2014.09.11

First GT300 mother chassis car undergoes shakedown.

　

SUPER GT’s governing body GTA has been exploring and developing its “GT300 mother chassis concept” to create a new trend in the GT300 class, and the first car built under the concept was successfully completed on September 9th.  Brand new car was brought in to Okayama International Circuit on September 11^th, where it underwent shakedown. 

 

Shakedown of the new GT300 mother chassis vehicle started under a clear blue autumn sky.  It was a 30-minute session from 9:50AM to 10:20AM, and the first car built based on the GT300 mother chassis, the 86 model, started its run on the track with Takeshi Tsuchiya at the wheel.  Being the very first run, it was far from a racing-speed, but Tsuchiya’s first words right after the test drive gave the car a good remark, “I was surprised how stiff it felt. Out of anything, it was good that the car surely felt like a racing car.  It got me excited as I drove!”  However, he also pointed out some issues in development, “I think it will quickly finish up to about 80% (of completeness).  But there are still some homework to do in order to run at a racing-speed, and the matter is how long will it take to solve that?”

 

 

　

In the afternoon session, Nattavut Chareonsukawatana, a Thai driver who is also participated in the test drive.  Nattavut, who boasts a glorious career becoming champion at a top-grade racing series in Thailand numerous times and has rich experience in driving a variety of cars as a Toyota Motor Thailand driver, commented about the new machine, “I was impressed with the beautiful machine.  I was surprised to find how stiff the car is as I drove.  I think the package of the car is wonderful.  However, it was regretful that I couldn’t experience the potential at fullest giving it a shakedown. ”

 

Team Manager Arto, who is the owner of Toyota Team Thailand also attended the test and spoke about the overview going forward, “We are planning to compete in 2 races of the Supercar Race (one of Thai’s domestic top categories competed by FIA GT3 cars, etc.) in Thailand with this car.  We are currently checking the regulation for that.  We are considering to compete next year also, if it’s possible.  Although there are still a lot of challenges, such as finding sponsors, etc., we are also aiming to participate in SUPER GT.”

 

Car that went under the shakedown was already unveiled to the public at the Round 6 Suzuka in August, but it only became capable of running on the track on September 9th.  It was brought to Okayama International Circuit on the 10th for the shakedown next day.

 

The GT300 mother chassis allows selecting key components such as the 4.5-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine made by GTA and suspension as well as the body with a silhouette of Toyota 86 as an option.

 

The test will continue on September 12^th.

 

 

 

Nattavut takes the wheel at test run.

 

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