Long Beach Grand Prix - Putting Time Attack Into Perspective

With Yokohama racing slicks, a fully aerodynamic downforce-inducing body, a purpose-built Lola B07/46 chassis and 500bhp, the B-K LMP2 car is the perfect example of a world-class racing machine. It's not derived from any production car chassis, but made to do one thing: go as fast as possible within the ALMS rules To that end, the B-K team and Mazdaspeed decided (in 2007) to switch the LMP2 car from a rotary engine to a turbocharged 2.0-liter MZR, the base of which is the same engine in the current MX-5. Developed with England's Advanced Engine Research (AER), the turbocharged MZR produces about 500bhp and 400lb-ft of torque while inhaling through the LMP2 class restrictor. Designed to run at full song through the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, the LMP2's MZR engine could be the ultimate choice for power-hungry, cash-infused MX-5 owners. That would be a fun ride.

Representing the time attack side is the twin-turbocharged Nissan 350Z of M-Workz. A familiar name to SCC readers, Steve Mitchell's creation is the rock-solid benchmark we've measured cars against before (see SCC, May 2008) and one of the fastest 350Zs in the US. With BFG DOT-legal semi-slicks on board, the M-Workz Z uses Moton shocks, a Technosquare roll cage and a Jim Wolf Technology twin-turbo kit to produce a 560-wheel-hp time attack beast. What's even more impressive is the small, privateer nature of the car. Contrary to Mazdaspeed's Motorsports Development Ladder program, Nissan now offers scant support for the amateur racer, with US factory-backed racing programs non-existent. Mitchell has funded his time attack effort himself and also maintains and drives the car at many events.

As the data shows, the difference between the two cars is clear. With a minimum weight of about 1760 pounds and full slicks, the B-K Motorsports LMP2 car is able to brake much later and much harder than the 350Z. The prototype also carries a much higher consistent speed throughout the course, with higher lateral-g numbers and spikes in excess of 2g. The difference between the two adds up to about 21.6 seconds per lap, an astounding margin.

While it's obvious that the M-Workz 350Z has little hope of defeating the LMP2 car on track, the interesting thing to note is how close the Z came. Built and modified from a stock chassis, the car is undeniably balls-out quick. The LMP2 car's performance puts into perspective the pace at which these ALMS prototypes run. Imagine trying to drive this thing for hours at a time during a lengthy 10- or 12-hour endurance race; that takes big brass ones. If M-Workz could figure out a way to lose 1500 pounds and produce 3000 pounds of downforce, then we'd be talking rematch.