Features and articles

Turbo Dynamics Announces Sponsorship of Time Attack Series


Roger Clark "Time Attack" Subaru Impreza 2008

One of the world’s leading turbocharger specialists, Turbo Dynamics has announced that it will be sponsoring the Time Attack Series (TA) in 2009.

Time Attack is a circuit-based event for the ever-growing number of seriously tuned aftermarket cars, especially Japanese cars. The series offers drivers a chance to push their cars to the limits, against the clock, in controlled conditions and a competition format. 105 cars are invited to compete in the series annually, all of which have the pedigree to fight it out alongside the industries finest, including cars belonging to private individuals.

Thanks to the exciting opportunities that the series offers, Time Attack has rapidly grown from its birth in Japan, which was originally organised by the media. And as the series’ popularity grew, the stakes began to rise and tuners found themselves having to develop new and improved machines, with which they could conquer their competition on the track. Since these early days, TA has moved on and now features different levels of vehicles entering the competitions; from road cars to full-on specifically engineered TA cars made mostly of carbon fibre.
The drivers entering TA are often the racing industry’s finest, drafted-in by tuners to pilot these unlimited machines in a bid to become the quickest. Among the drivers who have competed in the series to-date is Olly Clark of Roger Clark Motorsport. Although Clark is not a professional racing driver, he is undoubtedly one of the industry’s finest having won the Overall TOTB Champion award for the last two years running and the Time Attack Series in 2008, winning the ‘Pro’ title. The Roger Clark Motorsport car, which aided Clark in his TA win last year, is the race-prepared Subaru Impreza 'Gobstopper'.

The winning car is equipped with a Turbo Dynamics modified and blueprinted GT4094R turbocharger and a Turbo Dynamics supplied TiAL Sport wastegate; the setup giving the Gobstopper an impressive 890 BHP.

Roger Clark Motorsport’s success and participation in the Time Attack Series is one of the reasons Turbo Dynamics will be backing the event in 2009. Natasha Miller, Turbo Dynamics Marketing Manager, explained: “We are allocating our budget with extra care this year due to the recession. Time Attack is an event that we feel to be a very good investment and we are really pleased that we are now a part of the popular series. “TD’s sponsorship of the series also allows us to support our customers who compete annually. Especially, Turbo Dynamics sponsored customer, Roger Clark Motorsport who we’re hoping will do exceptionally well again this year.” Other Turbo Dynamics customers who competed in 2008’s Time Attack Series included: Fensport, Norris Designs, RK Tuning, Terry Buckel and John Begley.

Regarding Turbo Dynamics’ sponsorship of the Time Attack Series, Santreo Promotions Managing Director, Andy Barnes said: “Time Attack is stimulant for the aftermarket as a whole, but only those willing to stand side-by-side with us see the real benefits that it can yield. We are pleased to welcome Turbo Dynamics on board for this year, not only is their brand relevant and exciting, but teams also have proven success with their products installed and that makes for a great mix for everyone involved.”

Olly and Matt of Roger Clark Motorsport have also expressed their delight in hearing that Turbo Dynamics will be backing the TA series during 2009.

TA runs alongside the European Drift Championship (EDC) and is televised on Motors TV throughout Europe.

Official Time Attack Round Dates for 2009
Round 1 - April 25th - Oulton Park – TA / EDC
Round 2 - May 17th – Knockhill – TA / EDC
Round 3 - May 31st – Silverstone – TA / EDC
Round 4 - June 28th - Brands Hatch – TA + 3 car EDC demo
Round 4 – July 11th – Santa Pod Raceway – EDC
Round 5 - October 11th - Snetterton – TA / EDC



Sporting a Personalised Number Plate

Drivers of sports cars are used to turning heads. With their good looks and exciting driving, they are many a car enthusiast’s dream. And it appears the popularity of these vehicles, which have been on the motoring scene since the early twentieth century, will not diminish.

It’s nothing new to see a motorist taking pride in the vehicle he or she drives. Well-kept, polished cars can be seen on the roads daily, but one trend, which could be viewed as a fairly recent phenomenon, is the interest in personalised number plates.

Although personalised registrations have been on the scene for some time now, the common view used to be that they were simply pretentious and showy. However, this opinion has faded over time and, nowadays, they are far more accepted as fun, unique additions to one’s car.

Celebrities and their Personalised Sports Cars
Some celebrities are well known for purchasing beautiful vehicles, and many choose not to miss out on the sports car fun. Teaming a sports car with a private registration can be extremely effective as it adds that finishing touch to a car and makes it truly exclusive.

Magician Paul Daniels purchased the plate, MAG 1C, along with the Ferrari it was being displayed on. (He later transferred it to his Bentley.) Boxer, Amir Khan also chose a plate that highlights his profession with BOX 111G, which appears on his BMW.

Footballer Wayne Rooney, on the other hand, chose the plate WAZ 8 for his Aston Martin. This highlights his nickname, while the number 8 possibly refers to the number shirt he has often appeared in for Manchester United.

Reasons for Popularity
Private registrations are not only purchased by those who wish to highlight some personality. The fact that these plates turn heads is massively popular with businesses that wish to promote their companies in a simple, maintenance-free way. As well as this, many of these striking plates have proved to have great investment potential. Dateless, low number plates are constantly seeked out by those who are attracted to their exclusivity – and they will pay big money. Businessman Afzal Kahn, for example, purchased the plate F 1, for £440,625 in January 2008. And where does Mr Kahn plan to display it? On his Mercedes SLR McLaren supercar.

Examples of Registrations
No matter which sports car one chooses to purchase, there will be an ideal personalised registration available. As well as profession, hobby and name-associated plates, there is also great interest in registrations that relate to one’s make or model of car.

For one who has chosen a latest model, such as 2008’s Ferrari 430 Spyder, the plate 430 SPY would be ideal, as would X5 PYX, while fans of exclusive, special edition vehicles can also find the right plate. For example, the Jaguar XJR Portfolio would look great displaying 1 XJR (the number 1 highlights its exclusivity) or XJR 8, both of which could also suit other XJR models.

For Porsche owners, there are also plates-a-plenty with POR 55H, HOT 911T (for ‘911’ models), or a ‘356’ or ‘SPE’ registration for a classic Porsche, such as the 356 Speedster.

Sports cars are designed to get noticed. For those wanting to stand out even further from the crowd, a carefully selected personalised registration may be the ideal option.

"Sporting a Personalised Number Plate" article written exclusively for Helluvit by Reg Transfers.