Time attack isn't what we deserve, it is the what we need!

"YSI-what can brown do for you" (ysi-what-can-brown-do-for-you)
07/18/2014 at 12:54 • Filed to: None

I spend more time looking up the Time Attack cars and watching footage than any other form of motorsport. It originated in Japan, and the idea is to set the fastest lap time in your field, and it is insane in the best possible way. Shall we begin with the rules?

The rules vary depending on who runs the event. Let's go with the big guns, WTAC and what is under their engine rules:

Engine modifications are free with the following exceptions:

All vehicles must use unleaded or E85 fuel. Fuel additives are not permitted.

Engine changes during the event are permitted subject to the approval of the chief scrutineer.

Nitrous systems are not permitted.

That's it. All is a go. So you get ridiculous contraptions like a 950hp 4G63 running E85, or a 4 rotor RX-8. You seriously get a lot of open room for rules. My favorite rule is "Body modifications/materials are open, provided the basic silhouette of the original car is largely maintained." This basically means you get crazy inventions like this. . .

Everyone has a different approach on how to get their fastest lap times. Variety in the engines, aero, suspension, and even the fuels they use. Everyone is always crying out for variety in motorsports, well here it is! The only lack of variety found here is the tires people use. Generally, they either limit it to road tires, race tires, or a certain tire that the event is sponsored by.

The cars are another thing I would like to point out. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . If there is a performance car under the manufacturer it has been raced, hell even the not so performance oriented cars.

I guess I should discuss the racing at some point right? Well, I think it is like watching a qualifying session. Some cars are going fast and others aren't, so you get a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Plus everyone is going all out during their one timed lap. Some allow multiple laps over a period of time, or 1 lap 1 chance, it all depends. The cars also sound awesome, which to a lot of people is a big draw to the racing, me included. Not to mention the cars are FAST. Like really fast, the Tsukuba lap record is held by a Time Attack car.

Now, some of you may be thinking it is amazing, others may think it is a waste of time. Well, I have some good news for the both of you! You can participate in Time Attack as well. Whether you like watching it or not, everyone loves to go racing! Here in America, we have Global Time Attack. There are a bit more rules, but you can still make some !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

How much to go participate in one of these? It is $400, for the entire weekend, this is the price of every GTA event but only for the enthusiast's class. The pro class costs a bit more. . . 500 bucks. That is basically the price of a track day weekend, but you are racing instead! Passing is allowed everywhere. You are with other cars on a track passing them and hoping they don't get in your way.

Don't worry our overseas friends! It is 220 pounds in England to do certain events.

While no means cheap, it is affordable for everyday guys to do once in a while. Also, not to mention the cars have to be production based. That means anyone could make a winning car. You are all competitive!! There are a few classes based what has been done to your car. The faster you want to go the more money you have to spend, for example if you are a pharmacist and want to go racing. . .

Crazy cars, crazy racing, and fairly affordable. What is not to love about time attack?

Sorry about my writing, I kind of suck at it. Hey, I am not a writer so shut up!

DISCUSSION (9)

Brian Silvestro > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 12:56

I need to do this. Everyone needs to do this.

BATC42 > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 13:12

Ooh that first video. I remember the first time I saw it a few years back. What an awesome thing.

I always liked Time Attack. And I remember pesting against NFS Shift time Attack events because your competitors were using Lambos, Bugattis and other supercars. I was the only dumbass running a heavily modified S2000 during the race ^^

RallyWrench > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 17:34

Gobstopper FTW. Have you seen the new Gobstopper 2?

YSI-what can brown do for you > RallyWrench
07/18/2014 at 19:42

I have not, but I have heard it is even faster, but they haven't quite sorted it out yet.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Brian Silvestro
07/18/2014 at 19:49

Seriously, it isn't expensive and it is fun! Like a more expensive more bad ass autocross!

YSI-what can brown do for you > BATC42
07/18/2014 at 19:50

Well does it keep up?

BATC42 > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 20:04

Yeah, it was too easy even...

Brian Silvestro > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 20:33

It's exactly like that!

RallyWrench > YSI-what can brown do for you
07/18/2014 at 21:10

Racecar Engineering did a feature on it a few months back. Ridiculous.