Event>> Buttonwillow Super Lap, Pt.3

There's something very calming about attending a time attack event. As with all other motorsport events, there's a certain rhythm to the day's proceedings. 

The air around the paddock area at Buttonwillow in the early morning was quiet and calm. But you can feel that there's an air of competitiveness brewing. 

Everyone was waiting for that last session of the day with their eyes transfixed on the FX Motorsport Development NSX and the Sierra Sierra Evo.

Here's a 3rd look at Super Lap Battle. This time we're including a few lap times. 

Check out that rear diffuser!

The Evasive Motorsports Evo was also out looking very menacing. They placed 7th overall and 3rd in 

he limited AWD class with a time of 1:51.03. 

The 034 Motorsport Audi A4 Quattro placed 5th overall and 2nd in the limited AWD class with a time of 1:49.87

The AQ motorsports STI seemed like it was having a few grip issues coming out of the last corner…

…but it managed to finish 4th overall and 1st in the Limited AWD class with a time of 1:48.55!

When Larry Chen and I was walking towards Formula D driver, Charles Ng, he hurriedly closed his suit case. He apparently didn't want the Speedhunters audience to see his underwear and whatever else he has packed. Right after Super Lap Battle, he would be flying straight out to asia for a drift clinic this weekend and also to drive in the Macao Grand Prix the weekend after. He's a busy bee during the FD off-season! 

Charles was out at Buttonwillow driving the Rennspec BMW E46 M3. He took the car to 13th place overall and 1st place in the limited FR class with at time of 1:53.48.

The day before Super Lap Battle, the guys at World Racing didn't know if they would even be able to make the event as the car was plagued with a few gremlins. Luckily, they got all the important bits sorted to be able to come out to the event. 

As you can see, Scion photographer, Chris Harrington, was trying to steal my soul. 

The HASport / Ksport F-wing civic caused quite a stir on our Facebook page.

Debate on looks can go on forever, but I think its safe to say that the front wing does work since the car placed 1st in the unlimited FF class with a time of 1:51.65. 

The Top Setup CRX, was the second fastest FF car of the day with a time of 1:53.52 placing it 2nd in the unlimited FF class. 

The practice of proper stance in the world of photography seems to be spreading as demonstrated by fellow Speedhunter, Mike Garrett. 

Larry captured the AMS GTR getting slightly sideways out of the last corning before the pit straight of Buttonwillow. The GTR's fastest lap was a 1:55.99 placing it second in the Street AWD class. 

You bet AMS can lend some of its speed from these amazing looking Tillett B1 carbon fiber seats. Each seat weighed in at a feather light 9lbs where the stock seats were a much heartier 60lbs! 

The GST Evo IX set a best time of 2:00.10….

…though it had a few hood problems earlier in the day…..

Team Need for Speed driver, Chris Rado, was having problems with his AWD Scion tC all day long. He'll recount his day at the track in his upcoming driver blog

Here's a great shot of the N1 Racing Honda S2000 locking its brakes up going into a corner. It took 3rd place in the unlimited FR class with a time of 1:51.05. 

It's hard not to drool when witnessing any NSX still or in motion. The unlimited FR classed, Driving Ambition NSX, was the sixth fastest car of the day with a time of 1:50.19.

The fastest NSX of the day went to the FX Motorsport Development NSX with a new Unlimited FR Class record of 1:41.9. 

As we all know by now, the Sierra Sierra Evo just blitzed the track with a 1:41.04 taking the overall track record! It's the first time in a while that a non-JDM time attack car holds the record. 

The Tomei/GT WRX's fastest lap was a 1:57.15.

A great shot from Larry. Looks like these time attack drivers threw everything out the window and are going at it wheel-to-wheel!

The Speedhunters that were in attendance, Mike Garrett, Larry Chen, and myself, quickly fell in love with the FX Motorsports Development Eclipse. It's been a while since we've seen an Eclipse look this cool. Though, looking cool wasn't on its priority list as it set a new class record in the limited FF class with a time of 1:55.37!

The second Speedhunter favorite of the event was the Evasive sponsored lightly tuned Honda S2000. It's best time of the day was 2:02.04. 

The Ren Motorsport / Track HQ S2000 set a best time of 1:58.66.  

When the 3rd and last session of the day was about to start, the wind started to pick up.

Wind or not, the drivers out on track. 

Some more awesome almost wheel-to-wheel action from Larry. The AMS Evo proved that its sister GTR had a bit more growing up to do with a faster time of 1:55.81. A time which placed it as the fastest car in the Street AWD class while setting a new class record. 

Teams, drivers and media weren't the happiest of campers about Buttonwillow being in the middle of nowhere with its not-so-great motel selections. But when you look get on track on chilly autumn day and see views like this, you forget about all that and realize life isn't so bad after all. 

You can find the complete list of times and results here

Mike Garrett will finish up our Super Lap Battle coverage with one last look. 

-Linhbergh

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1

Nice coverage as always!



Can't wait to see next year's WTAC to see if Cyber Evo is faster or Sierra sierra Evo.

2

Hey Rod, do u know how to spot a mediocre-car enthusiast? You spot him when he cannot name the turns where they were shooting.

The N1 concept S2K was entering the Bus Stop.

What's even more sad is, a lot of photographers visit regularly those tracks, so you would think they know which turn they are at, and be able to name 'em. I guess not.

3

Desktop of pic to plz!

4

Sweet stuff! Shame Chris's Scion couldn't compete, I've been waiting for footage of this beast.

5

Wallpaper the Charles Ng Rennspec BMW w/ full compression in the corner! Please please please

6

The AQ Motorsports driver was obviously just brushing up on his rally skills.



Oh, and the grille on that Eclipse makes it look like a dodge.

7

I dunno what it is, but those are some good pictures.



Is that f-wing'd Civic rocking Kodiak wheels by the way?

8

Chris Rado buddy I guest you have started something I like the Honda civic

9

Tons of desktop material here, Incredible photography!

10

That Sierra Sierra Evo is just art.

11

hey alex, do u know how to spot a person who cares way to much about the little details, instead of appreciating what really matters?

12

@ ALEX



Hey Alex you know that just because he does not name the turn does not mean he is mediocre. Did you stop and think he just couldnt be bothered with naming the turn. Infact he was only give a description of the image not the racetrack so i dont believe it mattered in the slightest that he describes the picture as "Here's a great shot of the N1 Racing Honda S2000 locking its brakes up going into a corner. It took 3rd place in the unlimited FR class with a time of 1:51.05."

So next time alex no need to get your panties in a twist because a CORNER isnt named. Its not a circuit pictogram thread its an event recap!



13

Hey Alex, want to know how to spot a pedantic track bore? He wants to name each corner on a circuit as though adds anything of interest to the image at hand. Now that is sad.



Great coverage guys.

14

@ Alex: HEY HOW DO YOU SPOT A TROLL? Oh wait. You are one pfft. My bad :). Go troll elsewhere.

15

Great pics, all of these would be great as wallpapers. Any shots of the JZA80's that were on the track?

16

Is there some regulation that they have to run with the windows open?

Seems an easy way to improve aerodynamics would be just to roll up the windows.

Safer too.

17

Thanks for the coverage..awesome pictures as always

18

@Alex

You're a complete douche bag,

19

desktop on the r35 getin slippery on the exit please

20

US Regs require open windows. It is a significant aero disadvantage.

21

Desktop of the Sierra Sierra Evo all on it's own on the track please? :)

22

Desktop the AQ Motorsports STI off the road please!!!!! :DDDDDDDDDD

23

@ other alex - who cares if the photog's get the names wrong so long as they do there job - photog.



Still kicking myself for not driving up, good shots

24

for more specs and details on the eclipse check this link

http://www.douro-oni.com/memberView.cfm?ID=1

25

Do you know what to do when you want to act like a major douche and all out whine on any forum/blog, whilst maintaining anonymity? You change your user name to Alex.

26

I don't know too much about time attack classes but how could an nsx have the best time in unlimited fr? Doesn't fr mean front engine rear wheel drive?

27

More pics of that M3 please....

28

Desktop of the N1 Racing Honda S2000, pleaseeeee. :)

29

Thanks for sharing Andrew!

I think the eclipse deserves a feature.. :)

30

I love the coverage on time attack. Wish I could've been there..



@ Alex

You must not have many friends..

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