Maybe it is because you cannot see where you are going, strapped into the rear seat of the TRS2 Toyota two seater, that makes you more focused on the extremities of braking, cornering and acceleration and the impact of these on your physical self. The exhilaration is almost too much.
It was a privilege to receive an invitation from the team at Toyota Racing to have a ride with 2008 Toyota Racing Series (TRS) champion Andy Knight at Ruapuna recently. The opportunity to get an insight into what the drivers in New Zealand ’s premier single-seater category experience: a unique and exclusive ride in TRS2, the two-seater race car that travels alongside the Toyota Racing Series.
What struck me most through all the exhilaration was the shear force on your body, particularly when cornering. So much so that at times it appeared that I had almost forgotten to breathe.
Unveiled for the first time in 2008 at the NZ Grand Prix at Manfeild, the TRS2 was designed and built in Auckland with the approval of Italian race-car manufacturer Tatuus, the builder of the race cars used in TRS.
TRS manager Barrie Thomlinson says the sensation a single-seater racing car provides is hard to describe to people on the sidelines.
“It’s not like yachting, where you can drop a sponsor or team owner onto the boat as the extra crewman. It’s not even like touring cars or rallying, where anyone can go for a ride alongside top drivers. Two-seaters have been used in Formula One and other categories overseas and we were keen to also give passengers a taste of the sensation of traveling at high speed while seated only 25mm off the ground.”
For the passenger it is not just a matter of hopping into the back seat and setting off. First there is the fitting of fire resistant overalls, gloves, boots and helmet. Next there is a tight squeeze to get into the rear seat and have the six-point safety harness adjusted. What made it difficult for me was my height. Being six foot tall it was a matter of slowly wedging myself into a truly confined area. Once in, there was no room to move.
Dubbed by Toyota management a “biposto” (a phrase more usually applied to motorcycles with a second seat, but aptly used to describe the concept behind adding extra accommodation to the Tatuus single-seater) the two-seater has been developed and built in the TRS base in Mount Wellington , Auckland .
The TRS2 was created from an existing race car chassis which was cut vertically in half through the original driver opening and the new section was then inserted to accommodate the driver and passenger along with an extra custom-built roll hoop to provide protection for both driver and passenger.
The main chassis modifications were carried under the supervision of TRS team member Alan Ladyman by Graeme Rivers and his team at Rivers Carbon Technologies in Onehunga. Rivers used one of NZ’s largest “autoclave” ovens to pressure-cure the finished product.
Substantial strengthening was designed into the new tub to ensure it remains safe and reliable under the additional stresses of carrying both driver and passenger.
Apart from the new lengthened tub and associated bodywork all the other components including engine, gearbox and suspension are identical to the race cars competing in the Toyota Racing Series.
Taking hot laps in any racecar gives you an immediate understanding and appreciation of the track. Braking is left to the last seconds, acceleration is full on and cornering is at the extreme limit.
The one sensation not available is having a field of Toyota’s racing around you, passing, out-braking fighting for position. This is left up to the more experienced, those in the front seat. They get the thrill of fighting for the championship. Another exhilaration.
