Scorpion Release Complete Mazda MX5 Sports Catalyst Exhaust System.

Leading exhaust manufacturer Scorpion has released a superb new exhaust system for the latest generation of MX5. The new design not only offers significant increases in power, thanks to vastly improved gas-flow, but it also retains full road legality thanks to a 200 cell sports catalyst. As the manufacturer responsible for the exhaust on the Prodrive edition Mazda PZ8, Scorpion’s extensive knowledge of the marque is well documented.

Open-top enthusiasts will love the new sportier tone which endows the car with a crisp ‘rasp’ that evokes the original Lotus Elan – the car that inspired the very first incarnation of the world’s best-selling sports car.

The system is available as either a cat back 63mm system, which deletes the second catalyst for  improved dynamics, or as a full tubular manifold system that replaces the entire factory exhaust from front to back. Scorpion’s engineers have taken great care to ensure that the new sports cat is placed very close to the engine block, ensuring rapid warm-up times and highly efficient operation. This results in class-leading levels of emissions, despite the system offering 10-15% power gains across the board. The tailpipes terminate with tasteful twin 90mm ‘Daytona’ stainless trims.

Each system is entirely hand-fabricated in Scorpion’s UK factory and utilises mandrel bending for constant diameter throughout. The manifold boasts a superb looking laser-cut flange to ensure a perfect gas seal – and to aid under bonnet good looks, of course. All components are constructed from aerospace grade T304 stainless steel and carry a lifetime guarantee.

The sports cat manifold costs £699.95 including VAT and the cat-back system £499.95 including VAT.

For more information on this, or any other Scorpion product – or to order your free catalogue, please contact the sales team on 01773 744123 or click to www.scorpion-exhausts.com

FIA GT1 World Championship Round 5

The fifth round of the FIA GT1 World Championship takes place at the legendary Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, with the Sumo Power GT team now preparing itself for what is regarded as the most challenging track in the ten-event calendar. Once again, the team will field its two Nissan GT-Rs: car 23 driven by Michael Krumm/Peter Dumbreck and car 22 driven by Warren Hughes/Jamie Campbell-Walter.

The team will be looking to continue its unbroken run of podium places next weekend, having secured a top three finish in the last five of the season’s eight races held so far. With a first, a second and three third places, Sumo Power GT holds an impressive second in the team’s points table, whilst in the driver’s standings, Krumm and Dumbreck are fourth and Hughes and Campbell-Walter are fifth.

A major feature of this global super-car series is its ‘balance of performance’ criteria, with successful cars allocated ballast in order to encourage close racing. Therefore, car 23 will carry an additional 20 kilos following an excellent third place in round three at Brno in addition to a further 30 kilos after finishing an even better second in round four at Paul Ricard.

Although the extra 50 kilos is expected to put Krumm and Dumbreck at a disadvantage, an extremely positive day’s testing at Spa earlier this month boosted the team’s confidence, especially as it was the first time its two Nissan GT-Rs had been driven on the Belgium track.

For Hughes and Campbell-Walter in car 22, success ballast will not be an issue at this event, as their weight penalty for winning round two at Silverstone no longer applies. Also pleased with the Spa test, both drivers are hoping that a return visit to the podium will be a distinct possibility.

However, much will depend on the weather and track conditions during the weekend, as the area in which the circuit resides is renowned for its changeable climate. It’s also a circuit that commands respect from the drivers, mainly because of its fast, twisty and hilly character, which is the main reason why so many enjoy competing there.

A lap of Spa measures a shade over seven kilometres (4.352 miles) and contains 21 bends. The circuit is the venue for the Belgium Grand Prix. It is also host to the famous 24-hours endurance race, which this year is scheduled to take place immediately after the GT1 event.

The timetable sees the FIA GT1 World Championship cars first take to the track on Thursday at 11.30 for Free Practice, followed by Pre-Qualifying at 16.30. Qualifying for the first race takes place on Friday at 09.45, with the first hour-long race scheduled for 15.00. The main Championship race, also one-hour long, gets the green light at 12.05 on Saturday.

Team quotes

Michael Krumm – Driver Car 23
“I’ve raced at Spa many times and it’s a circuit I look forward to driving on. With our 50 kilos of success ballast it’s going to be a challenging weekend, but following the test the car is set up well and, if we can look after the tyres, I believe we can still challenge for a good points score.”

Peter Dumbreck – Driver Car 23
“Spa is one of the most enjoyable tracks to drive, but it’s difficult to do the perfect lap because the track is long and the car can be compromised in certain corners to benefit others. We are carrying 50kg of success ballast from our last two podium finishes so it will be a tough weekend for us. Therefore, we might not have the ultimate pace of the front runners but I think we definitely have a chance of scoring points.”

Warren Hughes – Driver Car 22
Its high speeds and technical corners are what makes Spa so challenging – and what makes it such a good ‘driver’s’ circuit. The weather can be an issue, but our cars have gone well in most conditions this season. Our test was good and therefore, if we get a consistent run I think there’s no reason why we shouldn’t challenge for another win.”

Jamie Campbell-Walter – Driver Car 22
“I’ve raced at Spa a lot over the years, but even though I know the circuit it’s still a challenging place to drive.  We tested there after Paul Ricard and things went very well. In fact, we came away very pleased. Having won a round already this season – even though we were third across the line – it’s difficult not to aim for first. However, a good haul of points is what the team is after and, with the other car now carrying 50 kilos of success ballast, it is likely to be down to us to get into a high scoring position this time round.”

Allen Orchard – Team Manager
“I was very pleased with the way the cars performed at the test at Spa earlier this month. Of course, it’s difficult to measure how good our pace really is until race weekend. We know that the Maseratis and Fords will be tough to beat as they are likely to suit this type of circuit, but we like to be the team that pulls a few surprises – as we’ve done before!.”

James Rumsey – Team Principal
“Every circuit we’ve been to this season has been different from the last, so it’s a real challenge for the team to get the cars set up, bearing in mind we have very little historical data to go on. Therefore, this makes the results we’ve achieved so far even more rewarding and I’m looking forward to see if we do another good job at Spa.”

Time Attack – Round 4

Time Attack – Round 4
Pirelli European Drift Championship – Round 4
Modified Live – Summer in the Park

26th July 2010

For the first time since it was launched in 2006, Time Attack goes to Cadwell Park this weekend for the fourth event in this year’s five-round series. Also making its debut at the Lincolnshire track will be the Pirelli European Drift Championship, plus the spectacular Modified Live Show which will feature static displays, trade stands and loads of other attractions.

Cadwell Park has become a favourite circuit with many drivers. It is sited within a steep-sided valley, which causes the track to rise and fall dramatically in some places, in fact bikes become airborne when cresting a section called The Mountain.

Its mix of challenging corners has led to its nickname as the Mini-Nürburgring, but because of its narrow width and lack of run off areas in certain sections, it no longer plays host to large race meetings. But, with next weekend being Time Attack – and not racing – the circuit is expected to provide a perfect venue for some great competition.

The nature of the track could therefore throw a curved ball into the arena as far as who is going to be successful on the day: Will it be twice-winner so far this season Gareth Lloyd, who can use the traction and sheer power of his Mitsubishi to provide him with an advantage, or winner of round three Steve Gugleilmi in his more agile Lotus Exige. It may even provide the lesser-powered cars an opportunity to shine, as handling and pre-event set up is likely to be the key to success this weekend.

The Drift cars will also be in for a new experience at Cadwell Park and, due to the width of the track, the drivers are going to have to be more precise than usual. Using The Mountain section past the Clubhouse and the Hall Bends, is going to mean that spectators will be treated to a display of close and exciting drifting, with the final outcome as much a lottery to that of the Time Attack event.

Adding to the spectacle of the day will be the Summer in the Park Modified Live show. With static displays, trade stands, the ever-popular ‘Show n’ Shine’ competiton and a host of automotive-based attractions on site, this element of the weekend is as much of an attraction as the action on the track.

Acknowledging that the circuit is more regularly occupied by bikes than cars, organisers have arranged for a shoot-out between a British Superbike and a Time Attack Car. There will also be a stunt rider performing on-track during the course of the day.

The circuit action starts when the gates open at 9.00, with a warm-up session for the Time Attack teams. The Drift cars have their initial practice session at 10.00 and the first of three live action demos takes place at 10.30. Qualifying is scheduled for 1.00pm, with the finals for the Pirelli European Drift Championship at 4.20 and for Time Attack at 4.45 pm.

Admission tickets are available on the gate, priced at £20.00 per adult.

For more information visit:

www.timeattack.co.uk
www.europeandriftchampionship.eu
www.modifiedlive.co.uk

Time Attack is sponsored by: Sumo Power, Kleers, Pirelli, Cosworth, K-Sport, SuperPro, Toyo Tires, BC Suspension, Speedhunters.com, HKS, HEL Performance, Samco Sport, Blitz and Santa Pod Raceway.

2010 Time Attack Calendar
24 April: Oulton Park
16 May: Knockhill
27 June: Brands Hatch
1 August: Cadwell Park
10 October: Snetterton