HOW WE BECAME FASTEST 2WD CAR ON TRACK
When we started this epic journey with the Colt Ralliart, affectionately named “toaster” in Australia and “Dudu”(Swahili for insect) in Kenya, we knew we had a good platform for short-course racing. On our very first Gymkhana, we performed terribly and almost got billed for the many cones we ran over. It has been a long year of hard work and persistence, managing to shave 4 seconds a lap from our formative races to being the fastest 2WD vehicle currently on track — and all as a bunch of Rookies stumbling through the darkness. This is how we did it.
Tyres
Zestino Gredge 07RS to be exact. These are a relatively inexpensive semi-slick track tyre popular in drifting. But don’t let that confuse you. Professional drifting actually requires high grip tyres for consistent feel and performance. The drift is initiated by power and a high grip tyre helps consistently hold the drift around corners. The same tyre is a well-kept secret amongst high powered BMW track drivers from the UK with good reviews. The RS is the softest compound at a treadwear rating of 140.
First trials on the Zestinos were disappointing. While lap times were consistent, there wasn’t an outright improvement. The suspension simply wasn’t working well enough to make use of extra traction from the tyres.
Suspension
Standard dampers and a set of RSR lowering springs look and feel good on the street but they are out of their element on the track. The heavy body roll and rubbing against the wheel well made it painfully clear that a change in suspension was due. Out with the street setup and in came a set of Blitz ZZR coilovers. For the front pair, we ditched the provided 5kg spring for a custom 8kg spring. Rear spring rate was maintained at 4kg on account of a lighter rear end from weight saved with interior stripping.
Wheels
To finalise the handling setup, we switched from the otherwise pretty but totally hopeless 17” Enkei wheels to a set of lighter and stronger pro race 1.2 wheels made to order by Team Dynamics. The 3 month lead time was worth the wait. With the wheels shod in 205/45R16 Zestino tyres, only one other part needed attention.
Brakes
Ferodo DS2500 are my favourite pads for track use. However, being out of stock at our supplier, we looked to the Colt’s ancestral home for a replacement set of front brake pads. RHDJapan supplied a set of ProjectMu Type Comp B for Gymkhana pads. These were complemented with a pair of EBC yellow stuff pads at the rear.
Seat time
All these improvements count for nought if the human behind the wheel can’t drive. WRC Safari Rally champion, Azar Anwar, beyond setting up the suspension provided the much needed coaching and mentoring on track. Driving is more than simply hustling the car around a track. Azar teaches patience and calm to have the right frame of mind. That is how consistent drivers are made. Nothing beats experience and this is surely true with his 40 years of active racing. Under his watchful eye, lap times tumbled down clocking multiple personal best times throughout the test day. Only one thing needed tidying up.
Seating position
Mostly overlooked, seating position is extremely important for confident driving. After all, you’re only as fast as how well you can see. Out went the fancy JDM reclining Bride seats to be replaced with a single fixed Sparco Evo full bucket motorsport seat. Not only did we save approximately 30kgs in weight but with the improved driving position, it became much easier to keep to the racing line, nailing all the apexes.
Final setup
Through lots of data collection and driver feedback on test and race day, we found best performance at 40mm ride height drop. The tyres performed best at pressures of 28psi at the front with -3 degree camber and 31psi at the rear with no camber. Setting the current best time by a massive 4 second improvement, we beat a rally buggy at half the Colt’s weight and all with a standard powered engine.