Japanese car tuning franchise Over_Clokt Automotive is taking a big leap into late model stock car road course racing with the announcement of their entry into NACRS tonight.
Over_Clokt Automotive, previously known for their astounding championship-winning efforts over the past four years of international GT1 and GT2 competitions, are expanding their efforts to North American soil with the brand new Dodge Stealth GTO car. This entry marks the first NACRS team with official industry backing from a car manufacturer.
"We're excited to work with Dodge on debuting their new Dodge Stealth," said O_CA Head of Marketing Tanaka Kamura during the evening press release at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "The Dodge Stealth marks the continuation of a strong partnership between Japanese and American car manufacturing companies, with Mitsubishi and Dodge working together to create this intimidating sports car."
NACRS Founder Maxine Slant was excited about the entry.
"Over_Clokt Automotive is well-known in European and Asian GT championships," she said at the press release. "Their team is extremely capable when it comes to turning dealership vehicles into dominating racing cars. Their partnership with Dodge is a new frontier for NACRS, as car manufacturers are now realizing the true potential of this series and its competitors. This marks the first time a team with proper manufacturer support has entered NACRS competition."
After the press release, tension seemed to fill the air. Most drivers and team managers chose not to offer a reaction to the news when prompted by our on-the-ground reporters, except for one driver in particular - Rainbow Dash.
"I've seen these people drive," she said with a twinge of nervousness. "I've seen them with my own eyes. They're fearless. They stop at nothing to win races. And there's a very good reason they moved their focus to North America."
Over_Clokt Automotive's recent GT2 championship victory in the Asian championship was called into question when teams accused O_CA's entry of using active aerodynamic features on their rear wing, which allegedly gave them a faster top speed without the compromise on cornering speed. The teams' evidence was video footage of the O_CA car's rear wing foil, which seemed to bend at high speed. According to FIA executive Jason Morgan, while there were rules that prohibited the use of active aerodynamic equipment, "there [were] no specific rulings about flexible bodywork or parts used in a similar manner." The ruling against flexible aerodynamic equipment was added in the post-season, and O_CA announced the discontinuation of its Asian GT2 participation shortly after.
Some consider the discontinuation to be an admission of guilt, while others believe O_CA's efforts were a symptom of FIA incompetence and extremely competitive atmospheres. Whatever the case may be, O_CA has found a new home in the North American Cohost Racing Series. Will they take Dodge's new Diamond-Star Motors car to the top of the championship, or will the controversy follow them across the Pacific Ocean?