Is it already that time again? Seriously, it seems like we’ve skipped winter here in the Netherlands. But past weekend, there we were again… The opening round of the dutch Toyo Tires Time Attack championship 2014.
Back at the same track where we’ve seen a spectacular finale round in 2013, Circuit Park Zandvoort. It was here where the first edition of the European Time Attack Masters was held during the Syntix Speedmasters event.
SVA Imports managed to set a 1:44.5 last year, a new record within the Time Attack competition and thus the new bar that was raised.
But Automaxx Streetpower has never been an event where new top records are driven. It is an event where the refreshed project cars make their first meters on the racing track…
…the new aerodynamics are being tested…
…the new engine setup is kickstarted and tweaked…
…and where the drivers and teams catch up with each other, calculating the amount of competition they’ll face this year.
And that competition is still increasing in every class. That’s really worth a compliment to the competitors; in every class I’ve spotted teams that have been working hard on increasing the quality and setup of each car.
Wether it’s a Honda Civic, BMW M3 GTR LMS, Nissan Skyline or Mitsubishi EVO, each competitor seems to have found the true essence of Time Attack; upgrading that specific car in engine performance, aerodynamics, steering stability and every other aspect, helping to reach a faster laptime.
Even on international level we see a growth in ambition towards Time Attack… oh and behind the steering wheel is Lisa, who has been kicking enough men’s ass this weekend.
The first round of the 2014 Time Attack championship was certainly a succes. I’ll post a fact report on laptimes and championship results later this week. But I’d like to compliment both the organisation as the competitors first in this seperate article.
The usual DHRA sprints weren’t held on the track itself this time, granting Time Attackers more time between their stints and giving repairs and tweaks a lot more space. I’ve heard nothing but compliments towards the organisation about this move, so certainly keep it up!
As for the media; our mad contributor Hans van der Vleuten is onboard again with RPM Vision this year. Be sure to check out more of his European photography madness on his Facebook portfolio!
I myself will be cooking up another video from the first round this week, so stay tuned!
In the meanwhile, some more photography media in the gallery below!
RPM Vision 