Taken from the Apollo Performance Sponsor report:
During the week leading to the Redline Time Attack Round 4 at Autclub Speedway in Fontana, CA, the Apollo Performance Time Attack Team feverishly worked on getting both cars ready to perform at their peak levels. The 2004 Red Subaru WRX was with the highly regarded tuning shop, Goodspeed in Scottsdale, AZ receiving a dyno tuning session from legendary tuner, Clark Turner. Meanwhile, the 2002 White WRX Wagon was at Yimisport Tuning in Santa Clarita, CA being tuned as well on their dyno to achieve maximum power. Both cars made it to their respective tuners on schedule.
However, fate is without some sense of humor as the planets did not align as expected. With some fuel delivery issues, the Red WRX was only capable of making 400 wheel horse power at 13psi of boost and had a rev limit of 5,000k for safety. The team made an executive decision to take the car to Redline Time Attack to display and run a session to feel the car’s overall performance. Gino Reyna, owner of Apollo Performance and Driver of the Red WRX commented “It’s a tad disappointing that we didn’t get the power we wanted out of the ‘Red Beast’ however we were happy that we were able to take the car out on the track to stretch its legs out. The Garrett Turbo spooled nicely even though it had some limitations, the Clutch Masters clutch helped me shift effortlessly, the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 were beautifully gripping and it showed, and the Buddy Club Racing Spec Exhaust roared to life at the track. Overall, our attempt to get the car out to the track was a stressful one but something we are not regretting.
At the same time, Yukio Taira the driver for the White WRX Wagon had a sudden and serious eye infection rendering him unable to drive the White WRX at the Redline Time Attack however did display his Apollo Performance WRX Wagon at the pits. “It’s funny and frustrating at the same time. We (Gino and I) both worked our behinds off this whole week in preparation to get the cars at their performing levels but other outside forces must have had a different plan for us.”
The weekend was capped off with an outpouring of support from friends and customers of Apollo Performance showing up to the venue in support. Lead by several customers, a large caravan of Subarus left Apollo Performance early in the morning and headed to the venue for a special gathering and treated all the supporters and visitors with NX Energy Drink. Yukio Taira commented on the outpouring of support “Even though our team was a man and car down, they still came out to see the Debut of the Red WRX and Gino’s maiden voyage on the track with it. Although it was a very subtle debut, I can promise that the next round at Willowsprings International Raceway will be a night and day difference!”
Gino Reyna was able to put down a session of hotlaps during the “Record Assault” with a 2:40.342 Lap time. “The car was begging me to open her up but with the fuel issue we’d rather not destroy this very expensive motor (laughing)! Since then we have been able to resolve this fuel delivery and we are looking forward to the rest of the season as a successful learning experience!” Yukio Taira also commented, “This event taught us both a good lesson on not giving up and always trying your best to represent those who believe in you like our generous sponsors, faithful fans, and customers that have put a lot in us to be successful.”
The Apollo Performance Time Attack team would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support: Bridgestone Tires, Turbo By Garrett, Buddy Club, Motul, Jason Noren Fabrications, ARK Performance, Clutch Masters, Turbo Smart, Sparco, Cosworth, Us Versus Them Clothing, Outfront Motorsports, Goodspeed, APR Performance, M2 Motoring, NX Energy Drink, Instyle Graphics, YimiSport Tuning, Samco Sport, Spec Clutch, DriftMotion.com, FSR Motorsport Creations, Apex’i USA, K&W Autobody, and Rotora
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