There is a lot to be learned from the Olds Aero car. didn't the Arivett brothers work on that one?
My understanding it was Ed Wellburn from GM who styled it. Awesome looking thing and I agree there is a lot to be learnt from it although we'll be going for enclosed wheels. GM originally wanted to do that but were apparently worried about tyre degradation due to temperature so they left the sides open but they were running for a lot longer times than we are.
As for crossing the ocean, Speedweek Australia is smack in the middle of term and it will be a big ask to leave my uni students in the lurch for a couple of weeks mid semester. I am not sure why it doesn't sit on Easter as it usually does as Easter is very late this year in the UK.