BurgerFuel racer grabs podium spot
Feeling pretty good after a strong showing at Round 1 of the New Zealand Time Attack series,I had high hopes for the BurgerFuel GSR at round 2 at Taupo Motorsport Park. Knowing that valuable time would be gained or lost through the tight off camber infield section, brand new Nitto NT01 semi slick tires were fitted to the car to ensure maximum traction, while E & H motors gave the car a thorough servicing to ensure everything was operating at optimum reliability.
Heading down country, My hopes of a quick time that really showed the car's potential were lowered by the presence of a dark sky and threatening heavy rain. My team decided on arriving that stocking up on much needed carbs from the local BurgerFuel, and then heading home for a beverage and a bit of sun dancing was a good idea, which seems to have worked as the Friday practice day dawned bright and with a hint of warmth!
Hitting the track first up before any real temperature was in the track surface was always going to be a challenge, and after a quick team decision to take it easy and check the tire performance of the brand new Nitto setup, I found that the new tire combination wasn't clearing the inner guard fully. After a bit of experimenting with pressures, and some grinder work, I decided to return to the Nitto NT05 set-up that had performed well at Pukekohe. With confidence down a little after battling the tire issue, a 1.25 was the best time I managed on Friday.
Saturday would be a different story weather wise, with wet cold conditions being mixed up by bouts of heavy wind and the occasional sunburst. Knowing that it was going to be a make or break day, I was determined and motivated when I took to the track, almost immediately dropping my time from the day before. Unfortunately this same determination lead to me having a blonde moment, missing seeing the chequered flag come out and continuing for a further lap at full speed.
The challenging conditions and a number of mechanical failures saw the Time Attack racers lose one session from our day program, and in the make or break last session, I was now feeling very ill thanks to track food/stomach bug. Pushing as hard as conditions allowed, I managed to come away with a new Taupo PB of 1.22.77, good enough to take the 3rd spot behind Leon Scott in the Jetpilot Racing Evo, and Dan Currie in the Garden City Helicopters WRX. Both cars run at least 70hp more on a wider tire, so I am happy with the result.
A long break now occurs in the series which will allow time to get clearance work done for the NT01 tires, and perhaps some summer cruising done with the full Sony Xplod/ Rapid Radio setup re-installed. The car remains fully road legal which is a nice touch for something that performs so well on the race track
Photos supplied care of: NZ Performance Car Mag & Devolution Photography
I really want to Thank all of my supporters without whom this would not be possible
BurgerFuel, Sony Xplod, Rapid Radio, Etnies NZ, Advanti Racing, Nitto Tire, E & H Motors, Autolign, my crew chief Beanbag and my management company in denial www.mgninc.co.nz
Merry Christmas and again thank you all for your support!!
