Sierra Sierra Enterprises had the paddock buzzing after a stellar performance that not only enabled driver David Empringham to take the Overall and Super Modified AWD titles, but during the course of the event also set a new Buttonwillow track record in the process - a track record that was set over three years ago and many thought almost impossible to beat. The 1:43.436 laid down by Empringham busted the official track record by nearly 0.10 seconds. Sierra Sierra Enterprises uses the Hankook Ventus Z214 DOT R-compound tire for its lightning fast Mitsubishi Evo 8.
“It has been a personal goal of Dennis Kottke, owner of Sierra Sierra, to build a car and team to beat the track record and it took countless hours for our team to get to this level,” said winning driver David Empringham. “We wanted to break the record on DOT tires in order for the new record to be respected, and after looking at all the options it became obvious that the Hankooks were the only tire capable of providing the grip and speed in order to achieve our goal. What a great way to kickoff the 2010 Redline Time Attack season.”
“It is a remarkable achievement,” said Jason Kim, motorsports marketing manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. “Sierra Sierra Enterprises worked tremendously hard to get this victory and the coveted track record. Hopefully the stage is set for a record-setting year from the team and Hankook Tire. All our teams deserve congratulations for their results this weekend.”
Hankook Tire was represented all over the podium, with six class victories and eight overall podium finishes. Andrie Hartanto, using the Hankook Ventus Z214 tire, captured the win in the Super Modified RWD category. In the Drift class, Conrad Grunewald piloted his Hankook Chevrolet Camaro to first with Ken Xu placing second, both drivers using the Hankook Ventus R-S3 tire. Paul Dentice (Enthusiast RWD), Clint Boisdeau (Street FWD), Mike Bonnani (Street RWD) all took class wins, with Carl Rydquist (Modified RWD) taking second and Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker in the mix as well, all using the Hankook Ventus R-S3 tire. There were a total of ninety-three competitors at the first official Redline Time Attack event for 2010.
Next up for the Sierra Sierra Enterprises Mitsubishi Evo 8 is none other than the World Superlap Battle taking place May 22 in Australia.
