REDLINE TIME ATTACK // ROUND 2 @ WILLOW SPRINGS

Round 2 of the 2009 Redline Time Attack season brought out the largest field in the history of the series, with more than 100 entrants on Sunday tackling the "Fastest Road in the West." The sheer number of competitors was not the only thing that made the weekend noteworthy however; no less than five cars broke or tied the existing Redline Time Attack record at Willow Springs, one of which was actually front-wheel drive! It goes without saying that Round 2 at Willow Springs Raceway has set the bar for the rest of the year... [read more]


This was my first time attending a time attack event, and I was thoroughly impressed with the variety and caliber of cars. With highly tuned variants of such cars as the Honda S2000, Lancer Evolution, Impreza STi, Mazda RX7, Acura Integra, Honda Civic and Nissan Skyline lining the paddock before the session began, there was no shortage of cars to look at and drivers to talk to. Formula D champion, rally car competitor and stunt driver Rhys Millen was there with a Hyundai Genesis coupe showcasing his Rhys Millen Racing product lineup, as was Eiji "Tarzan" Yamada, driving the Crawford Performance Impreza STI. I think the fact that such drivers are becoming involved with the sport is a good indication of its staying power in the United States.

The top vehicles in the field, running in the Unlimited Class, made quick work of the previous Redline Time Attack record of 1:22, with the overall victory going to the FX Motorsports Development Acura NSX with an amazing lap time of 1:18.555. Following their victory at Buttonwillow Raceway during Round 1 of the Redline Time Attack, the FX Motorsports Development team is starting off the season on strong footing. The Modified victory went to the Harman Victory Impreza STi with a lap time of 1:26.4, and Jeremy Toye took the Street Class victory with a lap time of 1:28.8 in his Lancer Evolution. The AWD Imprezas and Lancer Evolutions have a strong presence in the series, and it's no surprise that they perform so well throughout the class structure.

The Redline Time Attack represents the best of the tuning industry in my mind. Far too often aftermarket parts seem to be purchased for the sole purpose of brand recognition or bragging rights, and at best see light duty on a freeway on-ramp or back country road. At worst, these parts can actually decrease the performance of the car if not properly selected or tuned. The Redline Time Attack, like time attack competition throughout Japan and Europe, is a venue that allows individuals of varying skill levels and budgets to showcase the performance of their street cars on the track in a competitive series that is far more safe and accessible than door-to-door racing.

For a look at more of Robert's photos from Round 2 of the Redline Time Attack series, click here

Photo/Editorial: Robert Carrier