KW Suspensions' Annual Track Day & Variant 5 Launch
With SEMA moving online, KW hosts its own event to show off its latest parts.
Getting Creative
With the 2020 SEMA Show taking place entirely online this year, aftermarket parts makers were forced to get a little creative to show off their latest wares. And for KW Suspensions, that meant hosting its own Tech Expo and Trackfest at Buttonwillow Raceway in California. The event featured some pretty amazing cars, and Super Street was on hand to capture the whole thing on film.
Photos: Super Street
New Product
Of course, space at the event was limited and masks were required, but for those on hand who wanted to hang out and put their cars to the test, it was obviously worth it. The whole thing kicked off with a Facebook live stream, however, where KW revealed its new Variant 5 coilovers, which are designed for high-performance street and supercars.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!
No Sudden Movements
The new coilovers feature a solid piston design that reduces uncontrolled and unwanted suspension movement and allow for a lower spring rate, as well as four-way dampening adjustability with high-speed and low-speed tuning for compression and rebound.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!
Skill Levels
Following the product unveiling, KW moved on to the track part of its event. Trackfest consisted of seven sessions of racing, with groups broken down into three categories - beginner, intermediate, and advanced, to give drivers of all skill levels a fair shot at securing their best lap time.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!
Test and Tune
This wasn't really a competition, however, but more of a relaxed outing where everyone could just go out and have some fun on the track. It was also a great time to test out new parts and setups, which quite a few attendees were there to do. Others brought along friends for thrill rides, something that's always fun to watch.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!
Laid Back
Super Street went so far as to call Trackfest one of the most laid-back track days they've ever attended, and something that felt more like an industry hang out than a super coordinated and competitive event.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!
Replacement Event
That certainly sounds like something we'd be keen to attend next year, and for now, KW is planning on doing the whole thing over again - COVID or not. In fact, the new event effectively replaces the company's old "Shakedown" that took place at the Streets of Willow, so go ahead and tentatively mark your calendar for next year.
Photos: Super Street
>>Join the conversation about the KW Suspensions Track Day right here in the S2ki Forum!