TEAM MONSTER SPORT RACE TO THE SKY CHALLENGE

Apr.17 Course Recce & Vehicle Inspection

Friday April 17, competitors of Race to the Sky 2015 gather at the race track.
Just an hour's drive away from the Monster Sport team's workshop is the race stage, otherwise well known as 'Snow Farm' a renowned snow resort of Cardrona Valley.

Competitors gathered around the paddock area at the base of the mountain for vehicle inspection and course recce (pre-run).
Course recce was conducted once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Competitors traveled in convoy manner at slow speeds. Track condition was muddy in the morning recce, however the surface changed to dry by afternoon which was good to get the feel of the course. There was snow fall at the mountain top which prompted measures to cope with the unprecedented cold climate.

How much did the course change after 8 years? MONSTER Tajima looked back to his past runs and concentrated on the current road. His facial expression was dead serious while he gripped the steering wheel of the recce car.

Vehicle inspection at the paddock is conducted to make sure the participating cars are up to regulation. The race course is on a dirt road heading up to the mountain top and there are no guard rails here. In normal times the road speed limit is 25km/h. However since top class competition drivers blaze away at over 200km/h, any diversion from the course comes with a big risk.
MONSTER SPORT Super 86 cleared the vehicle inspection without a problem and ready to meet the track.

Here are some rival teams to look out for at Race to the Sky 2015.
First and foremost would be previous WRC driver Alister McRae with his Subaru Impreza tuned for hill climb which was previously used by New Zealand's hero the late "Possum" Bourne. The race would surely be revolving between McRae and Tajima.

Next up, Tony Quinn with his fully hill climb built machine "Monster Tamer".
A four wheel drive machine with a Nissan GT-R pumping out 850 horses powering it is pure unmeasurable potential. Team Monster Sport is wary of the car's power which exceeds the Super 86.

Other than the two teams above, there are local experienced and seasoned New Zealanders who know the dirt road like the back of their hand. Many more from Australia sums up to a total of over 100 four wheels and two wheels competing in just one race.

In defending his title from rivals, MONSTER Tajima comments:
"I am standing here at the finish line of Race to the Sky, Cardrona Valley. The road speed limit is set at 25km/h, however I will be driving at 225km/h. At the finals, I am going to cross this finish line with my best time. I am very happy and content that we were all able to do the recce at a wonderful condition. We can most likely run the finals at conditions better than the past races. My course record here is 8 minutes 1 second, so I will break my record in the 7 minute class. Thank you and I wish for all your kind support!"

Tomorrow we shall put on a good show for practice and qualifying runs!
Thank you fans for your warm support!

 

【Race To The Sky Official Website】
http://www.racetothesky.co.nz/