A 2006 start at the International Targa Tasmania event has become a very real prospect for Queensland’s Skelta G-Force sports car, as the company’s Managing Director Ray Vandersee shapes up for further tarmac competition during this weekend’s Noosa Hillclimb.

Already many motoring enthusiasts have been exposed to the true potential and unique capabilities of the Skelta during its recent International debut at Dunlop Targa New Zealand.

Unfortunately a minor suspension component problem put paid to any chance of a podium finish after Vandersee had toiled hard and elevated himself to outright third position at the end of day three of the event.

“New Zealand proved to be the ultimate rough road test for the Skelta and we have since upgraded the specifications of that bought-in component. I’m sure we have resolved that problem” said Vandersee.

But there’s no doubt confidence in his machine has been buoyed by the overseas excursion and now the acid test of Targa Tasmania awaits.




“When I returned home from New Zealand I had an email from Targa Tasmania organisers detailing the requirement of VIN numbers of the first five Skeltas plus photos to ensure our entry into next year’s event,” said Vandersee.

“That’s very encouraging and I think we now have until March to complete that production run so that’s our focus from here on.”

Since arriving back home to Toowoomba Vandersee has had some time to reflect on the extent of his accomplishments across the Tasman.

The overall score card from the six day endurance event, that covered more than 770 kilometres of competitive stages, reads as a perfect example of a car that should fare well in the future.

The Skelta G-Force, for the first time in production trim and boasting all its lightweight body components was again competing as a fully road registered proposition.

Finishing 36 of 41 stages, Vandersee managed to secure two outright stage wins, was placed second eight times and third on five occasions.

In all bar three of the stages completed he recorded times in the top ten fastest.

Unfortunately due to shipping schedules, the business entrepreneur is yet to take delivery of the Skelta back from New Zealand and will campaign the pre-production prototype at Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

“It’s disappointing that the Skelta we raced in New Zealand isn’t available as it definitely had the potential to run a lot quicker this weekend. But the prototype is the same car we raced to victory at Leyburn this year in its road registered debut so we won’t be disgraced,” added Vandersee.

“The Noosa Hillclimb format is very demanding on both car and driver.

“It’s not the fastest track but the constant corners rewards extremely good handling.

“That was the one thing that really stood out in New Zealand during the Manfield race circuit stages where we had the advantage of carrying speed through the corners and under brakes.

“But we’re under no illusions at Noosa. There are open wheel cars specifically designed for hill climb competition so we’re setting ourselves for a class win and just see how we stack up against the others.”

Following Noosa, the production ready Skelta will be set for the Mt Buller Sprint in Victoria during the Australia Day long weekend in January.

However Vandersee may opt to tackle a sports car specific competition at Winton in early December, where he hopes to drum up further support for the Skelta among competitors in race track events.

SKELTA G-FORCE S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Chassis:
Chrome Molybdenum steel spaceframe reinforced with carbon fibre and Kevlar centre tunnel and side pods

Body: Carbon fibre/Kevlar
Weight: 650kg dry. 50/50 distribution.
Engine: 2-litre high performance
Output: 180kw (241hp @ 8500RPM)
Power/Weight: 3.61 Kg/Kw
Transmission: 6-speed

Suspension:
Double unequal length wishbones with inboard Proflex type shock/ spring units.

Brakes: Ventilated, cross-drilled 298mm discs with 4 piston callipers (f&r)
Performance (calc): 0 - 100km/h: 4.1 sec
0 - 400m: 12.1 secs
Top speed: 254kmh

Web Site: www.skelta.com.au; www.rst-v8.co.uk

Contacts:
Ray Vandersee
Managing Director – Skelta Sports Cars
Ph: +61 (0)7 4631 4801 Fax: +61 (0)7 4631 4875
skelta@vanderfield.com.au