WTAC 2022 : Back in business

The celestial beings smiled upon us, unleashing perfect weather for the epic showdown. The drivers emerged with a fiery determination, pushing their vehicles to the brink. And lo and behold, records crumbled beneath their awe-inspiring performances.

After a two-year hiatus, the World Time Attack Challenge finally returned, igniting the fervor of teams from all corners of Australia. Over the course of Friday and Saturday, these fearless competitors battled relentlessly, all vying for their own slice of WTAC history.

In the lead-up to this eagerly anticipated event, an army of dedicated engineers and enthusiasts toiled tirelessly, pouring their heart and soul into crafting automotive marvels that defied conventional limits. With each passing day, the excitement mounted, fueled by the belief that these magnificent machines were poised to shatter records and redefine the boundaries of speed and precision. One record, in particular, had proven elusive to the ingenious minds at PRTech since 2019, intensifying the air of anticipation that hung thick in the atmosphere.

The drifting action kicked off with Friday’s practice and qualifying sessions at WTAC, allowing the drifters to experience the full-throttle layout for the first time. Despite the absence of rain, the track proved to be a formidable challenge, unforgiving to those who pushed a little too hard.

Notable drivers like Matt Mingay, who pulled double duty by competing in the drift competition while entertaining spectators with his Hot Wheels Stunt Team, showcased their skills alongside Eugene Arendson and Jason Ferron, who brought their unique drift machines, adding excitement to the mix of Silvias, Skylines, and 86s.

The Haltech Clubsprint class began as a grand clash of street cars from every corner of the globe, in all shapes and sizes imaginable. However, it soon transformed into a classic duel between the age-old rivals, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

In a jaw-dropping feat, Jamal ‘Jimmy’ Assaad, behind the wheel of the Evolution Racing Spares Lancer Evo VI, obliterated the five-year Clubsprint record. His blistering lap of 1:33.7 slashed more than two precious seconds off the previous benchmark.

Yet, as the whimsical nature of motorsport often dictates, plans seldom unfold according to script. In addition to the nerve-racking race against the clock on the treacherous track, the intrepid teams encountered unexpected off-track challenges that tested their mettle throughout the grueling two-day competition.

Drifter Matty Hill did not take top spot unfortunately he was beaten by Levi Clarke emerging as the top qualifier, closely followed by Matt Harvey and Brodie Maher in their respective S13s. Spectators were treated to a thrilling display of close battles throughout Saturday

The Melbournian maverick, Idin Ahangar, maneuvered his Subaru Impreza WRX STI to a dramatic performance during the Final Shootout, securing second place with a sensational lap time of 1:35.228 after an intense battle throughout the event.

The Tilton Evo and RP968, icons of mechanical ingenuity, were not spared from the cruel twists of fate. Both endured the misfortune of tire delamination, an affliction that not only shattered the front aerodynamic prowess of the Tilton Evo but also forced the team to retire their valiant contender. Meanwhile, the RP968, plagued by prior transmission woes and nursing the scars of accumulated damage from the preceding session, heartbreakingly withdrew from the relentless pursuit of victory mere moments before the climactic final shootout.

Many of the esteemed Pro teams encountered untimely tribulations amidst the heated battle, compelling several of them to concede defeat before the climactic final shootout on that eventful Saturday night. The revered MCA Hammerhead, a two-time WTAC champion, tragically succumbed to an engine failure on the fateful Friday, dashing their hopes of securing another triumph.

However, amidst the trials and tribulations that marred these two arduous days, RP Technology, Barton Mower, and their revolutionary Porsche 968 emerged as resilient victors, seizing their third consecutive WTAC title with a resounding time of 1:20.1. Furthermore, the formidable team at GotItRex demonstrated remarkable prowess by securing a commendable third place in the final shootout, inching ever so close to claiming the illustrious Subaru lap record at Sydney Motorsport Park—an astonishing achievement for their maiden voyage into the realm of WTAC.

Notable among the thrills and spills of this gripping competition was the astounding feat accomplished by Tim Slade, whose blistering lap behind the wheel of the Xtreme GTR shattered the existing Open Class record, registering an extraordinary time of 1:27.379.

However, fate dealt a cruel hand to the indomitable team as mechanical gremlins crept into their machine, relegating them to an anxious ten-hour wait, their hopes hanging precariously in the balance. In an electrifying climax to the final shootout, the event reached its zenith when Nathan Morcom, skillfully piloting the Insight Motorsports Mitsubishi Evo, snatched the record away with an awe-inspiring time of 1:27.247—an unforgettable moment etched in time attack history.

The Final Shootout on Saturday evening, illuminated by the vibrant lights of Sydney Motorsport Park, served as the stage for intense battles and heart-stopping drama. The competition for class victories unfolded with nail-biting suspense, with triumph hanging in the balance until the very last seconds.

In the end, as the dust settled on another captivating edition of WTAC, one thing became abundantly clear: the magic of Time Attack lies not only in the awe-inspiring machines and the records they shatter but also in the humorous and cheeky moments that unfold, reminding us that amidst the pursuit of speed and glory, a little laughter and a touch of irreverence can elevate the entire experience to new heights of enjoyment.