Record Breaking VW Camper Van!

Visitors to Santa Pod Raceway last weekend would have enjoyed both fun and frolics at their superb ‘Big Bang’ VW event, but also the incredible sight of a rusty 56 year old VW Van or ‘Bus’ launching down the hallowed quarter mile in considerably less time than it would take a contemporary Ferrari or Porsche. Adding insult to injury, the bus has been deliberately left with its original patina to add charm and character.

The amazing machine, run by team ‘Wheeler Dealer’ from Frankfurt in Germany is a rare early ‘Barndoor’ model. (so called because of its huge engine cover) This fact alone makes it a five figure museum piece (despite it’s outwardly shabby demeanour) But, as you might imagine, all is not standard underneath, with the van packing a highly tuned VW engine.

Built by owners Tom Gotta and Stefan Betzeüga, the Bus went on to set a new World record for non-turbocharged VW vans, clocking the quarter mile in just 12.656 seconds.. at 102.84mph! Impressive enough for any car, but doubly so when you start to factor in the lack of aerodynamics associated with the much-loved commercial. Driven by Stefan, the VW put in consistent performance all day, despite the sweltering heat, resulting in the crowd pleasing times.

With the outright World Record for any shape of VW Camper standing at 12.5 seconds (also set at Santa Pod by a ‘Bay’ window bus) the team have been invited back to the famous Bug Jam event at the venue between the 17th and 19th of July to try and crack the record once and for all – So make sure you’re there to see history being made!

One thing’s for sure, whatever you’re driving, if you see this old Bus in your rear view mirror.. Best to pull over and concede gracefully. Proof indeed that old VW campers never die.. they just get faster!

For more information, or to book tickets, click to www.santapod.com or call 01234 782828.

Pipercross ‘08 Subaru Sti and WRX Free Flow Panel Filter.

Performance filtration specialists Pipercross have provided the perfect breathing solution for all 2008 on WRX and Sti models; their bespoke panel filter.

Designed to fit into the factory airbox as a direct replacement for the OEM paper unit, The Pipercross filter has been designed up to a desired quality, rather than down to a designated price. Flowing over 30% more air than the factory part, this beautifully made filter can make significant improvements in power, torque and driveability and comes with a full lifetime warranty to give decades of faithful service.

pipercross_subaru_25_filter

The unique multi-layered foam construction not only means a higher rate of flow, it also mean that, compared to even the leading cotton-gauze replacements, Pipercross foam filters can go for up to three times longer before needing any servicing or cleaning. This can be done indefinitely for the life of the filter. Little wonder then, that they are the darling of the JDM market, listing Ralliart, Toms, Spoon, TRD and Nismo as past and present OEM clients.

Priced at just £34.11, it makes the perfect first modification for any Subaru, and flows stronger.. for longer!

For more details on the 3,000 vehicles covered by the Pipercross range, please visit www.pipercross.com, www.maxxdirectory.co.uk or call the team on 01604 707750.