Targa Tasmania to see new entry in 2005

The Queensland manufactured Skelta G-Force Sports Car that will be launched later this year, is being set for a start in the Targa Tasmania Rally of 2005, but designer and Managing Director of the Skelta Sports Car Company, Ray Vandersee will wave the State flag during the April 27-May 2 event this year.

Vandersee has been working around the clock at his Toowoomba workshop to ensure a successful introduction of the Skelta G-Force, that will weigh in at less than 600 kilograms and be an affordable, performance based vehicle boasting exotic supercar components.

With an emphasis on getting the product right for retail consumption, it's meant a more realistic time-line has been set for the cars introduction on to the Australian sports car market.

"We had initially set the car for a start at Targa this year but rather than fast track the initial production we've held back and this will ensure that by next year's event we will have completed all testing and have the Skelta running at 100 percent," said Vandersee.

"Only a couple of weeks ago we rolled out the chassis for public viewing and we've now stripped it down and will continue specific component testing over coming weeks.

"I think it's reasonable to suggest within a month to six weeks we will have a driveable chassis and from there suspension testing and the opportunity to fine tune will be a welcome activity as part of the production mix."

While work continues on the Skelta G-Force, behind the scenes there are also modifications taking place on Vandersee's Westfield Clubman kit car to have it fully prepared for the Targa Tasmania feature.

Regular navigator John Allen will once again accompany Vandersee on the southern sojourn and both men will be reasonably confident of a positive showing after their last Tasmanian hit-out during 2002.

"It was pleasing to capture outright honours during one of the stages in 2002, especially up against the likes of Jim Richards and Peter Brock."

"As a driver it's imperative to get behind the wheel as much as possible and while the initial intention was to showcase Skelta this year, we'll still remain competitive in the Westfield Clubman."

"Even if it's not on the track there'll still be a strong Skelta presence during this year's event as we'll set up a static display and be handing out flyers."

Vandersee intends to drive competitively in the Clubman right up to the launch date of the Skelta G-Force that has been set for August 21 during the historic Leyburn Sprints.

The Toowoomba businessman is excited to see his major project starting to take shape after progressively developing the Skelta Sports Car since the company's inception as a division of agricultural machinery and truck dealership, Vanderfield Pty Ltd last year.

"Time is just flying by at the moment and once we have the driveable chassis to conduct further testing the focus will then turn to the body shape.

"This will incorporate a revolutionary underbody that will create negative pressure, effectively pushing the car down onto the road surface.

"A full size foam cut-out will allow us to fine tune vehicle shape to ensure it complements the performance of the car as a whole.

"Once we're satisfied so far as the finer points are concerned we'll then develop a mould and have the completed package ready to go through the final testing phase."

Vandersee recorded third fastest time of the day and outright first for registered vehicles driving the Westfield Clubman during the Gatton Street Sprints on March 6.

The Skelta Sports Car workshop is based at Vanderfield Pty Ltd on Carrington Road, Toowoomba.

Specifications:

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

Body: Carbon fibre/Kevlar
Weight: 595kg dry. 50/50 distribution.
Engine: 2-litre high performance
Output: 180kw (245hp @ 8500RPM)
Power/Weight: 3.31 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

-www.skelta.com.au