Clark Racing’s Terry Darby-Smith and John Clark
Camera IconClark Racing’s Terry Darby-Smith and John Clark Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Racing team moves into top gear

Justin BianchiniWanneroo Times

Previous WA State Super Sprint Closed Car Champion and JCR owner-driver John Clark said it was a pivotal moment for the team as it searched for valuable seconds on the race track.

"We spent a large part of last year developing the car during which we set a new fastest lap of 59.20 secs," Clark said.

"Following on from that it has been a very intense program at JCR HQ following the penultimate decision to fully redevelop the chassis. With extensive research the team has conducted, we have applied the very latest design ideas and concepts, with the goal to create something even more unique and exciting.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

"That decision also involved investment in the procurement of top end parts and equipment, including a new Elite six-speed sequential trans axle, GRM Bathurst Monaro 427 magnesium rims, V8 Supercarcentre-lock hubs, Nascar dry sump and ancillaries. There is virtually nothing left of the original 180sx which has now been replaced by a full chrome-moly steel space frame chassis and lightweight composite body panels resulting in a new estimated finished weight of well under 850kg.

"We have also moved the engine to a position behind the driver's seat and relocated steering and pedal boxes which, combined with the new transmission layout, dramatically changes the chassis dynamics," Clark said.

"The new six-speed gearbox was hand built for us in the UK by Elite Engineering and is an investment in the very latest technology.

"It features close ratio, straight cut gears, with sequential paddle shift selection, which we estimate will take a whole second off our current lap times.

"Combined with the new suspension, bigger wheels and tyres and JCR Team designed aero package we are confident of making the car substantially faster."