Receiving the trophy and certificates for the 18 records Rüsselsheim - Arab Today Opel/Vauxhall flew into the record books today, after motorsport’s governing bodies confirmed that a recent attempt by two standard Astras to set and break 18 World and UK Speed Endurance Records had been successful. The lead Astra 2.0 CDTI 165 hp in the attempt covered a total of 3002.44 miles at an average 125.101 mph, only stopping for fuel and a single, cautionary change of its Michelin tires.
In partnership with sister company Vauxhall, Opel attempted two sets of speed endurance records at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, UK: 12 in the FIA’s* 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, and a further six in the MSA’s* 1500-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class. All 18 records (see table below) were achieved, with key records such as the World 1-, 6-, and 12-hour broken conclusively, and the long-standing UK 24-hour smashed by 25 mph.
Opel/Vauxhall invited a team of twelve drivers to complete the challenge, comprising nine motoring journalists and three Opel/Vauxhall staff. Each drove a total of four hours, split between the two cars.
Despite circulating the two-mile banked circuit 1,500 times, both Astras proved hugely reliable and consistently quick, with the fastest two-mile lap achieved in 55.453 seconds at an average speed of 131.852 mph, just 2.148 mph below the car’s official top speed – no mean feat, given the steep banking on Millbrook High Speed Bowl’s fifth lane.
“We’re over the moon with today’s news,” said Volker Strycek, Opel Director Performance Cars & Motorsport and team captain of the world record drivers. “This was an important test for the Astra, and it proved that a car with the qualities that most motorists are after – exceptional reliability, a good performance/economy blend and long-distance comfort – can be found at their nearest Opel showroom.”
“But the attempt was also a success thanks to the stamina and skill of our driving team, who performed faultlessly through the attempt. The team’s ruthless adherence to FIA rules, Michelin’s great support and Millbrook’s efficiency and experience with speed attempts completed the picture and turned an audacious attempt into an unqualified success. Last but not least thanks to the whole Opel/Vauxhall team and especially our fantastic pit crew,”said Strycek.
A trophy presentation was made to Opel/Vauxhall by the MSA’s Chairman, Alan Gow, on the opening day of the Autosport International Racing Car Show yesterday at the NEC
Source: Opel