The Muscle Car Masters’s Sports Sedan Spectacular on September 3-4 will feature cars many races fans will see for the first time – Oz Trucks.
Owners of the NASCAR Truck-style machines are currently racing in state level categories in Queensland and New South Wales with a view to contesting a dedicated series when numbers grow.
Seven Oz Trucks currently reside in Australia, with two more bound for our shores later this month, from Longbeach, California.
The plan is to run Oz Trucks as a standalone category, subject to a minimum number of twelve cars hitting the track.
Oz Trucks are powered by a 6.2-litre Chevrolet V8 engine built by VanGordan Racing Engines. They feature a four-speed H-pattern gearbox and a 9 inch differential with full floating axles. Rear suspension adjustments can be easily made through the utility tray, and the fibreglass panels such as the front hood and guards can be removed quickly and efficiently.
The power to weight ratio is similar to a V8 Supercar’s. Oz Trucks weigh 1180kg with the driver and push out a whopping 525hp.
Oz Trucks founders Greg McIntyre and Graham Struber both have extensive experience working for various teams in the V8 Supercar Championship for almost a decade. They have plenty of passion for this series.
The bosses say nothing compares to the rumbling noise, sheer off-the-line acceleration and the curb-hopping, close racing. They claim it is the most cost effective form of turn-key racing with purpose-built racecars.
Marcos Ambrose drove a similar spec machine in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series back in 2006, which kick started his career in the States.
The Muscle Car Masters is on Fathers Day, September 4, with as many as three Oz Trucks likely to race for the Tony Edmondson Trophy in the Sports Sedan Spectacular. Story and pics by Kelly Johnson
KEY STATISTICS:
Power: 510 horsepower
Top speed: 145 mph
Gearbox: 4 speed T101
Diff: 3.5 ratio
Brakes: Willwood 12 inch
Tyres: Goodyear 15 x 10 inch
Rear-end: 3 link, coilover shocks
Chassis: full space frame
Weight: 1200kgs
Rear brake bias: 53 percent
Radiator: large rear aluminium
Fuel: E85 running thru carby
Fuel tank: 22 gallon
Built: USA
