As we announce one of the most exciting cars from Japan the Scorch Racing S15, our international team manager Munatake Hara stopped by the little Scorch Racing workshop on the outskirts of Yokohama for an interview with the man himself Suzuki-san to find out what makes these guys tick!
Superlap: Hi Suzuki-san, we are extremely excited about you making the trip down to Australia in August. I am guessing this will be your first international event is that correct?
Suzuki-san: Hello everyone. This is “UNDER” Suzuki. I’m also excited sooo much. Because, I never imagine that I involve to the World Time Attack. Yes, it’s true the World Time Attack will be my first event in overseas, however I never get out from Japan. So, I must to got to get my passport for flying to your country!
Superlap: Well in Australia your car is very well known thanks to websites like Speedhunters. We have a very strong Silvia community in Australia and they cannot wait to see your car around Eastern Creek Raceway. How do you think you will go?
Suzuki-san: It’s my pleasure to know it. But I’m just one of the SILVIA owners of all over the world. I’m not a professional driver, I usually work for a pharmacy as an employee. Nothing is different from the general people, because I tune my vehicle after my work gets done or, in weekend only. Therefore I will involve to the World Time Attack as a “representative of world’s privateer”. Please boost me up by everyone!
Superlap: That’s great; now tell us a bit about your car. How much power has it got and how much does it weigh?
Suzuki-san: The horse power is about 700. I build the engine by myself. The weight was 1040 kg in last year. I now updating most part of the exteriors slowly,because those were so shabby! I design the aeroparts by myself, and challenging to make the dry carbon parts by myself.However, it’s too slow because I don’t have plenty of time to work it out. I can spend my time only after my job and weekend, as I said.I just changed the front bumper, fenders, glass, and the roof with dry carbon. So, my vehicle now gets 1010kg. I’m planning to update side steps, engine hood, rear fenders, and the rear bumper. I also will replace the turbine to reach to 800 horse powers. The turbine will be GCG’s one. And the waste gate will be replaced to TURBOSMART one.
Superlap: And the other interesting thing is that you and your buddies here have built the whole car yourself with not much outside help, yet you have gone to Tsukuba and put down times like the Pro teams do? What is your best time to date and what are your predictions for the future?
Suzuki-san: My best record is 55.5 seconds on January 2010 in Tsukuba Circuit. My target is the fastest, the course record in Tsukuba for sure. I mean the target at this moment, is to beat the 53 seconds of HKS Racing. Japan is winter now, so in the middle of time attack season. I will keep up my updating and maintenaces to make my vehicle faster, without sleeping…..
Superlap: Well that is amazing and I can tell you the whole world will be watching when you come to Sydney in August, and one thing is for sure, that while their team may only be small in size they punch well and truly above their weight !! Thanks for your time and we will see you at Eastern Creek!
Suzuki-san: I will try to beat the professional teams for sure! I will update my vehicle as much as possible for the World Time Attack. However, I can not speak English at all, so a bit scared! But, everyone, please cheer me on in coming August at Eastern Creek. I look forward to see you guys then!
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