Track Suit
Recently, there's been a trend at shows that's ever-growing: the track look. Cars with roll cages, bucket seats and harnesses, over fenders accommodating wide wheels wrapped with wider tires, big brake kits with umpteen number of pistons, bumpers equipped with canards and diffusers, and engines built to the hilt. To the common passerby, they look like fully-prepped race cars-something out of a Super Lap Battle paddock. But odds are, the only track the car's ever seen is the one that leads to its trailer. How do you know? When's the last time you've seen a race car-let alone a street-driven one-with a front bumper without so much as a scratch? And no, Gran Turismo and Forza doesn't count
This is a peculiar phenomenon. In the past, show cars were distinctly show cars, what with their neon lights and paint, wild body kits, and multi-colored interior. Race cars on the other hand, whether it be drag, drift or track, were all about functionality-water-filled aquarium headlights and cotton in the wheel wells would doubtfully pass tech. But now, the lines have become blurred and pseudo-track cars are popping up on show floors across the nation. Track has become the new show, and I can't count the number of owners promising lap times in their "time-attack-prepped" project. Just like the CBRD EVO on the cover? Ninja, please. Don't get it twisted.
Chad Block, the mastermind behind CBRD Speedfactory, is a real-deal driver (read his story on page 60 for credentials). While most aspiring wheel men are trying to work their way up from time trials, he's going backwards. Chad's circuit-slumming it. He's raced in a varying number of fronts, and his personal street car turned race-dedicated EVO is his first full-on foray into time-attack. And considering the level of development and craftsmanship of this machine, we can't wait to see the results.
Speaking of craftsmanship, the CBRD EVO-with its ultra clean engine bay, Spartan, but well-executed interior and menacing stance-would easily garner a trophy or two at any car show. Whereas other race-minded owners throw aesthetics to the wind and construct their track machines into something resembling prop cars from Mad Max, care and attention were paid to the overall look of the CBRD EVO, and it shows (no pun intended). Here's a car that looks as good as it will be fast.
As for the track look at the car show-as long as it keeps the combat kits from making a comeback, I'm all for it.