RCM Start Gobstopper II… The Sequel!
As rolling shop windows go, Roger Clark Motorsport’s original GC8 Subaru Impreza has been something of a success. The ‘Gobstopper’, as it is affectionately known, has not only taken the Leicestershire-based tuner to multiple Time Attack and Ten Of The Best titles, but it has also starred in a multi-platform advertising campaign for sponsors Autoglym, capturing the hearts and minds of petrol heads around the globe in the process. It’s even available as a paint scheme in the popular ‘Forza Motorsport’ game!
Like all true superstars however, Roger’s sons, Matt and Olly Clark have decided to retire the old girl whilst she’s still at the top of her game. Although they’re not ruling out a few ‘demo’ runs at this year’s events, the 2010 season will be the Gobstoppers last official outing, as its replacement is already under construction.
The latest car is to be based on the MY2010 Impreza STi and promises to exploit many of the numerous tricks learned from the evolution of the first car, combined with several new cutting-edge developments that the team have been secretly trialling throughout the winter.
Matt Clark, the technical force behind RCM’s unrivalled success, had mixed feelings about the young upstart. ‘It’s very hard to retire a car that has been so reliable and so successful,’ he noted. ‘But you can’t move forward by standing still. We’ve really reached a pinnacle with the GC8 chassis, and it’s time to see what we can make the latest car do. We’ve already had a 14 month development programme on a road-going version, so that’s highlighted many of the areas we need to address. I love a new challenge and this will really give us something to sink our teeth into.’
With Time Attack achieving true motorsport credibility with its MSA accreditation this year, press, audiences and competitors look set to rise sharply, making the new car the perfect showcase for the team’s talents. ‘That’s a bonus for sure,’ smiles Matt. ‘But the main reason we go racing is to develop new road car products – particularly on the engine side. If we can’t break a 890 bhp 2.0 litre engine, I think it’s safe to say that our customers won’t!’
Follow the progress of the new car at www.rogerclarkmotorsport.co.uk
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