Time Attack kicked off its 2009 season at Oulton Park as part of the Modified Live show. If you’re unfamiliar with Time Attack, it’s a series which focuses on racing against the clock rather than against other competitors on the track. After a few practice sessions for drivers to familiarise themselves with the track, drivers are then given 20 minutes to set the fastest lap in their class at the same time meaning drivers must take into account potential traffic on the track. With no performance restrictions on the cars, it’s all of nothing for these drivers to put their skills to the test with some of the best tuned performance cars out there... [read more]
The start of the day began with the practice sessions, and in a typical British weather fashion the heavens opened up and unleashed a torrent of rain leaving a fair share of standing water on the track. Whist each driver carefully followed the safety car around the track for a few laps, not even rain can stop these drivers from tearing around Oulton Park. Fortunately, the heavy clouds passed and the sun returned to shine, drying out the track in time for the last practice sessions and also the final timed sessions.
The Pro Class also saw the brief appearance of Simon Norris’s new Mitsubishi Evolution IX GT. It’s eye catching green paintjob covered by many aerodynamic cues were nothing compared to its short wheelbase, making it essentially a 2-door Evo Coupe. However, it’s 950bhp engine couldn’t reach its full potential on the day and unfortunately spent most of its time in the garage. 2008 Time Attack Pro Class Champion Olly Clark was eager to keep his top spot, pulling out a 1.27.188 in his 850bhp Subaru Impreza. But even the mightiest of Subarus could not stop Chris Ward of RSE Motorsport who managed a 1.26.883 in his Mitsubishi Evolution VIII.
Pro Class Timings
1 – Chris Ward (Mitsubishi Evo VIII)…1:26.883
2 – Olly Clark (Subaru Impreza)…1:27.188
3 – Gareth Lloyd (Mitsubishi Evo VI)…1:29.320
4 – Russell Humphrey (Mitsubishi Evo V)…1:30.811
5 – James Nicholls (Mitsubishi Evo V)…1:31.802
6 – Steve Guglielmi (TVR)…1:32.338
7 – Duncan Cowper (Dax Rush)…1:32.489
8 – Mark Biggers (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:32.768
9 – Ollie Allen (Toyota Celica)…1:33.646
10 – Robin Duxbury (Mitsubishi Evo)…1:33.983
11 – Jonathan Faull (Mitsubishi Evo VIII)…1:34.685
12 – John Stevenson (Subaru Impreza)…1:36.153
13 – Jeff Mileham (Lotus Elise)…1:36.65
14 – Laurus Basinskas (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:39.390
In Club Class Shane Smith took top spot in his R32 Skyline with 1.35.115, with second placed filled by Marcus Webster with 1.36.115 in another R32 Skyline. However third place was taken by Duncan Graham in his Subaru Impreza with a time of 1.37.111, just beating Steve Linton overall in his Toyota Supra. Not that Linton lost out though, his time put him first in the RWD class with Paul Whiffen in his own Supra taking second place in under a second behind.
Club Challenge Timings
1 – Shane Smith (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:35.115
2 – Marcus Webster (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:36.824
3 – Duncan Graham (Subaru Impreza)…1:37.111
4 – Steve Linton (Toyota Supra)…1:37.193
5 – Jonathan Beech (Subaru Impreza GDB)…1:37.259
6 – Walter Morris (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:37.651
7 – Paul Whiffen (Toyota Supra JZ80)…1:38.179
8 – Jamie Reynolds (Lotus Elise)…1:38.183
9 – Russ Paton (Mitsubishi Evo)…1:38.672
10 - Scott Robson (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:39.097
11 – Warren Kelly (Ford Escort Cosworth)…1:40.203
12 – Tony Campbell (Porsche 968)…1:40.685
13 – Daniel Gannon (BMW E30 325)…1:41.709
14 – Mark Pollard (MG Metro 6R4)…1:41.875
15 – Fiona Kindness (Nissan Skyline R32 GTR)…1:42.497
16 – Andy Hughes (Subaru Impreza GC8)…1:42.637
17 – Lance Turner (Nissan Skyline R32 GTS)…1:43.190
18 – Neil Wrenn (Nissan Skyline R33 GTS)…1:43.802
19 – Gordon Wright (Nissan Skyline R33 GTS)…1:44.193
20 – Paul West (Honda Civic)…1:44.424
21 – David Thorpe (Honda Civic EP3)…1:48.571
So in a surprise turnout, Olly Clark is not top dog for Round One of the 2009 Time Attack. That place belongs to Chris Ward of RSE Motorsport and is keen on extending his lead in the next round, with Olly Clark determined to take that top spot as well. Time Attack Round 2 will take place at Knockhill in Scotland on May 17th. Be sure to check out full coverage of the event at ColdTrackDays.
Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu
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