Monza recently saw the opening race in a new Supercar series that includes
cars from GT1, GT2, G3 and Superturismo. Not surprisingly it results in a
spectacular range of cars racing currently including GT2 and GT3 Porsches, a
Ferrari 360 Modena, and somewhat humble BMW 320s and Opel Vectras. Of particular
interest to us was the TVR Tuscan racer and the presence of Lotus Exiges. The
race series will take in some of Italy's best circuits from Monza to Vallelunga,
from Mugello to Vairano, and up to Magione.
The first Round was at Monza with two races, one in the morning and one in
the afternoon, each race consisting of twelve laps of the 5.7 km track.
It's the first time that the official TVR importer Finconsult have raced the
car. There is just the one car at the moment, driven by young Max Cairaiti but
hopefully others will follow in the future.
This new Tuscan is equipped with the TVR Tuscan Challenge engine (4.5 litre
AJP V8) although the car does feature a number of modifications to equip it for
the tough GT races. The body is wider at the back to accomodate wider wheels and
tyres (11 inches wide!). Slowing the car are huge new Tarox 6 pot calipers.
Things didn't pan out too badly for the Tuscan on its Italian debut. On
Sunday morning it took third place on the grid behind two Porsches and by the
end of the first lap it was leading. On its second circuit it set the fastest
lap time but a few laps later differential problems would see it losing the
lead, letting the GT2 Porsches back in front. The differential problem finally
put paid to any hopes of regaining the lead and the Porsches took first and
second followed by the impressive BMW 320 ST.
The Tuscan kept its fastest lap (1:57.2), a second ahead of the GT2 Porsche
and over ten seconds ahead of the Ferrari 360. The Exiges didn't get a look in
on this fast circuit with their fastest lap being 2:14.5.
The team worked flat out to sort the differential problem and succeeding in
getting the car on the grid for the afternoon race. Sadly the green flag lap
revealed all was still not well and the decision was taken to withdraw the car.
A promising start to the series though with the Tuscan demonstrating that it
certainly has the speed to match the Porsches.
