Aquila CR1

The Aquila CR1 is a Danish built sports prototype racing car developed for domestic championships of short (20 min) duration races. Our customer purchased the vehicle with an unproven Chevrolet LS7 Engine installation. Its first outing resulted in retirement after just 3 laps due to a severe fire caused by the unproven engine installation. Tolman Motorsport was then tasked with transforming the ashes into a winning 24hr endurance race car.

Work Completed

Starting from the base tub, the entire car was re-engineered with the project brief of winning the Britcar 24hr in just 3 months!

• Tolman Motorsport changed the entire braking system, working closely with partners Performance Friction to produce a set up suitable for our requirements
• The entire car was re-plumbed to enable flexible servicing during the race and both enhance safety and performance
• The engine installation was modified for air intake, exhaust and silencer, fuel delivery and dry sump operation
• The drive line installation required driveshaft a redesign to cope with the increase in power along with a change of clutch and release bearing operation suitable for endurance applications
• A major redesign of the fuel tank and pump arrangement enabled the team to accurately calculate the fuel strategy and usage during the race
• The Cockpit also benefited from our experience in Driver ergonomics, providing a clear and simple to operate driver to car interface
• Wind tunnel tests were carried out to asses to Aerodynamic performance. The results and subsequent changes provided an astounding change in on track performance
• Spring and Damper assemblies were also changed as a result of the limited but vital testing carried out prior to the race. Our simulated performance proving very accurate once on track

Result / Outcome

• Pole Position
• Fastest Lap

The Aquila lead from the start and was 5 laps ahead of the field after 4 hours. Just after the 6th hour, whilst still holding a considerable lead, a backmarker collided with the Aquila under braking in atrocious conditions causing the failure of the rear suspension cross member. After 1 hour 10mins of service and repair the team got the car back on track only to slide into the gravel during some of the worst weather Silverstone has ever experienced. The race was then considered too dangerous to continue and stopped for a time, then resumed under the safety car during the morning.

Ultimately the Owner decided to retire the car rather than risk more damage by continuing.