World-class AWD Gymkhana driver Jake Archer, fortunately, didn’t live up to his ‘Wrecking Ball’ nickname when he drove his 500bhp Classic Subaru Impreza Wagon at full throttle around the Nankang Tyre UK warehouse earlier this year.
The Birmingham based athlete has been competing in the Gymkhana Grid series alongside Monster Energy athlete Ken Block, in 2014 Jake finished just 1 second behind Block and his £250k purpose-built car in the series finale in Spain making him the #2 ranked AWD Gymkhana driver in the world.
In 2016 Jake looks to get even closer again, with a new car, more power and some fantastic support along the way – Jake is sure he can give Mr.Block a run for his money.
In December last year, we met up with Jake Wreckingball Archer for the first time. We were very aware of jake’s success in the Gymkhana events and we’re very excited to meet with him
We talked about his success in the past and his plans for 2016, which started with his ideas to develop a new competition car! it soon became clear Jake had some big plans and with the right support 2016 looked to be his most exciting yet.
And so, Right Sure Insurance secured his sponsorship and have since been watching the build of his new car ever since..
With the first round of the Fueltopia Barrel Sprint due to start on the 5th of March at Santa Pod Raceway, the team Jake had chosen, Viper Motor Sport build his 500bhp + Subaru were up against it to get the car ready for the event.
The car started off as a 296bhp turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine, taking the Impreza from 0-62mph in only 5.2 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system offering incredible grip, in both dry and wet conditions or on poor road surfaces. Adjustable throttle, gearbox and suspension settings allow adjustments to suit the road and driving conditions. Finally, huge Brembo brakes front and rear mean the Impreza stops just as quickly as it accelerates.
In preparation for the competition, the car immediately had all excess weight removed and a roll cage installed (Eastcote Customs).