Challenge Accepted
The E-body Dodge Challenger currently under construction at Hamilton’s Mitchell Race Xtreme is rapidly heading towards completion. The bulk of the fabrication work has been done, making the goal of having the car on track for testing prior to the start of the 2017–18 Enzed Central Muscle Cars series look realistic.
As we’ve mentioned previously, the car will run a Nascar-sourced 358ci engine, which will be backed by a Kiwi-made TTi H-pattern five-speed gearbox. Assuming all goes to plan, by the time you’re reading this the car will be at the powder coaters having its yet-to-be-announced colour applied to the bodyshell.
With the driver having an impressive number of event wins to his name, we’re looking forward to seeing how the Challenger goes when it hits the track.
Crazy Taxi
The Group1 field will look a little different going into the 2017–18 season, with additions set to make competition even closer. Mike Ellis’ XA Falcon is returning to the ranks, as is the ex–Colin Sargison Holden HQ, which has recently been purchased by Dean Hansen.
The bright yellow Holden was a competitive car in its day, easily running with the top 10, and, as Dean hopes to sneak the car back inside the top 10, he’s not planning to take things easy.
“It’s stripped down, and we’re getting a new motor built up for it,” Dean said — a move attributable to the progression of performance within the series. The new engine is a 410ci small block Chev built around a cast-iron Dart block by the Landon brothers at Landon Motorsport Ltd. Rather than aim for a massive peak-power figure, the goal is to build a drivable engine with bucketloads of grunt right through the rev range. Dean raced karts for about 10 years before a break from motorsport, during which time he did compete in the odd hill climb. With his ability behind the wheel, he should be one to look out for.
After racing the HQ in the Northern Muscle Car series to get used to how it drives, and sharpen up the old reflexes, Dean’s looking forward to the start of the CMC season. The Holden is sure to be a welcome addition to the series. We’re looking forward to seeing how it goes with its new lease of life, and are sure Dean won’t disappoint.
Darren Morgan at Super Finishing Ltd in Onehunga will be taking care of the diff, gearbox, and engine before the season starts, and Dean would also like to extend his thanks to RAD Car Rentals, Dean and Warren Landon at Landon Motorsports Ltd, as well as Mike and Troy.
Dean is seeking sponsorship as he heads into the series — any interested parties can get in touch with us to contact Dean.
Young Gun Returns
Young Waikato resident Shannon Coker was a force to be reckoned with in the 2014 Enzed CMC championship. Driving Colin Sargison’s HQ Holden, Shannon was a regular front runner. Shannon has wanted to get back on the track ever since, and that dream is set to become a reality, as he’s now got an HQ of his own under construction.
Wanting maximum performance for minimum outlay, Shannon decided to purchase a complete Nascar from America. The 2005 Toyota was previously campaigned by Joey Logana, and was purchased complete with SB2 engine and four-speed Jerico gearbox. As many components as possible will be pulled from the car and dropped into an HQ Super Q shell that is currently being prepared.
With Shannon having previously proven his ability behind the wheel, we’re looking forward to seeing him back on track sometime in the coming season or the following one.