When Street Machine’s Kian Heagney decided to participate in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge at Calder Park, he originally planned to race his Nissan S13 Silvia. However, as the event drew nearer, it became evident that his trusty S13 wouldn’t make it. So, he switched to his 2006 Holden VZ SS ute, a relatively stock vehicle with minimal modifications.
Despite the ute not being the ideal choice for a high-performance event, Kian saw it as an opportunity to test the limits of any car on the track. With limited budget and time, he prepared the ute by giving it a basic service, upgrading the brakes, and ensuring its overall reliability. The challenge was set to prove that one doesn’t need a heavily modified car to participate in a track day successfully.
On the race day, Kian found himself among 70 competitors with a diverse range of vehicles, including high-performance supercars and modified street machines. The event comprised various challenges like autocross, speed stop, hot lap, and drag racing, putting both driver skill and vehicle performance to the test.
During the autocross laps, Kian experienced some understeer but managed to achieve a respectable time. The hot lap, with its high-speed straights and challenging braking zones, proved to be a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating segment of the competition.
As the day progressed, Kian engaged in friendly banter with fellow competitors, including friends who had entered their own street cars. Despite some mechanical hiccups among the group, the camaraderie and shared passion for motorsport made the event enjoyable and memorable.
In the drag racing segment, Kian, with his manual SS ute, opted for a cautious approach due to the car’s limitations. Despite not achieving record-breaking times, the thrill of racing against friends and completing all driving events successfully left him satisfied with the overall experience.
Ultimately, Kian’s participation in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge highlighted that track days are accessible to anyone with the passion and determination to participate, regardless of the vehicle they own. The event not only provided a platform for friendly competition but also showcased the diverse range of cars and enthusiasts in the automotive community.
Looking ahead, Kian encourages others to consider joining the Optima USCC in the future, emphasizing the rewarding and enjoyable nature of the event for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
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