October 2002 - 'Which Kit?' magazine:

"Mission Statement - More new track day competition

This sector of the kit car market is definitely hotting up.

From being practically non-existent just 12 months ago, fully focused track day machines have established themselves as a popular sector of the kit car scene, attracting not only established names but also brand new ones.

At the beginning of the year, we had the Westfield XTR2, then Stone Leigh brought the MK GT1 and Quantum Napier. In mid-summer, news of the Coram LMP reached us (although that car is yet to be seen) and here we have the 'Mission' from t5 Developments.

Run by Tom Sadler, t5 is a firm in its formative stages and he's very realistic about both I and the car's future. Whether the 'Mission' even makes it into production will depend on the level of interest shown a the Donnington show where the car recently made its debut, if all went to plan.

The cars story goes back 15 years when Tom first had the idea of building a track-style machine with a motorbike engine. He looked around at what was on offer in the kit car market but, at the time, there was nothing. The idea went on hold until, 3 and half years ago Tom visited a car spares shop. There, he saw the image of a car which the shop owner had designed but never built. Not wanting his own idea to remain stillborn, this seemingly insignificant event prompted the impetus to get on with it and start building the prototype 'Mission'.

A few years and four prototype chassis later and the result is the car you see here.
At present the only demonstrator is the track- oriented car, although a less focused road spec version is to follow later.

Like most similar cars, the prototype is motorcycle-powered. Mounted amidships is a Honda Blackbird unit which produces a strong 165bhp at a typically astronomical 10,500rpm. An uprated clutch and modified sump are the only alterations needed to fit the unit. Transmission is sorted by a Quaife transaxle with a torque-bias diff.
At each corner you'll find disc brakes hidden behind four-spoke Revolution alloys (8x13" at the front, 10x13" on the rear). Tom suggests that you could use second-hand slicks as an affordable way of obtaining cheap but effective tyres.
The chassis is a spaceframe constructed mainly in 1" round tube steel featuring an integral roll-over loop. Suspension all-round comprises fully adjustable rose-jointed double wishbones with in-board Gaz coil-over dampers, while the front and rear uprights are fabricated units. The steering operates via a Ford Escort Mk2 quick rack. The overall weight of a fuelled-up 'Mission' is 448kg.

Kit prices are already settled and body/chassis packs will be available at £3800 plus VAT.
Realistically, the company reckons self-builders will need to budget about £10,000 to assemble a 'Mission', although it would be possible to do it for less. Turn-key cars will be sold from £13,950 plus VAT.

There are two potential markets t5 hopes to exploit with the 'Mission' track day weapon: the individual private builder and companies which may buy a fleet to hire out. There's also the possibility that the cars could be used in a race series such as that run by the 750 Motor Club, although Tom reckons track days offer better value for money since you get more track time. Also, there are no regulations governing power out puts and so on, which you get with racing.

The next project t5 Developments is going to take on is a road version of the 'Mission'. With two seats, windscreen and weather gear, a softer suspension set-up and the option of a car engine (most likely Ford Zetec or Rover K-series), this car will be quite different from the track-focused machine. Although Tom is unsure when this version will hit the market, the first prototype should be complete by next June so that he can realize on of his dreams and make the trip to the Le Mans 24-hour in the car.

However, it's the dedicated track day car he's concentrating on first, and it will only go into production if orders come in fast enough. Contractors (such as the GRP fabricators) are lined-up who are happy to build units in batches of five, so that's the figure t5 is looking at to get production started. With the recent interest in cars designed specifically with track days in mind, getting five enthusiasts to sign cheques doesn't sound like 'Mission' impossible."