GT Radial Prestone Racing team that represent by Julian Johan and Muttaqin Arya was back to the third round of Indonesia X-Offroad Racing Championship. Located in BSB City Semarang (10-11/5), they showed up with their new car – the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ. The car brings new color to Indonesia speed offroad racing world. We surely need to praise the two young offroaders because of their innovation to use the Jeep WJ as their racing car, as it is the first time for Jeep WJ to be used in racing competition in Indonesia. “Every innovation must have a risk, especially when we still do not have any examples or formula to build the car. That is why we are ready to accept any consequences if there is something that need to be revise along the research.” said Adhi Sardjan as the Tuner from GT Radial Prestone Racing Team.
After three months of car development at Bengkel XC Trial, Jeep WJ who got full support from Roma Autosport, Luminox & 788 Autocare finally made its debut in the 4km track of Sirkuit BSB City. While the practice session on Friday (9/5), Julian Johan put car’s adaptation as his top priority. “Alhadulillah everything went safe. Well the car’s character surely is different from my former car and it does surprise me when the front coupling got broken. The incident makes us have to pass all the SS with only 2WD, but it is fine because the most important thing is that we can reach the finish line while we are adapting with the car.” comment from Julian Johan.
With 2WD model, it is difficult to get maximal time because only the back wheel that channel the power from the engine. But it does not change the team decision to perform maximally. After passed the 2 of the 3 SS, Julian Johan and Muttaqin Arya have to stop on Sunday because the rear tire was fall out as the result of the break of the wheel bolts. “It is not easy to drive the imperfectly finished car, but the enthusiasm and support from all participants, spectators, and journalists are the one that keep lighten up our spirit in the race. We got many important feedbacks that we will use to revise our car later in Jakarta.” close Jeje.