Justin FoxGina and I flew to QLD earlier this week to meet the Tanuki Racing team. The idea was to shoot Tanuki big boss Wayne Lee testing the Tanuki S13 at Queensland Raceway, but on arrival we found out that all plans for track time were cancelled due to rain.
Bit of a bummer as there’s a great story in an independent team boss who’s not afraid to wrangle the beast that was the previous outright winner of the World Time Attack Challenge: the Hammerhead.
Wayne had a Plan B though, and that was to check out both the Tanuki race cars at the workshop (GT AUTO GARAGE) the next day. Either way it’s been great to finally get back on a plane (I’ve not flown in 6 years!), and of-course to meet both Wayne and John, who picked Gina and I up from the airport and treated us to an amazing dinner at Agnes.
Links:
Tanuki: www.tanukiracing.com
GT Auto Garage: www.gtautogarage.com.au
Photos by Gina
Meeting David Lenthall, the Director at GT AUTO GARAGE. The guy very obviously lives and breathes motorsport, he even lives in a trailer on premises!
The Tanuki S13 is going to be driven by Bathurst 1000 Winner Todd Hazelwood at WTAC this year and it took up centre stage at the workshop.
So much detail. I didn’t know where to start.
Everywhere you looked there was a part of the car. Everything from the massive rear wing, front bar and the huge carbon underbody aero package.
In the dyno room was this Yaris which is Tanuki’s 2nd WTAC entry which will be driven by rising talent Hana Burton.
Couldn’t help myself, but I spotted over 300kw on the dyno chart.
The Yaris was still sporting it’s (HKS approved) HKS livery, but the team from Dryden Signs was in measuring up the car for it’s new livery which will be revealed at WTAC.
David showing us the freshly built Car Mods Australia time attack WRX.
From what we saw, Wayne and David have an awesome relationship.
The paddle feel on this wheel was next level.
Mythological Tanuki are often depicted with large scrotums, which are needed to drive a car like this!
Much thanks to Wayne for letting us in and giving us some great 1 on 1 time with both cars.
Shop dog!
All of these photos were taken by Gina. I took a bunch too so look out for them soon. If you’re in Sydney next month we’re organising an EOMM at Benzin Cafe and the Tanuki S13 will be on display in all it’s glory. Register your interest on our Events Page.
Links:
Tanuki: www.tanukiracing.com
GT Auto Garage: www.gtautogarage.com.au
Photos by Gina