FRL Fridays: Issue Two
Pole Position
Relatively quiet week this week in the world of GTPlanet both on and off track. However we still go ahead with the reports! Not much other to say than that, Enjoy – Editor, Rob Adams
The Big Picture
Clio’s are back, and with vengeance!
In The Paddock
Reports from the inside as we bring you the news announced this week, interviews with drivers and the reports from the weekends racing!
Second Official Test Of ToCA12
Sadly, our reporters were not able to attend this meeting due to them all enjoying the Australian sun. We still managed to scrounge a photo however!
*note not all cars are in official colour schemes yet.
WSC Postponed
The hills of Panorama were left still and quiet this weekend after the decision was made to postpone the action for a week after monsoon conditions during the week left damage to the gravel traps and tarmac itself. Repair work has taken place during the week and the track is now up to standard to hold the next round of the World Sportscar Championship. The fans were alerted prior to the event, however it was evident come Saturday morning that some hardy fans hadn’t got the memo. They were treated to a free lunch for their efforts before heading back home.
SYM Colour Scheme Announced!
Also taking to the very popular Hyundai Genesis for ToCA12 are the ever successful pairing that is
@Yeratel84 and
@snowgt who make up SYM. It would appear that they’re going for a much more, green approach to say the least.
Part-time Independent Motorsports Build ToCA12 Mazda Spec Chassis
A very popular decision from both within the paddock and the grandstands was that
@ranhammerR34 has signed up for the ever growing list that is the ToCA12 drivers club! Here’s what the fan favourite had to say:
"I am happy to announce that I have decided to run the 2003 Mazda 6 in the upcoming TOCA season. I thank Hyundai for their support last year, and I appreciate them for letting run the Genesis. The 6 feels great, however. I am very impressed with the drivability of the car, and with front wheel drive, I will be more confident with my racing. With a new team that I have created, there are going to be teething problems and other issues. The good news is we have some great sponsors with us this year”
Chris Johnson Racing Announces Sponsorship Deal
Chris Johnson Racing has announced an exclusive multi-season deal with Mountain Dew to be the team’s main sponsor.
As well as Mountain Dew the additional logo on the car in the form of Burger King can be found on the side of the brightly coloured Nissan. We spoke to Owner/Driver Chris Johnson during a media shoot at Monza, Italy, "With the new NGTC-Evo specs coming in and the resultant rise in costs this season it was imperative to gather some sponsorship money to make sure that we had enough money to survive for the next few seasons in this still unpredictable financial market." In addition to this CJR has announced that for the non-championship Bathurst race at the end of the season that he will be running a 1 off livery in Diet Mountain Dew colours. When asked about the upcoming season Johnson added "We here at CJR hope after running the Nissan last season we hope to have got rid of any little niggles with the car which means that we can challenge for the independents championship that the team missed out on last season. It will be great if I can add a 3rd championship to the other 2 that we have gained in the past, no-one else has won multiple independents titles and a 3rd will most likely put me up there with the greats of TOCA like Spurgy, DK and Sumo."
The Nissan in current spec has so far in testing proved to be a potent package and with Johnson at the helm there’s a sure chance that he’ll add to his tally of independent championships.
Reigning ToCA Champ Hints Future FAS Departure!
-R. Waffle reports
Ninners, what were your initial thoughts after last season when you won your first title?
My first thought was that I won the title, wasn't too enthusiastic about it but when you down the list you feel proud.
Throughout the season you were constantly pressured by Andil. How do you rank him as a rival?
He's very fast. I mean I can have one of my good weekends where you feel really good in the car and he's always there to poke you up the backside when you make a mistake. You have to be at the top of your game to beat him.
What do you think about your car for this season, and how has your pre-season testing been going?
It's fast on the straights so we can pass people easier, especially in reserve grids. We noticed this was an advantage as proven by Andil last season were he would be slower but get through the pack much easier so this season it should be easier for me.
Do you think you have a chance to defend your title, even with yourself missing a few rounds?
Not really but we'll see how it goes, since I'm missing some rounds I have nothing to lose so the pressure to perform won't be as high as last season. With tuning back the field is probably going to be must closer this season so people like SYM will be tough opponents and a few others will find their feet this season.
Who do you think will pose the greatest threat against you in the title race?
Again this is really hard to predict but I think Andil & the SYM boys will be tough to beat.
Which car do you think has the best one-lap pace?
Hyundai.
Do you have any plans for future seasons?
I'll probably explore team options more in T13 so I may move teams or I may not. I'll probably decide that later on this season.
Return for Hatchbacks?
This week saw the comeback of both beloved one-make hatchback series, the 2nd ToCA Clio Cup and 4th Suzuki Swift Sport Cup! Both will make for close racing due to the nature of one-make series.
The Clio Cup has now moved time slot to after ToCA on the same tracks as a support round. This should make a great watch, as well as an intense battle. Last season saw reigning ToCA champion
@Ninners take the crown being the overall victor of a three way battle between him,
@DrifterJoe and
@Andil respectively. Having some drivers hop from their ToCA12 spec machines straight into these 200bhp pocket rockets could prove to be a challenge, and may throw a spanner in the mix!
The Suzuki Swift Sport Cup is much awaited by many due to its success in past years. Formally known as the Suzuki Swift Challenge, this 6-race series now has quite a following due to its simple tuning regulations, close racing, great drivers and friendly banter. This season will be run by FlyingFox Systems alongside the support from FRL. This gives us access to the events and full race reports are to be expected! The series will be a predominantly European based and has been dubbed ‘Tour of Europe’. So far 3 (Spain, UK and Italy) of the total 6 venues have been announced, which tracks is unknown as of yet. More is to be revealed on the 12th of September!
What’s to come this week?
This week the ever intense racing that is the World Sportscar Championship visits the hills of Mount Panorama on Sunday. Will Jaguar dominate again? And can SnowCrash carry on his wake of GT-O wins? Buckle up Sheila! It’s gonna be a wild ride!
*repost from last week
FRL sucks, I'm going to ITCC.
