Time Attack attracting the world

Sydney’s Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge is already capturing global attention with many big entries coming in from all over the world.

Of the 34 entries already confirmed, a team is bringing a new weapon from America, and drivers are coming from Japan and much more.

In a treat for local fans, a wild Datsun 1600 with lots of Supercars pedigree, led by the man behind the wheel James Golding.

PremiAir Supercars driver Golding has been a regular at the popular event.

The beating heart of the weapon is an ex-Kelly Racing Nissan V8 Supercar engine from when the team represented the famous Japanese manufacturer from 2013-2019.

James Golding will drive this striking Datsun at SMP. Image: Supplied

The descendant of Nissan’s robust VK56DE production engine is not just any V8 being pumped out to 6.0L, producing around 660HP.

The challenge for the team was tightly packaging the powerplant into the compact Datsun chassis.

The car also features full Supercars uprights, aggressive suspension geometry, high-performance AP Racing LMP-spec carbon brakes, plus standout aerodynamics package by Andrew Brilliant.

The Datsun is set to be a leader in the Pro Open class.

Team USA is ready to attack the World Time Attack Challenge with a new Hammerhead.

Horizon Motorsports will arrive with a custom-built 1973 Pontiac Trans Am, owned by father-and-son team Russell and Cavan Cameron, who even earned high school credit for his contributions.

Sydney will be the scene of an anticipated international debut with veteran Cole Powelson to be behind the wheel when the car takes on the Pro class.

Underneath the Trans Am body, the car has been meticulously prepared with race-proven IndyCar components from Russell’s time being an IndyCar crew chief.

The power comes from an LS-based 400 cubic-inch V8, twin-Garrett turbocharged that delivers 1800HP, which is transferred through a Ryenard Champ Car six-speed transaxle.

The Americans will be looking to make an impression with this Pontiac. Image: Supplied

It’s impressive weight distribution of 49:51 means it will be a contender.

“Garrett Advancing Motion is proud to once again support the World Time Attack Challenge. We’re excited to be back at one of the most electrifying motorsport events on the planet – and this year we are turning up the boost,” states Paul Carlsson, Garrett Advancing Motion’s Pacific General Manager.

“To further our commitment to the WTAC community, we’re bringing over two powerhouse American race cars, this amazing Horizon Motorsports Hammerhead and Feras Qartoumy’s Corvette, to take part in the competition.

“Garrett are also proud to be the naming partners of the Garrett International Drift Cup at WTAC, which will light up the night as usual with tyre-shredding action. Let’s push the limits of performance together – see you at the track!”

There is also excitement surrounding the Garrett International Drifting Cup with some big-name signings.

Naoki Nakamura is a Japanese icon and knows how to get the job done at SMP winning the  Garrett International Drifting Cup in 2019.

He will be in the same Nissan Silvia S13 that won him the 2024 D1GP Japan championship. 

Masashi Yokoi is representing MCR Factory in his 1000HP 2JZ S14 Silvia and will no doubt be a contender being a multiple D1 Grand Prix champion.

The Pro Am battle is also set to ignite with Feras Qartoumy is set to blaze the podiums again in a twin-turbo C6 Corvette after just falling short last year.

The 2025 Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge will be held on September 5-6.

Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE

Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine