MAX ATTACK
TOTALLING 12 TURNS AND 4.45KM, PI REQUIRES COMMITMENT AND DEMANDS RESPECT IN EQUAL MEASURE
THE SKY ABOVE looks as though it has had a restless night. Flat nimbostratus offers a moody backdrop to the iconic Melbourne sign affixed to the bridge above Gardner straight. After three long days on the road, the anticipation amps up a few degrees at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Totalling 12 turns and 4.45km, PI requires commitment and demands respect in equal measure. Get caught up in the picturesque surrounds and you’ll quickly become a fixture of it.
“If you look at a flat track map, Phillip Island can appear easy. But what it doesn’t account for is the rise and fall,” says Luffy, departing his steeped knowledge to the seniors and newbies alike. Regaling a tale about a Lambo, a bird and high speeds, our gun driver goes on to warn that the birdlife is a genuine OH&S issue. Using the Octavia RS, the judges complete sighting laps with included tips and tricks from Luffy as the skies continue to threaten. Only intermittent sprinkles fall throughout the day, never truly dampening the track or our progress.
In an automotive sense, progress is relentless. Power figures are rising significantly, tyre tech is advancing and engineers are finding ways to imbue a car’s chassis with incredible dynamic talent. HQ is a hive of inquisition and Andy went in search of a quantifiable measure to showcase the performance development of both the SCOTY and PCOTY field. The last time PCOTY took over Phillip Island was in
