Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge

Event Coverage

Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge

The 2012 Edition of the World Time Attack Challenge 2012 took place on August 10-11 at Sydney Motorsport Park (formerly Eastern Creek Raceway). Teams from England, New Zealand and Japan joined the Australians in their quest for the lowest track time. The event attracted amateur and professional teams competing with popular road cars that are highly modified (some beyond recognition) for this purpose.

Hard-hitting teams from Japan – RE Amemiya and Top Fuel – employed Nobuteru Taniguchi to pilot their repestive Mazda RX-7 and Honda S2000 while Panspeed enlisted another highly-experienced Japanese pro driver Naoki Hattori to drive its howling normally-aspirated RX-8. Last year's winners, Cyber Evo, placed Tarzan Yamada at the wheel once more to attempt world acclaim.

Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Second place in Open division went to Alif Hamdan, owner driver of the Chasers Motorworks Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge

In addition to the air slicing, time-slaying machines shooting for outright glory, there were a number of support events. The Motul Turbo Legends race showcased some Group A Nissan GT-Rs and Nissan Skyline GTS-Rs along with the Group C Nissan Bluebird 910, multi-Australian Rally Championship-winning Celica GT-Four, a Carlos Sainz replica Corolla WRC car and an ex-Makkinen Ralliart Evo 3.

The Tectaloy Drift Challenge boasted some of the best drifters in the Asia-pacific region, notably; the legendary Team Orange from Japan brought its rear wheel drive-converted Impreza STi and Evo 7 with Kumakubo and Suenaga piloting the 500-hp tire shredders. A strong number of New Zealanders came across the sea to smoke up the Aussies as well.

A vast range of 150 cars were displayed as part of the MotoGraphics Show and Shine. From European to Japanese to American, 1970s Toyotas and Datsuns, JDM-style Silvias and Skylines, plus slammed Golfs and Civics – there was something for all car fans at the 2012 WTAC.

Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Earl Bamber, third place outright in the Pro class driving the Nissan Silvia S13.
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Gareth Lloyd from the UK placed 13th in the Redbrick Racing Evo 9. Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Tarzan Yamada, Nobuteru Taniguchi, unknown and Isami Amemiya.
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Rob Whyte in the Monster Energy 350Z.
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Nobuteru Taniguchi. Nobuteru Taniguchi pushing extra hard in the RE Amemiya RX-7 (the car's sliding through the corner).
More of the RE Amemiya RX-7. Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Rob Whyte in the Monster Energy 350Z.
Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge ‘Under' Suzuki inadvertently trying to strip himself of his own nickname. This corner proved tricky for many drivers. Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
Late comers Cyber Evo had an anxious Tarzan Yamada behind the wheel. The Evo skipped the two practice days and arrived late on the first day of competition. Tarzan had been awaiting his car for three days. When he hit the track on his second run of the final competition day, the Evo blew apart, dropping a significant amount of oil on some key corners of the track. The track never regained its condition and any competitor following found their runs wasted. The Cyber Evo Team anticipating another win before hitting the track. Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge
The Top Fuel Honda S2000. The Top Fuel Honda S2000. The Top Fuel Honda S2000.
The Top Fuel Honda S2000. The Top Fuel Honda S2000. The Top Fuel Honda S2000.
Tarzan Yamada and Isami Amemiya being interviewed by Option2 Video. Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge