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Skelta Ready For Inaugaral Suncoast Classic |
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Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |
The Queensland designed and manufactured Skelta G-Force sports car is set to make its tarmac rally presence felt during the inaugural Aeromil Pacific Suncoast Classic to be held on the Sunshine Coast from July 5-8.
Campaigned by former Queensland rally champion Ray Vandersee of Toowomba, the revolutionary Skelta G-Force has been a regular feature at Noosa Hill Climb events.
During last year’s event, Vandersee mastered the quickest ever time set by a road registered vehicle up the 1.5km Noosa Hill Climb circuit at Tewantin on the Sunshine Coast.
Claiming an overall 7th placing, Vandersee rocketed the Skelta G-Force
to a 59.88 seconds run, the first ever sub-60 second pass by a non
open-wheel competitor in the history of the event.
During the Suncoast Classic locals will get a true taste of the car’s
outstanding overall capabilities during the new and exciting 25-stage
event, where the Skelta is bound to be among the shortlist of podium
contenders.
Earlier this year during Targa Tasmania, Vandersee guided the Skelta to
23 outright stage victories, which rated as the best performance of any
vehicle, including overall winner Tony Sullens.
A minor rear suspension issue suffered on day one meant the Queensland
crew came up empty handed, but it’s now time for redemption on a truly
untested, Sunshine Coast surface.
“The Noosa Hillclimb circuit will form the short, first stage each day
which will set us well for what we anticipate being an exciting concept
for Queensland tarmac competition,” said Vandersee.
“Everyone is in the same boat during the Suncoast Classic with a fresh,
new course and with no driver boasting any real knowledge of what their
car will do driving at speed.
“From an initial recce there seems to be a lot more blind crests and
are a number of narrow bridges without guard rails which will prove
something of a challenge.
“I have absolute faith in Skelta navigator Jahmeil Taylor, but on such
an unfamiliar road course unexpected situations may arise.
“In those circumstances the Skelta is very forgiving and will accommodate the varying conditions with ease.
“There is a lot of variety with the entire course. We have very hilly,
tight ranges plus flatter, more open areas of the various stages which
will make for a good, testing combination.”
Vandersee praised the persistence and fortitude of event promoters in
making the Suncoast Classic a reality and has thrown his weight behind
the inaugural event through the sponsorship of Skelta Corner on turn
two of the hill climb stage.
Like all competitors he’s hopeful of seeing plenty of support for the
event in what will be a unique, very coastal Queensland environment
during the four-day racing carnival.
“Organisers are promoting the Suncoast Classic as a holiday festival
with plenty of off-track activities being coordinated to supplement the
on-track action.
“There’s a quality field of competitors including touring car legend
Jim Richards and Tony Quinn who is no stranger to top level competition.
“I think, given dry conditions, fellow Toowoomba driver Guy Beddington
will also be tough to beat in his Ultima which is an English built car
with a Chevy V8 engine.”
The Suncoast Classic will begin with Thursday’s Prologue on the regular
Noosa Hill Climb circuit followed by 10 stages Friday (start at Noosa
then South to Wamuran/Mt Mee and Kilcoy), eight stages Saturday (start
at Noosa then North-west to Gympie) and seven stages to close off the
event on Sunday. (start at Noosa before heading South and closing off
at Noosaville)
Skelta Sports Cars has a stock of comprehensive promotional DVDs that
outline the original concepts, engineering and overall performance
capabilities of this unique Australian made sports car.
The DVDs are available for immediate distribution to interested parties free of charge.
Potential purchasers and enthusiasts of Queensland’s Skelta G-Force,
that retails for around $134 000, are asked to book their DVD directly
through Vandersee via email at
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A postal
address must be advised.
SKELTA G-FORCE SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis:
Chrome Molybdenum steel spaceframe reinforced with carbon fibre and Kevlar centre tunnel and side pods
Body: Carbon fibre/Kevlar
Weight: 650kg dry. 50/50 distribution.
Engine: 2-litre Honda F20C
Output: 180kw (241hp @ 8500RPM)
Power/Weight: 3.61 Kg/Kw
Transmission: 6-speed
Suspension:
Double unequal length wishbones with inboard Proflex type shock/ spring units.
Brakes: Ventilated, cross-drilled 298mm discs with 4 piston callipers (f&r)
Performance (calc): 0 - 100km/h: 4.1 sec
0 - 400m: 12.1 secs
Top speed: 254kmh (low downforce spec.)
Web Site: www.skelta.com.au;
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