TOTAL COMMITMENT

Clarke Hopkins and his Torana should need no introduction — the car-and-driver combo have been seen in NZV8 countless times over the last decade due to competing in Enzed Central Muscle Cars. In fact, Clarke hasn’t missed a season of CMC ever since the car debuted. Despite the build quality and horsepower in the class having skyrocketed in that time, thanks to how well built the car was by Heads Racing Supplies originally, it’s remained at the pointy end of the field, with minimal updates being required. The only big change in the car’s history was the engine package that was slotted in a few seasons back to replace the 308-based set-up that was pushed to its limits. The new motor was based on an Australian-made Torque-Power Little Paw block, with a bore of 4.125-inches and stroke of 3.75-inches to displace 400ci. The heads are six-bolt CNC-ported Torque-Power TP 230cc items filled with 2.15-inch intake valves and 1.625-inch exhaust valves operated by a large-diameter Crower cam, while up top is a 950cfm Braswell carburettor on a Torque-Power Pro Paw manifold.

The package hasn’t quite offered the reliability Clarke had hoped for, which is something needed these days to win championships. It has, however, seen him up the front of the pack footing it with the Nascar-powered front runners, which is a massive achievement in itself. He’s set to do it all again this coming season and welcomes aboard new sponsor Total Access to join his already-long list of supporters.