The BFGoodrich Asian Motorsports Festival Track day was certainly one of the more colorful track days organized this year. On "SuperCar Sunday" makes like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Masseratti, Lotus, and Pagani came from near and far to participate. Like any other track day there were the briefings and track time but else where around the pits, events were organized as well. From autokhanas to autocross, remote control cars to modeling contests, the day long event invited spectators by the thousands to participate in the festival.

Many interesting and exotic cars made their way, filling the pits with millions of dollars in value; Ferrari's CS, Modenas, Stradales, Maranellos etc. Porsche's Carrera GT, RS, GT2s, GT3s, Turbos etc. Lamborhini's Murcielago, Gallardo and Diablo to name a few. This time around, JT Cars participated with the Lotuses, Caterhams and Porsches.

As always, the best way to test how capable a car was is to track it. The organizers had prepared a "Time trial" event which would allow owners and their cars on the track, racing against the clock. Much fun indeed as transponders were fitted and cars were release on track in systematic order. Similar to formula qualifying sessions, the cars get 1 out lap, 2 flying (timed) laps, then an in lap. Undeniably with the many spectators on looking from the sidelines, even novice drivers feel like famed motor-sport veterans. Most cars were fixed in the "SuperCar 400" class as only a few participating produced more than 400BHP.

2 of the Caterhams participated in the "Time trial" event. A 200bhp Super-light R400 and a 175bhp Vauxhall road version. On last minute notice, prior to "SuperCar Sunday", the cars were taken off the showrooms, cleaned and driven to the track. As the road version was for sale, the engine was detuned to prevent abuse as it was to head back to the showrooms soon after.

A practice session was held before the timed event to allow drivers to get accustomed to their car and the track. Not much could be done by the lighter cars as rain reminded everyone of the monsoon season. Cars like the Caterham carry a unique weight bias where to tackle the wet, you need lightning quick responses as well as a roof. The heavy weight Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches though, ploughed through the wet surface as if bred to do so. Fortunately before the session was over the track was drying and the Caterhams had a few laps under their belts.

Come noon, the track was completely dry and the Pagani Zonda gave demonstration laps before the "time trials" went underway. Then one by one, the cars roared down the straights; some bellowing flames on shifts while a few, audibly less than a horse whisper. Tyres were screeching and soon the track was getting faster as new rubber is laid. Across the line, the Caterham 175 sounded convincingly up to speed despite the detune and the 5-year-old B***** 16" tyres remarkably slowed the car from 190kph at the 100 mark board.

At the end of the session, the Caterham 175 placed a respectable 7th overall and 6th in class from a field of heavy weight exotics and anorexic flyweights. Into the pits the engine breathes a little hot but after a minute's rest the temperature defaults, ironically the brakes are still not up to temp from the run. Behind the wheel of an experienced racer the car would have most certainly clocked a better time but nevertheless, it proved reliable and competent even with an average Joe at the helm.

After the main event, many from the pits have left the circuit. The cars now find their way to the petrol kiosk, refueling before heading off. As the skies drew darker once again, the Caterhams are returned for display. The Caterham 175 can be viewed at our showrooms by appointment.

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