As a child, time assault protection from Tsukuba was my favorite factor to examine on Speedhunters.
There was one thing concerning the outrageous aerodynamics and nature of the occasions themselves that actually appealed to youthful me. And to today, visiting an Assault Tsukuba or Tsukuba Tremendous Battle occasion stays on my automotive bucket-list. Which is why the primary time I noticed Sam Carr’s Mazda RX-7, I couldn’t include my pleasure.
Again then, it was a far cry from the automobile you see in these images. With its Group C-inspired roll cage and bare tubular entrance and rear ends, the Mazda was extra like a climbing body that had been constructed subsequent to a Honda K20A2 engine than the whole automobile it’s now.
I waited patiently for Sam to complete the RX-7 earlier than organising a shoot, and boy was it price it.
Simply have a look at this factor! The huge arches and aero bundle within the type of entrance splitter, huge wing and rear diffuser remodel the compact ’80s sports activities coupé right into a menacing efficiency software. To bystanders, this can be a race automobile on their native nation lane.
The carbon fibre aero bundle enhances the carbon doorways, bonnet, roof and mirrors. It’s secure to say there isn’t a lot of the unique Mazda left anymore. However it’s what lurks beneath the light-weight physique panels that units this RX-7 other than the group.
This isn’t solely a observe software, but in addition a software to showcase Sam’s expertise by his personal enterprise, Downforce Fabrication. Sam has used a mix of customized work, Nissan S-chassis elements and a turbo Honda K20A engine to attain not solely most efficiency, however reliability too. Ease of restore and entry to spare components was additionally key.
On the entrance of the Mazda you may see the construction which homes the Ok-series engine, with ‘tubbed’ interior arches and uncovered struts, in addition to the Nissan hubs and suspension arms.
The engine itself is much from inventory, the obvious addition being the Precision 6266 turbocharger perched on a bespoke exhaust manifold. The consumption is a PracWorks carbon fibre merchandise plumbed right into a Mishimoto intercooler with Vibrant Efficiency clamps.
A Pace Manufacturing facility 4.0bar MAP sensor and Turbosmart wastegate, gas and oil stress regulators preserve the engine working safely. The exhaust can be made with Vibrant Efficiency 3.5-inch tube working right into a central again field.
Energy runs by a BMW ZF 6-speed guide gearbox through a PMC gearbox adapter, housing a light-weight flywheel with a Tilton twin-plate clutch.
Administration is taken care of by a Haltech Elite 2500 ECU wired by a customized harness that features the increase controller, digital dashboard and energy distribution module.
Throughout the multi-point roll cage you’ll discover a cleanly laid out – and really minimalistic – inside.
A single Sabelt bucket seat with TRS harness for Sam, plus an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel on a customized steering column present simply how driver-focussed the RX-7 is. The OBP hydraulic handbrake and bias valve sit subsequent to the Coolerworx tower shifter, uncovered on the transmission tunnel.
Behind the cabin you’ll discover the Nuke Efficiency 40-litre competitors gas cell full with three gas pumps and a surge tank. AN fittings not solely hyperlink the gas provide, however are fitted all through the fluid methods.
The roll cage can be dwelling to pick-up factors for the S14 rear subframe, with Driftworks adjustable arms and Nissan hubs as per the entrance of the automobile.
On these hubs and behind the Work Meister M1 wheels wrapped up in Nankang AR-1 semi slick tyres are a set of bespoke brakes with Reyland Motorsport bells and floating discs mated to Alcon competitors callipers.
Sam’s quest for lightness has led to the RX-7 being fitted with Lexan home windows as a substitute of glass, in addition to eradicating the pop-up headlight models and changing them with LED projectors in-built to the bumper. Mixed with all of the composite work, the Mazda now weighs in at a lithe 840kg (1,852lb).
The again of Sam’s RX-7 may effectively be my favorite angle of the automobile, with the big useful diffuser paired to the customized 1,800mm huge rear wing by T89 Race Automobile Wings. Mixed with simply how a lot of the tyres are uncovered and the centrally-mounted exhaust, this little automobile simply oozes aggression and objective.
It merely doesn’t seem like it belongs anyplace close to a highway, and was breaking necks and bewildering passersby as we made our method to the photoshoot location.
Time assault could also be a considerably obscure sport to some, however Sam’s purpose was to construct the final word little observe software that may shortly and reliably carry out lap after lap.
I want Sam the very best of luck as he makes the ultimate modifications and tweaks to the automobile earlier than getting into it into the UK Time Assault championship. If Sam’s dedication to his driving craft is something like his dedication to constructing this machine, I reckon he’ll do exactly superb.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
