McLeod gets to unleash Time Attack beast

Young gun Cameron McLeod will get a maiden crack at the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Sydney 2025 in a returning weapon.

The Super2 winner and Supercars co-driver will steer a 1000-plus horsepower MCA Toyota 86 created by Murray Coote and his MCA Suspension team.

In addition to competing in Pro Open in the annual showpiece at Sydney Motorsport Park, McLeod will drive the car at the King of QR Time Attack this Sunday.

The MCA Toyota 86 has previously appeared at the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge a few years ago, but has undergone significant upgrades since, with changes focused on aerodynamics surrounding the front bar, boosted by additional winglets, as well as a high rear wing.

Cameron McLeod shaking down the modified Toyota 86 at Queensland Raceway. Image: ZED Photography

Powered by a VR38 GTR engine with 1100HP, carbon fibre brakes, it also features no ABS or traction control, but does have a sequential gearbox.

He has already enjoyed a shakedown of the machine at Queensland Raceway and felt the adrenaline from the most powerful car he has ever steered.

“The car was awesome,” McLeod told Auto Action.

“We just had a shakedown, so I only really just felt the power if anything and it is really got a lot of it.

“It has a little bit over 1000 horsepower and a lot of aero, so she is humdinging at the end of the straight.

“There is so much torque coming out of a corner and handled really well.

“The fastest car I had driven in was about 800 horsepower, so this is the most powerful I have ever driven and it feels cool.

“It does not sound like a car. It sounds like a spaceship!

Cameron McLeod is ready for a new challenge. Image: ZED Photography

“It is not scary, if anything it is just fun to put your foot down, hear the turbo spool up and you have all of this power underneath you and you are flying.

“I cannot wait to give it a proper go and feel the aero and see what laptime we can bring.”

The call by the Cootes for McLeod to have a crack came at late notice, but the versatile racer jumped at the opportunity he never saw coming, having recently won at the Le Mans 24 Hours weekend.

“It was a bit of a late call – Murray Coote said do you want to drive the car? And I could not say no,” McLeod recalled.

“I have spent a few days helping them out at the shop and doing some driver ergonomics. It has all been very good.

The MCA Toyota 86 roaring aorund the “Paperclip.” Image: ZED Photography

“I never thought it would be something on my books because I did not think I would have the experience or connections, but it will be a great experience.

“I am really fortunate to have people who back and believe in me and this will only help my career.”

The King of QR event takes place at the “Paperclip” this Sunday as preparation for the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Sydney 2025 in August 5-6.

Images: ZED Photography

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