International Stars We're Excited To See At WTAC 2023

After a few years where international travel was a bit more of a touchy subject due to a certain spicy cough, 2023 promises to bring the heat back to Sydney Motorsport Park with a stack of top-shelf guests travelling down-under to get behind the wheel of some stout gear at Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge. 

We thought we’d take a look at some of the faces we’re keen to see pumping laps at SMSP in just over a week.

Drift King Keiichi Tsuchiya

It’d be outright inconsiderate to kick this list off without starting at Mr DK himself, Keiichi. The Drift King will be behind the wheel of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N which will be the platforms first showing in Australia, following an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. 

Mr Tsuchiya will be out for some exhibition laps on both days of the show, plus he’ll be signing autographs in the pits for a few so be sure to swing by and say g’day. 

Spoon Sports Type R and Tarzan Yamada

Spoon Sports Japan are heading to Australia with their FK8 Type R Endurance Racer with the legendary Tarzan Yamada behind the wheel. The iconic blue and yellow livery will give Honda fans something to cheer about, with Tarzan out on track for both days of the event. 

Tarzan is no stranger to the WTAC, taking back to back Pro Class wins in 2010 and 2011, and we’re sure he’ll be pumped to get back out on track.

Mad Mike Whiddett

International drift superstar Mad Mike Whiddett is coming along to the show to compete in the Garrett International Drifting Cup with his insane ‘RADBUL’ MX5. The MX5 is one hell of a car, powered by a peripheral-ported 20B rotary that designed to kill tyres. 

It’s going to be great to see Mad Mike back down in the Southern Hemisphere partying with everyone at WTAC once again.

Ken Gushi and Kazama Auto

Veteran drifter Ken Gushi will be lining up alongside the rest of the pro-drift lineup in his Formula Drift Japan car, the Kazama Auto VR38DETT Lexus RC coupe. The GT-R heart of the build is a stroked out 4.3L with two Garrett G30 turbos strapped to the side and a shot of nitrous to boot. 

This is one serious international car we’re excited to see out on track.

Ryan Tuerck’s Judd V10 Toyota Supra

While we’ve already seen some wild engine combinations chucked in Toyota’s GR Supra, none compare to the 11,000rpm Judd V10 ‘Formula Supra’ built by madman Ryan Tuerck. 

The naturally-aspirated Judd V10 will be heard screaming down Brabham straight, and to hear this thing in person while be a wicked opportunity not to be missed.

World Time Attack Challenge Sydney is only a few sleeps away, and we’re pumped to see what the team have in store for us. For more information on the event head to worldtimeattack.com