Old V8 Supercar vs New V8 Supercar
14/4/2004 22:42 (Press Release) -
The Decina Bathroomware - Speed FX Racing Team is having its first year in the Konica Minolta V8 Supercars after enjoying two winning years in the Biante National Historic Touring Car Series.
“We were a little surprised with our speed straight off Wakefield Park but the Clipsal was a much harder proposition”, Team Manager Jim Morton said today. “ However we have been working hard to come to grips with the technology in the class and go to Winton feeling much more comfortable and knowledgeable about the car ”, he said.
Speed FX’s driver, Brad Tilley has spend years in the Historic Touring Car class which is currently booming in popularity. “The biggest difference is the cars braking capacity compared to the Supercars of old ”, Tilley said.
“ It’s interesting to compare our 72 GT Ford Falcon with the AU Falcon built by Stone Brothers”, Brad said. “The cars share almost identical wheelbases and track but the old girl is a little heavier in race trim at 1450+ compared to 1365 kilos”.
“Last weekend at Eastern Creek we were watching Jason, my youngest brother racing the GT and listening to people speculating about the level of modifications allowed in the class with the cars looking very standard compared to a current Supercar”, Brad Tilley said.
“Whilst our GT runs only a four barrel on the standard block and heads that came with the car in 72 I think that most people would be surprised to know that it boasts more power than our Konica – Minolta car”, he said. “Its 600 plus vs 600 plus, plus and the GT will readily spin the tyres in every gear unless you drive it carefully”.
“Its popular with the crowds as two big black lines appear out from under the back as it drifts around corners”.
“Last year in the Biante National Historic Touring Car Series we were only around 8 to 10 seconds a lap slower than the V8 Supercars at the same events as we travelled around Australia”, Brad said.
“Not bad for a car with only four gears compared to six, eight inch/ 200 mm wide wheels and old cross ply period tyres. And then there is the brakes……………….or more lack of brakes. Its restricted to the disc and drum combinations of the period. Add to this no power steering and you understand why many of the drivers of the 60’s and 70’s were bigger than our regulation 70kg pilots of today”, Brad said.
“At the Clipsal we had some corporate guests from America who come from Nascar territory and they were totally blown away by the whole V8 Supercar weekend”, he said.
“Our flagship Sponsor, Decina Bathroomware, who are the largest specialist Bath and Spa Bath Manufacturer in Australia will be launching some new products at our events this year starting at Eastern Creek”, Brad Tilley said. “Look out for our Spa Bath in the pits. Could be just the thing for me on Sunday afternoon”.
Release Date: 07/04/2004
Speed FX Racing Team
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