TIM SLADE TO DEFEND WTAC TITLE
Tim Slade to return to World Time Attack Challenge in 2017 – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
Supercars driver Tim Slade will return to defend his World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC) title at Sydney Motorsport Park with the MCA Suspension team.
After completing a something many believed was impossible, reseting the WTAC lap record in a 2WD car. Murray Coote’s Nissan Silva S13 affectionately known as the MCA Hammerhead will return with Slade back behind the wheel to see if they can reset the mark again in 2017.
The MCA Suspension team, lead by Coote had been attempting to win the WTAC since its debut in the Pro Class with a Nissan Silvia in 2011. However, it wasn’t until last year that a car other than a AWD Mitsubishi Evo had been able to take out the title.
Tim Slade and Murray Coote after winning last years WTAC title – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
Coote confident with his decision to run a rear wheel drive car, believing it can deliver again in 2017.
“I believe that with the budget that I must confine myself to, 4WD would be something that I could not engineer to a level that would satisfy me.” said Coote.
“The most difficult part is the weight. It must be very close to the weight limits set out for the category to get the most from 2WD.
“The 4WD set up has obvious advantages with traction out of corners, but, the 2WD format is relatively simplistic compared with 4WD, with only 1 differential to set up and maximize.
“So, with limited testing and small budgets, I reckon 2WD is the way to go.”
The MCA Hammerhead at WTAC 2016 – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde
Coote also went on to say that the 2017 revisions to the Hammerhead will see it 20kgs lighter.
Here’s Slade 2016 winning lap with a time of just 1:22.19 around the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit.
Shane Van Gisbergen will make his return to WTAC with the MCA Suspension team (having driven the Hammerhead in 2014 and 2015), behind the wheel of their Nissan 370z in the Honeywell Garrett International Drift Challenge.
“I am seriously looking forward to getting back into a competitive drift car” said Van Gisbergen.
“I did the promo shoot for Red Bull last year at SMSP but due to my busy work schedule I have not driven in a drift competition for quite a while and I really miss it.
“I really like working with the MCA guys too. This is going to be fun for sure but I will certainly be pushing for the win particularly against some of the world’s best.”
For more information about the 2017 World Time Attack Challenge, head on over to their website.
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