How does a 253kW and 700Nm Isuzu D-MAX SuperUte perform around the twists and turns of Brisbane’s Norwell Motorplex track?
A great question, and one that was answered confidently by a contingent of business partners, Australian media and a lucky pair of competition winners, who joined Isuzu UTE Australia for a SuperUte Track Day Experience on Tuesday 3rd September. This action-packed day gave attendees a chance to ride shotgun in the Caltex Delo® Racing D-MAX, driven by none other than Ross Stone Racing’s New Zealand young-gun, Tom Alexander.
In the morning of this warm day in sunny Queensland, the 3-litre turbo diesel engine of the striking blue SuperUte was shifted into gear, and so too was the keen desire to experience the sheer speed that has granted Tom great success in the 2019 ECB SuperUtes Series, as he wrestled the 1.9-tonne D-MAX around the track.
There is no denying, that climbing into the passenger seat as Tom raced around the track locked in the attendees’ opinion that he is a master of his craft and continues to wow spectators (and passengers) with his constantly impressive talent that has positioned him as a top contender for the series.
Meanwhile as some passengers were treated to hot laps with Tom, another group kicked off the day paying homage to I-Venture Club: an opportunity for Isuzu owners to travel to some of the country’s most iconic locations, all the while tackling enthralling terrains under the guidance of a 4WD Instructor. Norwell was certainly not much different. With the I-Venture Club branded D-MAX 4x4 leading the charge, participants were given the chance to drive an Isuzu 4x4 around the Motorplex’s purpose-built 4WD Track, where they tested the usual 4WD challenges, including traversing over rocky sections, wading through a water crossing and scaling slippery slopes with the aid of the Terrain Command System.
After each group had the chance to ride beside Tom and tackle the 4WD track, the next half of the session involved a variety of activities lead by precision driving team, Team D-MAX. Participants not only got to passenger a D-MAX as it popped over onto two wheels (where they remained for a teeth-gritting 50m) but they also got to experience the gravity-defying Iron Summit—World’s Steepest 4WD ramp, before taking part in a Motorkhana Time Trial Challenge, where the ‘Team Isuzu D-MAX Motorkhana Challenge 2019’ trophy was up for grabs.
With 3 laps around the donut-shaped, water-laid track to prove their skill, the Team D-MAX Motorkhana challenge proved harder than it looked. At the end of the session, one winner triumphed, dividing first and second place by a strong 2 seconds. After the trophy found its rightful champion and bragging rights were cast as an additional bonus for the driver’s determined skill, the SuperUte Track Day Experience ventured around the final bend and through to the chequered flags.
While this one lucky participant managed to walk away with the ultimate prize, there is no denying that this day at Norwell Motorplex was a leading experience for all involved. It was an excitement filled day that allowed Isuzu UTE to showcase the versatility of the D-MAX and MU-X. Despite what the 2019 ECB SuperUtes Series may bring for Tom and his trusted team at Ross Stone Racing and Caltex Australia, there is no denying that Isuzu UTE’s 3.0L turbo-diesel workhorses maintain their credibility as some of the most durable and trusted vehicles within the Australian Market.