Summary
The Jaguar XJR-17 was an IMSA Lights racing car, built by Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Rebuilt from a Jaguar XJR-16 for the IMSA Camel Lights, the XJR-17 never competed in the event due to funding issues and has since only been used in a few minor British events and historic races. It used a modified version of the XJR-16's 3.5-litre V6 engine, stripped of the twin-turbochargers and producing a claimed output of 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS), whilst its bodywork was cobbled together using various parts from older Jaguar XJR Sportscars.
| Category | IMSA Lights/Group C2 |
|---|---|
| Constructor | Tom Walkinshaw Racing |
| Designer(s) | David Fullerton |
| Technical specifications[1] | |
| Chassis | Carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb monocoque |
| Suspension (front) | double wishbones, coil springs actuated by pushrods, dampers and anti-roll bar |
| Suspension (rear) | double wishbones, coil springs actuated by pushrods, dampers and anti-roll bar |
| Engine | Jaguar JRV-6 3,498 cc (213.5 cu in) 24 valve, DOHC V6, naturally-aspirated Mid engined, longitudinally mounted |
| Transmission | 5-speed TWR manual |
| Competition history | |
Design and development edit
Andy Evans approached Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) about the possibility of running a full-works IMSA GTP Jaguar sports prototype for the 1991 IMSA GT Championship season, but such a deal proved unworkable.[2] However, as TWR were winding down their project, a deal was struck to instead strip down a Jaguar XJR-16 for use in the IMSA Camel Lights championship.[2] David Fullerton designed the car, dubbed the XJR-17, whilst TWR SVO and Andy Morrison were the constructors.[2] The XJR-16 chassis was stripped down to reduce cost and parts from various Jaguar XJR Sportscars were installed: the front wing came from the XJR-14, the rear wing came from one of the XJR-9, the gearbox casing was a mixture of XJR-11 tunnels and the XJR-16's bellhousing, and the nose was remodelled in the style of the XJR-14, as was the engine inlet.[2] The engine was essentially the XJR-16's 3.5-litre V6, but with the twin-turbochargers removed;[2] in this configuration, it produced a claimed 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS).[1]
Win Percy gave the XJR-17 its first shakedown at Enstone Airfield before a test session was held at Snetterton.[3] However, the deal collapsed, and Hugh Chamberlain instead was to use the car as a Group C2 entrant in the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans.[3] Chamberlain, however, was also unable to get enough funding to compete, and the car, already prepared for the Le Mans qualifying session, was not used in the event.[3] The XJR-17 eventually ended up in the hands of Brian Chatfield, who ran the car in a few minor races held at Castle Combe in 1993 and 1994,[4] whilst racing driver John Grant used it in some races from 2003 until 2004.[5]
References edit
- ^ a b von Melissen, Wouter (14 October 2009). "1992 Jaguar XJR-17 Specifications". Ultimatecarpage.com. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ a b c d e James A. Martin, Michael J. Fuller (15 April 2008). Inside IMSA's Legendary GTP Race Cars: The Prototype Experience. MotorBooks International. p. 200. ISBN 9781610590495. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ a b c James A. Martin, Michael J. Fuller (15 April 2008). Inside IMSA's Legendary GTP Race Cars: The Prototype Experience. MotorBooks International. p. 201. ISBN 9781610590495. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ "Castle Combe Special TWR Jaguar". The Motor Sport Fanatic. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
- ^ "Hall of Fame 2000–2011". SuperSports Festival. Retrieved 21 February 2014.