A hot track made for some record times at the Prowear NZ Superlap Series held at Taupo Motorsport Park over the weekend of January 10–11, 2015
The Team RevolutioNZ Hell Racing Evo, piloted by World Time Attack Champion Garth Walden, whipped around the track in the Pro Open achieving the quickest, and the winning, lap time of 1:32.085. The team didn’t go without their share of problems — they broke a gearbox out in their first practise session on Saturday, January 10, but managed to get the car back on the track just two sessions later.
Leon Scott’s new engine package worked wonders for the Hyper Tyres/ST Hitec Evo, securing his second-place spot with a time of 1:38.685. Chris Parker’s Rips Racing/Ecce Skyline came in third even after drifting through several corners with a time of 1:42.906.
One of the most consistent drivers of the day was Craig Benton, who beat his PB by 1/100th of a second with his fastest time of 1:44.242 in his Richmond Barr Electrical WRX. Unfortunately for Jason Shortt, in the Smudge Signs Subaru Impreza, his weekend didn’t quite go to plan as he went out in flames, literally, and was unable to complete a lap.
There were also some fast times around the track in Pro Street as seen by Karl Patterson’s first outing at Taupo securing his first place position with a time of 1:43.450 in the other Team RevolutioNZ/Shaft Automotive Evo. Kat Benson was sidelined early on Sunday in the Burgerfuel/Nitto Evo 7 due to a blown turbo, however she still managed to get a time of 1:45.595.
The battle was on for third place and it saw the closest times of the weekend. Nik Lowndes took third in his Honda Civic with a time of 1:52.762. He was closely followed by Toma Iurcu in his Hill Climb Subaru WRX STI, posting a time of 1:52.833. Rounding off Pro Street was Atilla Herman in his Subaru Impreza, clocking a time of 1:53.225.
Quick must have been the name of the weekend with Street Class following suit and achieving great times. Collin Abah was another very consistent driver over the weekend, shaving his time down to a 1:43.168 in his Jtune Honda S2000. Shamil Arachchie suffered from mechanical problems in his RNJ Automotive/Outwest Tinting Supra but was fortunately able to complete one session with a comfortable time of 1:47.469 before retiring for the weekend. Newcomer Daryl Miligon piloted his Nissan Skyline to a comfortable time of 2:14.390.
Round three isn’t far off at, held in Taupo (short track). If you head along for the February 28–March 1 round you’ll also be treated to a Superlap Shootout.
Photos by Kaz Kostiuk-Warren; check out a gallery of the winners with their trophies below:
