Circuit Racing: TA-1 – the end of a pulsating era?

I was told but somehow I was like a deer caught in blinding headlights. I was trapped by disbelief, stunned by an imaginary Police tool. TA-1 was being sold! I can distinctly remember when I learnt that David Summerbell bought the rights to one of the USA’s most brutal and feared time-attack machine. A machine that would coerce the bold, but unwise competition, to succumb to continuous anxiety attacks, motivated by comprehensive defeat, victims of the blinding speed TA-1 was known to display!

AMS

The fact that the machine was built and campaigned with enviable results by one of the USA’s mega-horsepower tuning outfits, AMS (Automotosports Inc), heightened the implications for  Jamaican motorsports. A machine that not only drives fear into the hearts of the opposition, but also, left no vacancy at the top step of the podium, was on its way to Jamaica. Like an untrained river, I found it rather challenging to restrain myself! But that was 6 years ago!

I have too many pleasurable memories of the machine in action, at our speed Mecca, Dover Raceway and I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed its awesome delivery as it, directed by the ‘rocks’ best driver of the modern era, David Summerbell Jr, obliterated our, prior to its arrival,uninformed concept of a ‘fast’ machine. I am still in shock, so the stories cannot be told now.

I went directly to the source to ascertain what is happening at TSR, re- TA-1. I had 10 questions and Crew Chief Stephen Gunter was more than willing to assist with clarity.

Gleanerblogs (GB): When was TA-1 acquired.

Stephen : David purchased TA1 in 2008. It arrived in Jamaica shortly before the CMRC, May 2008 event.

GB:  Why was TA-1 chosen when compared to what was available.

Stephen: We looked at a wide range of cars – tube framed, 20B rotary etc. In the end, TA-1 was chosen because we had extensive experience with the Mitsubishi Evolution and Motor Sales & Service (now Stewart’s Auto Sales) was a major sponsor of the team. TA-1′s pedigree was also a deciding factor, as it held several track records and event wins in USA Time Attack events.

GB: How soon after it’s arrival (TA-1) did David break the lap record.

TA-1 broke the track record in Qualifying at its first event in Jamaica. In total, TA-1 has set the lap record at Dover on five occasions :

May 24 2008, 1:20.316
August 2 2008, 1:19.095
May 24 2009, 1:18.490
May 26 2012, 1:17.735
April 21 2014, 1:17.557

TA-1 also broke the track record at South Dakota, in Guyana, on November 2, 2008.

GB: How many titles has David won with TA-1 (overall Drivers Champion and CMRC).

Stephen: 2 CMRC Championships and 1 JRDC Championship.

TA-1 at home – the race-track!

GB: What prompted the decision to sell TA-1.

Stephen: I am not at liberty to say, but the main reason is not what people have speculated.

GB:  Have you (TSR) found  TA-1′s replacement.

Stephen: In David’s own words “exploring all options”.

GB: What will David drive at the Independence of Speed (2014).

Stephen: If TA-1 is not sold before the event he will continue to drive TA-1.

GB: How would you describe TA-1 overall performance and it’s contribution to Jamaican motor sports.

Stephen: TA-1 has been a catalyst for significant progress in Jamaican circuit racing.

GB: How would you respond to the view that Doug’s ‘Unbeatable’ Audi forced TSR to sell TA-1.

Stephen: Absolutely untrue.

Doug Gore’s DTM Audi TT-R – machine!

GB:  What should TSR fans expect from David for the remainder of the 2014 circuit racing season.

Stephen: David will continue to vie for Championships.

So, there you have it. The crew chief has spoken and we are now in wait and see mode. Is this the end of a pulsating era?

What is your view? Would you sell TA-1? Which race-car would you advise the ‘King’ to purchase?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer