NEW CHASSIS FOR DREW
NAC team driver Drew Donovan will step away from his long-time S15 chassis this coming season and into a Toyota Supra chassis that twins the car driven by his partner in crime, Jodie Verhulst.
The theory behind the switch is that it will allow the team to carry a complete catalogue of spares for the chassis, replacing the previous complex organization needed to stock spares for two different cars. The only difference between the two cars is that Drew’s Supra will be LS powered, utilizing a newly built engine and a tickle of nitrous to help it when needed.
Both cars will run four-speed dogboxes and the same rear ends and suspension. “I’ve driven [Jodie’s] car many times and always get out thinking it’s a much better chassis than mine. They are so underrated here in New Zealand. It should also allow us to better develop the Supra, being able to bounce ideas on set-up etc. off each other,” said Drew.
The Supra that Drew will pedal is actually Jodie’s Australian car, which they will ship back to New Zealand following the World Time Attack Challenge. Drew will fly to Australia ahead of WTAC to put in a dogbox and add the 200 shot of nitrous to ensure that the car is competitive enough, as it currently runs a very basic LS.
Following the event, the car will be shipped to New Zealand, and prepped for the coming season. To ensure the two cars can be distinguished, Drew’s car will retain the Supra front end and have a reversed Milwaukee livery to Jodie’s car. The first outing on New Zealand soil for the Supra duo will be Wellington, in January.