Welcome to Buttonwillow Raceway for Global Time Attack Super Lap Battle. I had just two vacation days remaining at FedEx for 2016. Taking a little over a year off from the car scene, had me yearning for something car related. I’ve always wanted to check out the time attack scene in SoCal – particularly Buttonwillow. Fellow Canadians were participating, Instagram pals where encouraging me to spectate and most importantly, my wife supported the idea of this trip. So, I went ahead and booked a flight to LAX and reserved a rental car.

Not a flattering pic, but I want to show Nick some love for his sleeved 2.oL GS-R powered DC2. Uses a ported B16 head with Type R cams, oversized valves and H-beam rods. Even with blown rear shocks, he still managed a 1:59.4 for 2nd place, LFWD.

Killer sound and killer looks from this Nissan Skyline GT-R

Creepin’ and…thinking about how to approach the man.

Without a single doubt, the highlight of my visit to GTAxSLB. Spoon Sports President, Tatsuru Ichishima.

Mean muggin with Big Mike. Very chill and polite dude – we had a chat about his ridiculous SEMA Prelude build. He will be on the track soon, he says.

Canadians were representing hard in FWD.

You don’t see too many time-attack built NSX’s in North America. Follow @wedontlift_ravi on IG for more details if you fancy this chassis.

Nansi was in attendance with the previlage of having a media pass and brought out her RHD K-Swapped EK Hatch on the second day of the event.

Advans and Aero.

Nicely fabricated center-exit exhaust on Evasive’s GT-R.

Evasive is in the house.

Side-shot Sunday….on a Thursday 🙃

The Six.

Spoon Sports tee signed by Tatsuru Ichishima for a close friend.

Ravi’s NSX.

Donut installed a lexan driver window with slider to shave some weight which was installed weeks before the event.

I would really like an SPMS wing for my car to go with my recently acquired PCI skirts.

Although being super focused to set a fast lap, DAI still took time to pose for a photo.

What do you run on track days?

James’ EF. I spent most my time hanging with this gentleman, shooting the shit and what not. He claimed 1st in Enthusiast FWD Class. Congrats! Thanks for the round of beers at Willow Ranch!

Not your average 9th Gen Civic from Godspeed Project. Driver Ken Suen is the Street Class Champion for 2016 and set a PB this event with a 1:54.9.

Thanks to the PZ Tuning Team for allowing me to roam the garage to admire this beast. It’s a heavy hitter with 771whp, Quaife Sequential Transmission and OS Giken LSD. The underbody tunnel is something to appreciate in person. This car was put on an extreme carbon diet  – these doors are just 8lbs! Another record was set by Will in the ULFWD Class with a smashing 1:43.3

Chris Boersma in the Paddocks about to engage in attack mode. Boersma Racing built a new splitter in preparation for the event. Later in this day, he set a record lap in Limited FWD with a 1:48.9. Congrats Chris.

Good morning from Global Time Attack, Buttonwillow! Being miles from home and travelling by myself, I felt I should start the day saying hello to familiar faces. James Houghton’s K-Tuned Sponsored / Jackson Racing Supercharged Integra Type-R placed 2nd, only thousandths of a second behind PZ Tuning’s Civic making for a very close battle. Congrats on your podium finish.

Blacktrax’s boosted S2000’s were a pleasure to listen to during down-shifts after the esses.

I could have sworn Tim’s Hatch was K-Swapped the way it sounded going through gears. I later found out that his B18C ITR has a short ratio 3-5th which made for a 2:00.1 lap time. Built trans is where it’s at!

A closer look at the Spoon Sports USA center-drive conversion.

Probably the loudest car on the track. K20 Fit.

Day 2 quickly came to an end. I left just before the award ceremonies to battle Friday commuter traffic from Buttonwillow to LAX. It was a short trip indeed and I felt like I never slept – worth it though. I met some Honda Legends, made new friends, and had taken so much inspiration back home with me. I’ll be sure to head back, again.