WTAC 2019 Spotters guide
Open class Intro
Two years ago open class saw a late season regulation change allowing for a much larger size for aerodynamics. To put this into perspective, aside from the underbody tunnels the entire Nemo evo aero package is now legal in open class so it was a major shift. Only one car was able to build to the new rules in time for last year but this year all teams will have struggled to either adapt their design to the larger size or the lucky ones will properly carry out a complete redesign of the front aero and this is where the front facelifts come from.
We expect to see this aero sizing as a major factor in a class wide shake up as well as advance the cars toward lap times much quicker than they once were. Again to state my disclaimer AMB’s open classs customers are the Nathan Morcomm driven Global Aircraft Services car that runs a splitter I designed around 2013 for Nik Kalis, while that has given them a class win some years ago, it is built for regs of another era and an incomplete package, the second car is V-Sport 86…. More on that below
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to cover so many wonderful entrants and even cars I personally love, we just cover the top teams favored to fight for the win. Never have we seen such a field capable of similar lap times. This class will be so exciting to watch as it truly is anyone’s game.
Dream Projects S15
Downforce: 4/5
Drag: 5/5
Suspension: 5/5
Team factor: 5/5
Strengths: Power, weight, team, driver, aero built to current regs
Weaknesses: Lack of testing on a new car
Driver: Rob Nguyen the former pro am class champion is about as good of an amateur as you can ever be without technically being a professional.
Lap time expected: 1:26 range, but only if they have enough testing time to see potential
2019 Improvements:
An all new car for this year,
Notes:
All eyes are on this build, it is probably the first time a car has been built from scratch for the purpose of winning the class. Much like the days of Nemo it has stirred up controversy as a result but as long as the team clears any protests it will be very fast indeed. The car will most certainly achieve minimum weight, the engine power should be extreme and run is taken care of by GT Auto Garage who have a variety of wins at the event under their belt. Even if the team struggle their first year, this will be one to watch long term.
Matt Longhurst / Integrated Motorsport R34 GTR
Downforce: 4/5
Drag: 5/5
Suspension: 4.5/5
Team factor: 4.5/5
Strengths: Power, team, refinement, experience, 4wd
Weaknesses: The weight and regs required minimum weight of the base car are significantly higher than others in the class
Driver: Matt has shown himself to be more than worthy of the monster he has created. Three years of solid and consistent performance are a testament.
Lap time expected: 1:27 range, possible to slip into 1:26
2019 Improvements:
Major engine upgrades and aero has been redesigned once again in CFD, this time ground up to use the full sizes allowed in the regulations.
Notes:
This team always comes out prepared, they run smooth on race day and that could well be what wins it for them this time. Teams who are struggling more with a newer car can be more affected by weather or timing on the day. The teams who are out like clockwork are just waiting for their moment so when it comes, they pounce.
Global Aircraft Services EVO
Downforce: 4/5
Drag: 5/5
Suspension: 4/5
Team factor: 5/5
Strengths: The car should bring strong engine power to the field this year, a refresh to the car could mean closer to minimum weight. Driver is absolutely as good as they come
Weaknesses: Older and partial aero package could use a refresh but still makes strong downforce compared to the field
Driver: Nathan Morcomm
Lap time expected: 1:26 range
2019 Improvements:
All around refinement effort of the chassis, Engine improvements, Aero upsized into the new regs
Notes:
This car has quite a few years and one victory under its belt. The last few years have seen them come very close but miss the top step. The pace of this field has become very fast indeed. Upsizing the aero to the new regs will provide a benefit although not nearly as much as a design for that size in mind from the start, it could be enough and is still a big difference. Their lap time estimates are in range to play for the win but so many competitors are out there, consistency will be key.
WBT Racing R33 GTR
Downforce: ??
Drag: ??
Suspension: 5/5
Team factor: 5/5
Strengths: Total rebuild by legendary Dick Johnson Racing
Weaknesses: Essentially a new car running its first time with very little testing
Notes:
Hard to predict much with so little known about the rebuild, but it could be a dark horse!
Xtreme GTR
Downforce: 4/5
Drag: 5/5
Suspension: 4/5
Team factor: 5/5
Strengths: The weight of this platform is significantly less than the R34 of Matt Longhurst giving the team a massive advantage there while retaining the same base engine. This is another well rounded car with a solid team. One of my favorites to play for the win.
Weaknesses: First year car, could have some teething
Driver: Brad Shiels is a man who’s praises are spoken by all those who have worked with him. Almost uttered in whispers as if a secret weapon to those in the know.
Lap time expected: 1:27 maybe even 1:26 range
2019 Improvements:
New car build
Notes:
Have not seen a lot of this car to make too many judgements, call it a hunch, it will be quick!
V-Sport 86
Downforce: 5/5
Suspension: 4/5
Team factor: 5/5
Strengths: The 86 is a solid base platform, reasonably light to start with solid handling.
Weaknesses: The normally aspirated VK56 engine while is at a power disadvantage compared to the top of the field when competitors are now at 1000hp or more, although a normally aspirated engine is easier to drive and extract performance from.
Driver: Nicholas Bates has stood out among owner/drivers
Lap time expected: 1:28-1:29
2019 Improvements:
Engine power improvements
Aero trim adjustability
Notes:
This year the downforce will be put on a lower setting more in line with the engine power output and drag requirements. The car handles well, is well driven, the team goal to get the normally aspirated track record seems very possible.
Sebastian
•4 years ago
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge competitors are split into four classes. Each class represents not just a level of modifications and overall development of the car but a segment in the time attack community and culture. The heavily restricted Clubsprint is designed to accommodate owner-drivers on modest budgets. Considerably less restricted Open is the domain of performance workshops eager to show off their capabilities. Largely unrestricted Pro and Pro Am are the playground of big budget builds with extreme aero and engines often producing in excess of 10p.
Patrick
•4 years ago
The real key to their lap times though is in the aerodynamics. All of the fastest cars have professionally designed aero kits often by ex-Formula One or Indy Car engineers that allow for corner speeds that are virtually impossible in any other form of sedan racing. Most of the drivers in this class come from the highest levels of motorsport with many competing professionally in Japanese Super GT, Indy Car, V8 Supercar and American Le Mans.