HEAT TREATMENTS ARE GO

After a decade in the build, the highly anticipated Heat Treatments Nissan 350Z finally hit the track for round three of the Meremere Dragway Comp Meet series. The team’s R32 Skyline held the world record as the fastest four-wheel-drive, but liked to squirm and fight down the track, and the new chassis looks like a dream to drive.

It’s a Jerry Bickel–built Pro Mod item wrapped in a composite body and featuring plenty of carbon fibre inside.

As the Keith McGregor-built VQ35-based twinturbo motor was tuned by legendary tuner ‘Shane T’ [Shane Tecklenburg], there was never any doubt that the car meant business. What people didn’t expect, though, was that it would run a 7.42-second time on its very first pass. The trap speed of 155.15mph (249.68kph) indicated that Reece was already off the gas well before the finish line.

He mentioned that the car is very different to drive compared to the Skyline, so it will take a bit of getting used to. Luckily for local fans, it will stay on New Zealand soil for the time being, while the Skyline — which is undergoing a rebuild — will be sent back to Australia to compete there as soon as the work is completed. Look out for a full feature — and more impressive times from the 350Z — over the coming months.