CBR1100XX-powered Race Car Unveiled
March 7, 2002 KRC Debuts Van Diemen Racer at Willow Springs Open-Wheeled Car Features Honda Motorcycle Engine The Van Diemen "Project 281" open-wheeled race car was debuted on the West Coast at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park this past Tuesday by its sole distributor, Glendale, California-based KRC. The car, an all-new design by Van Diemen, resembles a Formula Atlantic machine but is much lighter and far more affordable. Van Diemen, based in England, developed the car for use in spec classes as well as to create a stepping stone between World SuperKarts and Formula One-style race cars. "This car is very fast and incredibly fun to drive, particularly on The Streets of Willow," said KRC's Chief Instructor, Matt Tregila. "This track is well-suited to the car, with a lot of tight turns, which require hard braking, and some fast straights where you can really open it up. The car is just a blast. It looks and sounds very much like an F-1 car, and is very close to the Toyota Atlantic in many ways. And the sound of that engine at 10,000 rpm has to be experienced to be believed." The car features a Honda motorcycle powerplant derived from the CBR1100XX Blackbird, the firm's open-class flagship sport tourer. The engine is fuel-injected and tuned to produce 170 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. "The car uses a differential, with four-wheel independent suspension. The engine uses ram-air, just like an F-1 car. It's also got a dual-element front wing and a triple-element rear wing. One of the great things about the car is that can be set up to run different classes in a matter of two or three hours. The Van Diemen can be run with either the F-1 knockoff bodywork or a Can Am-style, open cockpit, which makes it easier for a racer to compete in multiple classes with a single car." KRC is in the process of creating a spec class for the Project 281, which will sell for around $35,000. "It's a lot less expensive than a Formula Atlantic, which can be upwards of $250,000 to get into. But it's a real race car. We think it's the perfect car for a driver who wants to move up from World Superkarts." The Van Diemen Project 281 is similar to Suzuki's Team Hayabusa race car, which uses an engine based on the company's GSX 1300R Hayabusa sportbike. The introduction of these cars marks an increase in interest in lower-cost, fully-suspended, true racing cars for enthusiasts who would like experience the thrill of a Formula One machine in a reliable, cost-effective package. For more information on the Van Diemen Project 281, contact KRC at (818) 507-1436 or visit their web site at www.kartracingco.com. About Willow Springs Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is a 600-acre complex of seven racetracks embracing nearly every conceivable motorsports discipline. In addition to the historic 2.5-mile road course, the Willow Springs facility includes the Streets of Willow, a 1.5-mile, 14-turn multi-configuration road course ideal for testing, club racing and schools; two ¼ mile paved ovals; a 3/8-mile clay oval; a .625-mile kart track; and the just-completed "Toyota Playpen," a short course targeting beginning riders and drivers. The facility also has an off-road area for testing of off-road vehicles. For more information on Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, please call 661-256-6666 or visit www.willowspringsraceway.com.