The Shop86 Joins the Stage at Global Time Attack Finals in Buttonwillow

by Sean Alberto
The Formula S's newly designed GR86 ready to race.
I love the smell of E85 in the morning.
The shop's highly anticipated event of the year has finally come and we were more than ecstatic to see how the car would do. The crew got up nice and early to finalize any last minute preparations before embarking on a full day's worth of racing.
A red Toyota GR86 track car with carbon fiber hood and CE28 wheels.
The Formula S crew applying racing tape.

Son and Chris wanted to ensure that the aerodynamics of the car was perfect. Son, Chris, and Elvin began applying clear racing tape around the front of the car to prevent any air pockets.

 
A candid photo of the Formula S owners at Buttonwillow Raceway.
Chris and Alan discussing the game plan for the weekend.

With the change over from Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS's to Advan Yokohama A052's, Alan and Chris began discussing what the plan was for this weekend. The shop had previously used A052's on Alan's CR during Honda Time Attack Challenge 2021 and we are confident with the performance of this tire. We aimed for a 1:55 with our new aero, a modest goal considering we reached 1:56.7 without aero during our last visit.

 
A 1994 Toyota Pickup loaded with Volk Rays CE28's.
Alan's Ol' Reliable Toyota Pickup.

However, being on a new chassis, the shop is still deciphering a proper formula for a track oriented GR86 in street class. We started the day 1 with 255/35/18 and was able to achieve a 1:54.7 on the setup; despite traffic and dirt accumulating on the tarmac. Son, Chris, and Alan agreed that it would be best to mount our larger set of tires for the next day. We will begin Day 2 of Global Time Attack with a set of Yokohama Advan A052's in 265/35/18 with high hopes that tomorrow's runs would be better.

 
A red Toyota GR86 premium at Buttonwillow Raceway.
Son zooming through the track
 
 

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