World Challenge Turbo NSX Has Cool Motorsports Pedigree
This NSX started competing in World Challenge, then gained a turbo, and multiple SCCA championships later.
Acura’s NSX has been racing since its inception. And this particular one is unique in bing a high achiever without the full backing from Honda and Acura. Built initially for World Challenge racing, this NSX has had a long and storied pedigree of gathering trophies.
While Racing Edge doesn’t give us a lot of information about its history as a World Challenge racer, we know it was first entered into WC racing in 2009. While World Challenge rules typically put mostly stock – or at least stock configurations – on track, this NSX was already turbocharged by the time it took its first WC green flag.
A greater amount of success comes from SCCA’s T1 category. Championships piled on quickly, with trophies in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016. For good measure, time attack wins are also aplenty. In many senses, this is one of the most developed privateer NSX race cars in existence.
What’s under the hood? A Turbo J35, that’s what. It’s described as a “stroker” motor, but not clearly defined by how much. Power output can be dialed to your liking, however with 500-800 hp on tap. Though the engine is stout, there’ no trick sequential gearbox here. A 5 speed manual, bolstered by straight cut gears, puts the power down. A Giken rear differential decides which rear tire applies the most thrust.
Part of this car’s development obviously comes from control, and Comptech dampers – triple adjustible – are paired with sway bars from Dali Racing. Added aero front and rear provide additional grip and stability high high speed corners once the mechanical grip has reached its peak. Brembo supplies the big brake kit to reign in all that horsepower.
While we don’t often see a street NSX modified for racing – owners are wise to leave them stock, enjoyable, valuable – it’s nice to see one that is done the right way. Everything added to the car has the clear purpose of faster lap times. Collectability doesn’t matter here. Unless it is 1st place trophies you’re trying to collect.
Photos courtesy of Racing Edge
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