Riding Shotgun in a V8 Supercar

[u/TINKSTER3]

Took part in an amazing experience last weekend at HyperFest 2026 at Virginia International Raceway. Amongst of all of the drifting, spec races, time trials, and the car show going on, there happened to be two retired Falcons on the premises and they were offering ride alongs.

They’re cared for and driven by a private owner here in Virginia. Really cool guy that’s down to chat about the cars and sling them around the track. The Pirtek car was originally a demo car and has a third seat fitted in the rear, so it has never seen real race time. The Vodafone car speaks for itself. Probably one of the coolest livery’s to ever be put on a car.

Edit: link of in car footage. My buddy James recorded a lap from the rear passenger seat. It was a outlap just trying to get some heat in the tires before pushing. Volume up and enjoy! https://youtube.com/shorts/bNnVEECLSLY?si=m1FBXbF1TITyu1B7

[u/bigshotdan]

Oh you lucky bastard! That would've been a mega experience. Very jelly!

[u/TINKSTER3 → u/bigshotdan]

Man, I shed a tear from pure joy on the first outlap. I’ll never forget this!

[u/Accomplished_Clue733 → u/[deleted]]

One of the best ever. My only criticism would be that the original used fluorescent red, closer to the colour of the vodafone car. That really made it light up.

[u/theblobberworm]

Release the onboard video file!

[u/TINKSTER3 → u/theblobberworm]

https://youtube.com/shorts/bNnVEECLSLY?si=m1FBXbF1TITyu1B7

Boom, here ya go!

[u/theblobberworm → u/TINKSTER3]

That’s very interesting to see a sequential on the Pirtek car. I wonder what history the chassis had

[u/Hello_Pity]

I recall that the SBR ride car had a larger capacity engine. Does it still run the larger engine or does it have a more period correct five litre engine?

[u/TA4K → u/Hello_Pity]

So I know the guy in New Zealand that did the restoration, prep and wrap on both cars, I believe the SBR 3 seater does have the bigger engine in it still.

[u/adtr223 → u/TA4K]

Same guy who is doing the restoration on Seton's AU and Ingall's BA on youtube?

[u/TA4K → u/adtr223]

Ahh I don’t think so, those are being done in Australia by a different guy

[u/adtr223 → u/TA4K]

Hey having more than one guy restoring old V8's isn't a bad thing!

[u/TINKSTER3 → u/Hello_Pity]

He mentioned it was making a bit more power than normal, around 700. I don’t recall if he noted the displacement.

[u/n_o_o_d]

Hey man, glad you had a great time riding in them. Like you said the owner is just an amazing guy and I’m lucky to have worked for him both last year and this year.