Accepting an invitantion to co-represent New Zealand in the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, Gaz Whiter, the 2008 D1NZ Champion, shipped himself and his new Toyo Tires sponsored Nissan Silvia over to Long Beach, California to take on the worlds best. He files this report.
After months and months of fundraising and working our ass off, we were ready to head off to Long Beach for the Red Bull World Drifting Champs.  We arrived a week early to prepare the car and do and see as much as we could in LA which is another story in itself!  We arrived at the track for the first practice day.  These few laps were very important to us because we had only driven the car twice before in NZ and also had never drifted on the stickier R1R Toyo tyres which we can’t get in NZ.  The practice and qualifying days went well – the plan was not to push it too hard as we would get the chance to do battle no matter what.  After seeing so many cars eat the wall, this approach was the best for us.  After driving with the top guys for awhile, we found our car was very much up to the task of competing against the top world level cars.  This gave us a huge confidence boost.
When it was time to battle, we were up against the American No.3, Chris Forsberg, driving the NOS Energy Drink car, whom we knew little about. 
In the first pass we gave it everything leaving no gap between us.



  In the lead pass, we had great speed and line leaving Chris a long way behind.  He was unable to close the gap. 



After the judges had incorporated their USA taxes on our points one judge gave the win to me and two called an OMT (which is One More Time!).  The re run was much the same and the win was given to Forsberg!  It was a long way to go to get ripped off with a call like that.  After the event we were approached by many international judges expressing their disapproval with the result.
Apart from the disappointment of the call, we had a great time and the trip has given us a lot of confidence knowing that we can beat the top drivers in the world . We were very impressed with the Toyo R1R, this tyre has so much grip it turns the car into a beast. The car is still in one piece which is good . The other two kiwi cars are a little worse for wear!
For a write up on the top 32 go to www.speedhunters.com and  look up the top 32 battles.

CAR SPECS

Model:	Nissan Silvia S14.5
Engine:	SR20DET
Power:	330kw @ rear wheels
Turbo:	GT25R
Engine Mods:	EAGLE forged rods WISECO forged pistons BRIAN CROWER valve springs etc. TOMEI 12.5 lift procams and solid lifters GREEDY intake short port manifold Custom SINCO exhaust manifold G4 LINK engine management computer and link dash Custom V mounted radiator and intercooler Oil cooler Fully balanced Engine tuned by Mark @ TRICKY TUNE rear hub dyno specialist
Clutch:	EXTREME high performance drift flywheel and clutch
Transmission:	PPG drift gearbox internals
Diff:	Standard locked 4.1
Steering:	WHITER steering modifications Power steering cooler
Suspension:	TEIN Superdrift suspension with EDFC control
Wheels:	Front rims: 10.5x18 inch Front tyres: 225x40x18 TOYO R888 DOT approved semi-slicks Rear rims: 11x18 inch Rear tyres: 265x35x18 TOYO CT01 DOT approved PCR non-directionals
Bodywork:	Uras/Workshop X
Weight:	Approx 1120kgs

 

Toyo Tires Pro7 Racing leads the way in one make circuit racing

As the first Racing Series to become Sanctioned, Pro7 racing has remained one of the most innovative and cost effective racing categories in NZ motor sport.

TOYO TIRES has earned its place in the history books by being one of the longest continuing sponsors of a Sanctioned Series category and going into the 2007-2008 season will record 10 years of naming sponsorship under the Pro7 banner. The Tire of choice for Pro7’s is the renowned RA1 dot rated (road legal) tire. Such is the regard that Pro7 members have for TOYO product, many have chosen TOYO for their daily ride.

To provide a drivers championship, Pro7 racing maintains a controlled rulebook which limits modification to the three models of Mazda RX7 production cars that are eligible to compete.
The now classic Series One RX7 provides an entry level opportunity to those who are starting out while also providing a low cost form of motor racing to many who remain hooked on this now collectable car. For the career driver who is looking to further their motor sport interest the later Series 4 and Series 6 Batmobile models offer an elevated level of sophistication in both driving experience and car set up.

Unique in its career path concept Pro7 survives on a continual intake of “new to motor sport” enthusiasts, yet boasts one of the highest retention rates in the sport.

Racing during the summer months takes place at all circuits throughout the Country and awards to drivers in their respective class. Many of NZ’s high profile National drivers have graduated from Pro7 racing.

Visit the Pro7 racing web site to learn more
www.mazdapro7racing.co.nz

The objective of the BMW Race series is to give competitors the opportunity to compete in motorsport without the high cost investment associated with other classes. To achieve this, performance enhancing modifications have been limited meaning that driver ability will be the paramount factor in winning races.

The race series is for BMW E30 series cars running either 1.8 litre or 2.0 litre four cylinder engine, manufactured between 1989 and 1991.

Famous examples of these cars are:
• Schnitzer M3 that won the 1989 Wellington Street Race (Ravaglia and Pirro)
• Jim Richards’ John Player Special 635 CSi
• Brett Riley’s 325i Coupe from the 1992-94 NZ Touring car Champs
• Paul Adams’ 2002 ti that competed in the Rally of New Zealand in 1971-73.

The series will provide close racing between drivers due to the performance similarities. The intention is to create a car that is as safe as possible, fun to drive and yet remain as close to standard as possible.

All competing vehicles will be road legal and have current registration and WOF. The Toyo R888 will be the control tyre for the series.

Events will receive TV coverage for Prime, Sky Sport One and Two.

The competition radial, Toyo Proxes R888 has been developed to deliver maximum dry handling and quick lap time for the race events, such as competition or “Track day” events.

With its unique and functional tread design, Proxes R888 is a key to the success of winning competitions.

The Proxes R888 has a low-void ratio for minimised tread squirm on dry tracks. The new groove design optimises water drainage from the contact patch, while the round tread shoulders allow for progressive turn-in.