that’s right, S13. With a very impressive lap time of 1:33.9720 it is currently placed 8th outright, just in front of Mercury Motorsport’s R35 GTR, driven by Tarzan Yamada.
Tomorrow is going to be one heck of a day. The gloves come off as it’s crunch time for all the competitors. I for one, can’t wait!
See you all there!
