NAC team driver Cole Armstrong has certainly not been resting since his championship win last year, in fact he’s been working non-stop between NZ and China, where the 350GT is currently located. Competition in China has been a steep learning curve for Cole in both in terms of car set-up, and driver style to suit the automated DOS set judging system: “It’s completely different to the way we drive here, you’ll throw huge angle in the first corner and then run an almost grip line to the next corner, where you’ll throw in huge angle again. It throws off anyone that comes over and tries to compete, but it’s good, I’m growing my driving skills and it will help me back in New Zealand.”
With the 350GT remaining in China until mid January, the R34 is undergoing a long overdue rebuild to allow Cole the opportunity to run at the World Time Attack in October, and begin his defence of the D1NZ DK title. A new 3200cc RB is currently underway, which will receive a full suite of Turbosmart, a Sinco manifold and a Holset turbo, and a new Link ECU is also in the pipeline.
The Jerico dog box has had a complete overhaul at Driveline Automotive, and the suspension was upgraded to Wisefab hubs front and rear, while Racer Products will supply new KW coilovers and OMP safety gear. A bunch of weight has also been cut from the shell with the goal of making it much more competitive, and better aligned with the cars running in China.
For his WTAC campaign Evergreen Tyres have come on board with naming rights, so a new wrap will debut under lights at Sydney before a return to the familiar V green ahead of the D1NZ season opener in January.
The cars need to be loaded into containers by September 12, so there’s a busy time ahead to get the R34 complete while also travelling to and from China for Round three.