SUPER SLICK

As expected, jaws hit the floor when Roger and Tania Binnema unloaded their new bullet from the trailer at the Masterton Motorplex Test and Tune on 10 October. The 2018 Camaro — built by Larry Jeffers Race Cars — is undoubtedly one of the finest race cars ever to hit New Zealand soil, and as such there was much scrutiny from onlookers. The crew weren’t phased by the attention, being well prepared and knowing they weren’t there to set the world alight but rather to get a baseline of the vehicle’s performance and shake down any issues.

The small block–powered car didn’t fail to impress, running four passes over the weekend, with the slowest 60-foot time still being an impressive

1.11 seconds. Happy with the half-track performance, they made one full pass that saw the car roll through the beams with a lazy 8.19 at 170.52mph.

The car returned to the track for the Outlaw 71 meet on 7–8 November. Although rain saw the second day cancelled, the team still made four passes, three of which were in the low eightsecond zone, the best an 8.05 at 178mph.

The plan for this season is to campaign the car in Top Street, although the crew will be kept busy, with Roger also planning on competing behind the wheel of his street-legal Pontiac Firebird, as well as making a few passes in his legendary Honda Accord.

While the 400ci engine in the Camaro has been assembled by Dave at Cylinder Head Specialists (CHS), the rolling vehicle itself was built in the US to the latest Pro Mod standards. If you get the chance to have a look at the car, we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the attention to detail and the workmanship.

Roger is well aware that he wouldn’t be out there having the fun he does without the love and support of Tania, along with help from Larry Jeffers, Dave at CHS in Christchurch, Evan at Engine Reconditioning Services in Christchurch, and crew members Mike Wilson and Peter Watson.