http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM11.jpg
Sometimes you have good days. And then there are
great days. Having taken in the impressive JR Motosport/Sumo Power factory in Rye, Rod and I had one more treat in store courtesy of Sumo Power boss Andy Barnes. We drove out to JRM's separate storage facility in my car; starting up my Alfa GTV, Andy asked if it was a diesel... rather embarrassed I had to say: "uh, no it's a 3L V6..." Okay. I think I need to get a service. Or a new car. When we arrived, I started unpacking my gear whilst Rod stepped into the dark warehouse. All I heard was him exclaim: '
Woah...".
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM06.jpg
The first thing that hits you is the row of Mitsubishi Evo Xs. I mean, a
long row. A lot of cars.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM22.jpg
There's also something else lurking in this warehouse, which I investigated later on…
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM08.jpg
This set of Evos is from a proposed one-make series, originally a partnership between ADR Motorsport and Mitsubishi UK for the car manufacturer's return to circuit racing in the UK.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM04.jpg
Announced in late 2008 and with cars on show at the following January's Autosport Show. ADR ran the work Mitsubishis in the British Rally Championship at the time, and kicked off the programme with a single Evo X entered in the Britcar championship driven by BTCC pilot James Kaye. With 4-wheel drive and 400hp on tap from a 2-litre turbocharged unit this car is still being run: it was out at the recent Dubai 24 Hours race...
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM05.jpg
James Rumsey's JR Motorsport took over ADR around the same time, and continued the development of both the car and associated series. The Evo X Series planned to deliver an arrive-and-drive package for two-driver pairings starting in the Summer of 2009: the cars would have roll cages, fully adjustable EXE-TC race suspension and up-rated brakes, wheels, clutch and exhaust.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM09.jpg
All looked good to go... and then recession hit. With such a large number of series competing for a shrinking market, it was obviously just not the time to press the button. So the cars went back in the shrink wrap and were secreted away to this warehouse.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM01.jpg
They're a beautiful sight, but like something you're not supposed to see, just waiting for the right moment to be revealed again.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM07.jpg
There's a lot to soak in. Okay, it's just a line of cars, but it's a very purposeful line. This is a slumbering army.
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM10.jpg
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagam...SUMO2-JM11.jpg