Getting 1200HP To The Ground | R35 GTR Wheel Alignment [TECH TALK]

Lyfe Motorsports and their 1200HP R35 GTR are no strangers to Time Attack or track records having just reset their own R35 record at this years WTAC, but it takes a lot more than just bolting a bunch of parts together and going ‘full send’ to achieve these results as Cole Powelson explains in relation to wheel alignment.

The 4L Nissan VR38 powered and MoTeC controlled car runs CCW 18*12.5 one-piece wheels which are wrapped in controlled Yokohama Advan tyre. To get the most out of the package, the team rely on data from the car via tyre temperatures, shock potentiometers above the Ohlins TTX dampers, and driver feedback to make logical changes. This attention to detail is part and parcel when it comes to ensuring that the tyre temperatures are even across their widths and that the car has the maximum contact patch possible where required on track.

Cole explains why Infrared sensors are great for live data, but why teams will still physically check temperatures under the tyre surface as quickly as possible when the car hits the pits after a hot lap. When adjustments need to be made, a simple string alignment kit and ruler are used due to their simplicity, ease of transport but most importantly their accurate and repeatable results.

At this event, Cole reset the teams own R35 GTR record but fell just short of the 1:29 that they really wanted to hit with a best time of 1:30.0230, so close! The car was doing dual duties due to a rule change this year with saw Rob ‘Chairslayer’ Parson’s WTAC debut with impressive 1:34.1840.

If you want to learn more about the Lyfe Racing R35 GTR check out a video on it in Time Attack trim here.
And Pikes Peak trim here.

Want to learn how to do your own motorsport wheel alignment? Learn now.