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 automotive 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 entire automotive it’s now.
I waited patiently for Sam to complete the RX-7 earlier than establishing a shoot, and boy was it price it.
Simply have a look at this factor! The extensive arches and aero package deal within the type of entrance splitter, monumental wing and rear diffuser rework the compact ’80s sports activities coupé right into a menacing efficiency instrument. To bystanders, it is a race automotive on their native nation lane.
The carbon fibre aero package deal enhances the carbon doorways, bonnet, roof and mirrors. It’s protected to say there isn’t a lot of the unique Mazda left anymore. But it surely’s what lurks beneath the light-weight physique panels that units this RX-7 other than the group.
This isn’t solely a observe instrument, but in addition a instrument to showcase Sam’s expertise by means of his personal enterprise, Downforce Fabrication. Sam has used a combination of customized work, Nissan S-chassis elements and a turbo Honda K20A engine to realize 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’ll be able to see the construction which homes the Ok-series engine, with ‘tubbed’ inside arches and uncovered struts, in addition to the Nissan hubs and suspension arms.
The engine itself is way 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 Velocity Manufacturing facility 4.0bar MAP sensor and Turbosmart wastegate, gas and oil stress regulators preserve the engine operating safely. The exhaust can also be made with Vibrant Efficiency 3.5-inch tube operating right into a central again field.
Energy runs by means of a BMW ZF 6-speed handbook 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 means of 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.
In the back of 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 techniques.
The roll cage can also be residence to pick-up factors for the S14 rear subframe, with Driftworks adjustable arms and Nissan hubs as per the entrance of the automotive.
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 an alternative 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 would possibly effectively be my favorite angle of the automotive, with the large purposeful diffuser paired to the customized 1,800mm extensive 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 automotive simply oozes aggression and function.
It merely doesn’t appear like it belongs wherever close to a street, and was breaking necks and bewildering passersby as we made our strategy to the photoshoot location.
Time assault could also be a considerably obscure sport to some, however Sam’s aim was to construct the last word little observe instrument that may rapidly and reliably carry out lap after lap.
I want Sam the most effective of luck as he makes the ultimate adjustments and tweaks to the automotive earlier than coming 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 just do advantageous.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
