RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

Tin top champion James Cross plots challenge for 2012 F3 Cup title

Reigning Toyota MR2 champion James Cross is set to swap tin tops for single seaters by joining the ever growing 2012 F3 Cup championship.

The 27-year-old enjoyed his best season to date in 2011, lifting the Toyota MR2 Championship title in only his second full season of racing. With a championship already under his belt, the Newcastle-based racer is hungry for a new challenge and is eager to try his hand at single seater racing in the MSVR-run F3 Cup.

Having purchased the Dallara F302/04 raced by Stuart Wiltshire in 2011, the full time Design Engineer is ready to battle it out to become the first F3 Cup champion.

Cross said: “During the course of the 2011 season I always spared a thought for the 2012 season plans. I raced a 1997 Formula Renault in the Monoposto classic series at Brands Hatch GP in August and have not stopped thinking of a move into single seater racing since. Seeing the F3 Cup cars at Brands was inspiring and looking at the calendar for 2012, coupled with the championship status, meant it was an easy decision to choose F3 Cup.

“I have high hopes for the season and, with the backing of the team that helped me win the MR2 title, I am confident we will hit the ground running at the opening round at Oulton Park. But I certainly don’t underestimate the challenge of moving from a road car on road tyres to a modern F3 car with slicks and wings.”

James brings a new support team into F3 Cup in the form of AW Tracksport. With over a decade of experience and numerous titles from MR2s to kit cars and Formula 4, AW Tracksport are also looking forward to stepping up to the challenge of modern F3 car racing. They will be supporting both F3 Cup and Monoposto 2000 cars throughout the 2012 season.

Simons signs up to new 2012 F3 Cup Masters Class

Single-seater racer James Simons is the first driver to commit to a full season in the Masters Class of the new and improved MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) run F3 Cup for 2012.

The Leighton Buzzard based driver is the latest to join a rapidly expanding grid of competitors in this year’s F3 Cup, which has received outline approval for championship status by the MSA. For 2012 the F3 Cup will cater for cars built from 1981-2007 splitting the grid into three classes; Cup Class (2002-2007), Trophy Class (1997-2001) and Masters Class (1981-1996), the latter for the older F3 variants.

Simons, who began his motorsport career racing and preparing MGs, has already experienced the fierce competition of the F3 Cup, after taking part in a round of the series at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit last year. The former BARC Formula Renault and Formula 4 driver thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of racing F3 machinery, which has prompted the 28-year-old to commit to a full season in the F3 Cup championship this season. Simons will run his own car and has hinted at the potential of his company, Stanbridge Motorsport, preparing more F3 Cup cars in the future.

He said: “I’m really excited to be joining the F3 Cup for 2012. The calendar looks great and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and racing. The target for sure will be to win my class and just to see how far up the grid I can progress throughout the season, but I would love to win a race.

“Racing at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit for my debut was fantastic and that confirmed the F3 Cup was the right way for me to go in 2012.”

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The F3 Cup, which will visit the UK’s premier circuits in an 18 race championship, begins with a trip to Oulton Park on 9 April, where it will line up with the British GT Championship.

Drivers and teams interested in joining the 2012 F3 Cup should contact championship co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648, email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk. For all the latest news and further announcements visit www.f3cup.co.uk.

MSVR 2012 Car Race Meeting Calendar

10 March, Snetterton 300: MSVR Season Starter at Snetterton 300

17 March, Oulton Park International: Master Historic Festival

24/25 March, Brands Hatch Indy: MSVR Indy Weekend

6/7 April, Oulton Park International: British F3/GT

09 April, Oulton Park International: British GT/F3 Cup

09 April,  Snetterton 300: Top Hat – Masters Historic Racing

13-15 April, Silverstone GP: FIA Formula Two Championship

28 April, Silverstone National: Aston Club Racing

28/29 April, Donington Park: Blast in the Park

12 May, Oulton Park International: Aston Club Racing

12/13 May, Silverstone National: MSVR Club Championships

18/19/20 May, Brands Hatch Indy: DTM

19/20 May, Snetterton 300: Belgian Racing Weekend

26/27 May, Brands Hatch GP: Masters Historic Festival

4/5 June, Brands Hatch Indy: Aston Club Racing – St John Horsfall Meeting

16/17 June, Brands Hatch Indy: Mini Festival

23/24 June, Brands Hatch GP: British F3/GT

30 June/1 July, Snetterton 300: MSVR Club Championships

13/14/15 July, Brands Hatch GP: FIA Formula Two & International GT Open

21 July, Oulton Park International: MSVR Club Championships

22 July, Cadwell Park: MSVR Club Championships

28 July, Oulton Park International: MSVR Club Championships

29 July, Donington Park: Aston Club Racing

4/5 August, Snetterton 300: British F3/GT

18/19 August, Brands Hatch GP: Lotus Festival

1/2 September, Cadwell Park: MSVR Club Championships

08 September, Anglesey:  MSVR Races of Wales

15/16 September, Brands Hatch GP: MSVR GP Weekend

29 September, Snetterton 300: Aston Club Racing

6/7 October, Donington Park: Blast in the Park

27/28 October, Snetterton 300: MSVR Club Championships

10 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Lotus 6 Hour

11 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Vee Festival & Victor Meldrew Trophy

24 November, Brands Hatch Indy: Britcar ‘Into the Night Race’

MSVR set for busiest season yet with bumper 2012 programme

MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) is set to enjoy the busiest year since its inception in 2006 following the release of an expanded 2012 events calendar.

From March until November MSVR will organise 34 race meetings across seven different UK circuits. 20 core MSVR championships and series will run at these meetings, and will be joined by several ‘guest’ series. A number of prestigious events feature on the 2012 calendar including rounds of the British F3 & GT Championships, FIA Formula Two Championship and the DTM.

Amongst many developments for 2012, the F3 Cup will enter its first year as a full MSA Championship after receiving outline approval last season. After a transitional year in 2011, the first under MSVR’s guidance, F3 Cup is set for rapid expansion with revised regulations permitting newer cars and an outstanding calendar of races – commencing with Oulton Park alongside British GT on Easter Monday. Driver interest is high and strong grids are expected from the outset.

Meanwhile, for 2012 the Lotus Cup UK will be split into two classes: Supersport and Production. The Supersport class will cater for Exige Cup, 2-Elevens and Evoras, while the Production class will see Elise and normally aspirated Exige models compete. The Lotus on Track Elise Trophy has been part of MSVR since the beginning and continues to thrive with superb grids, as does Lotus Cup Europe, which also runs under the MSVR umbrella.

Radical Sportscars will continue to feature heavily at MSVR’s events this season with the new Radical European Masters joining the Radical UK Cup and Radical Clubman’s Cup, both of which moved to MSVR one year ago. The Radical European Masters will feature races at top European circuits including Austria’s Red Bull Ring and Barcelona’s Catalunya F1 circuit.

The MINI Challenge also switched to MSVR 12 months ago and continues to provide some of the most competitive and exciting racing in the UK.

Another new championship joining MSVR this season is the MK4 Golf TDI GTi Challenge. The championship for Mk4 variations of the popular German car will run alongside the VAG Trophy and MK2 Golf GTi Championship.

The Champion of Brands will continue to produce thrilling Formula Ford racing and new for 2012, its big brother ‘Super Series’ will unite the European Formula Ford community, with races at Kirkistown, Croix-en-Ternois, Brands Hatch GP and Monza.

The GT Cup Championship has unveiled a series of modifications to its regulations in 2012 with GT3 cars now permitted to join its excellent 23 race calendar, and interest in the championship is strong. GT Cup always fields spectacular & iconic GT machinery, popular with both marshals and spectators.

Bumper grids and thrilling racing will be found in the Production BMW Championship and Project Eight Racing Saloons along with an expanded schedule for the Club MSV Trackday Trophy and Team Trophy, both aimed at newcomers to motorsport.

The Monoposto Championship is set to build upon another successful season last year with a brand new sponsorship deal with St Cross Electronics for 2012.

New race event additions to MSVR’s calendar this year include the recently announced Mini Festival at Brands Hatch in June, headlined by the MINI Challenge series, whilst the Lotus Festival is set to switch from Snetterton to the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. The Belgian Racing Weekend makes its debut on the Snetterton 300 circuit one month earlier and will feature a number of national sportscar championships making the journey from the federal state.

Furthermore, MSVR has been chosen by the Aston Martin Owners Club Racing to organise all of its UK events in 2012, which will be promoted by Duncan Wiltshire of Historic Promotions Ltd.

MSVR Race Operations Manager David Scott said: “I am looking forward to a great season ahead. We have a fantastic calendar and continue to visit the UK’s finest race tracks. With strong support from competitors, 2012 is set to be a vintage year. Whether as a competitor, spectator or marshal, I hope you will enjoy your season with MSVR.”

MotorSportVision Racing have unveiled their 2012 calendar.

Formula Ford racers from across Europe will unite in competition with the launch of the brand new SuperSeries which will join MSVR’s ever expanding portfolio for 2012.

The newly created international Formula Ford 1600 series is the brainchild of category guru James Beckett following the success of the resurrected Champion of Brands, which produced five thrilling battles around the famous Brands Hatch circuit in 2011. SuperSeries aims to bring Europe’s elite Formula Ford drivers together for four intense encounters at some of the continent’s most challenging circuits.

SuperSeries will kick off with a visit to Northern Ireland’s Kirkistown circuit to unite with Ireland’s Formula Ford fraternity before making a trip to France to tackle the technical Croix-en-Ternois venue. The series will join up with the Champion of Brands competitors for a battle around the legendary 2.3 mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit and will round out the year with a trip to the iconic Monza circuit, home of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix, in September for the series finale.

Series co-ordinator James Beckett said: “Formula Ford has been breeding champions since 1967 and the SuperSeries will provide drivers the opportunity to race in a European series at superb tracks. The SuperSeries visits four circuits. Kirkistown is a hotbed of Formula Ford talent, and Croix en Ternois will host the opening European mainland races. The Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit will offer the ultimate challenge to competitors, and the famous Monza track in Italy will be a ‘must do’ event for every FF1600 racer.

“I am delighted that James Beckett Motorsport will be organising the SuperSeries for Formula Ford 1600 cars with MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) in 2012 and beyond. This is an extension to our excellent relationship that has grown out of the reintroduction of the Champion of Brands Formula Ford 1600 series to racing schedules at the start of 2010. The SuperSeries offers competitors a great opportunity to race at some of the world’s most famous circuits. The SuperSeries is open to Kent-engined FF1600 cars of all ages, and will grow on the success of the category that enjoys superb support around the globe.”

SuperSeries 2012 Calendar

Round 1: Kirkistown (Northern Ireland) April 28
Round 2: Croix-en-Ternois (France) June 9
Round 3: Brands Hatch GP August 19
Round 4: Monza (Italy) September 21/23

The legendary Brands Hatch circuit will celebrate all things ‘Mini’ when it hosts a major new event in the form of the Brands Hatch Mini Festival on 16-17 June.

With a history spanning more than 50 years, the Mini in its former and current guise is one of the most iconic cars of a generation and the famous Kent circuit plans to commemorate the marque with a unique event in the summer. A superb line up of Mini-based motorsport is set to entertain spectators while Mini owners from across the country will be invited to showcase their cars around the 1.2 mile Indy circuit. There will be various off track activities with a display of special motorsport Minis old and new, a Mini stunt show, trade village, parades, live music and festival fun for motor racing fans throughout the weekend.

For fans of the new MINI, the MINI Challenge will head the on track entertainment with a round of their fiercely competitive championship, which provides plenty of thrills and spills. The championship, run under the banner of MSVR, went down to the wire last season with Chris Knox overcoming Lee Allen and Luke Caudle to lift the title.

MINI Challenge manager Paul Harvey said: “I’m really looking forward to the event. It will be great to get all the Mini clubs involved and hopefully if enough people get behind the event it will become a regular feature. I think all the MINI Challenge drivers will be looking forward to taking part in this meeting.”

Enthusiasts of the original Mini, which has an illustrious motorsport heritage, will be catered for with frantic action from the Mini Se7en and Mini Miglia Championships. The Mini Se7en Championship is almost as old as the classic car, now entering its 45th year of competition. The popular series will see versions of the 998cc Mini compete against each other for valuable championship points, while the Mini Miglia championship will see highly tuned variants tackle the challenging Kent circuit.

Mini Se7en and Mini Miglia championship commercial manager Colin Peacock, said: “The Brands Hatch Mini Festival will be one of the highlights of the year without doubt. It could turn into a mega event as we progress towards Mini’s 60th birthday. The racing is always close at Brands Hatch and all the drivers will be looking forward to it.”

There will also be action from historic Minis with a Pre-66 Mini race and a handicap race for both the new and old variants of the car. A bumper grid of pre-66 Minis is expected which will include several competitors travelling from Europe to take on the Brits at Brands Hatch.

Race organiser Nick Swift said: “The Brands Hatch Mini Festival should be a great event and we are pleased to be a part of it. There are still so many historic Minis out there racing and plenty of drivers who want to race them because they are one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. We should be welcoming drivers from Europe to race in an Anglo French battle which should be entertaining.”

Further details regarding the off track entertainment will be announced in due course.

Tickets for the Brands Hatch Mini Festival on 16-17 June are available from £17 in advance with free admission for children aged 12 and under. To book tickets visit www.motorsportvision.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000. More information on the festival can be found at www.mini-festival.co.uk.

St. Cross Electronics will be the title sponsor for the Monoposto Racing Club’s championship, which will be called the St. Cross Electronics Mono Championship.

In 2012 the St. Cross Electronics Mono Championship is expected to build on Monoposto’s position as the largest single seater racing championship in the UK, typically attracting entries of more than 50 cars for each round.  The Championship will have 13 rounds on leading UK circuits at race meetings organised by Motorsport Vision Racing.

St. Cross Electronics is one of Europe’s leading cable assembly and cable harness manufacturers.  The company’s Managing Director, Dax Ward, who is himself a very competitive Monoposto racer, said: “Our partnership with Monoposto is a great way to further develop the presence that St. Cross Electronics has already successfully built in the motorsport marketplace.  Our business in motorsport is rapidly growing, we can be found on British Superbikes through to NASCAR.  We are not just a manufacturer, we design and engineer whole projects. One of the greatest attributes about this championship is that individuals can engineer their cars and there are some very good engineers out there racing, from F1 to Aerospace. So this championship really suits our own business ethos.”

St. Cross Electronic's Dax Ward is a regular Mono front runner

Monoposto’s Chairman, Nick Harrison, said: “Monoposto’s championship has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted that St. Cross Electronics has taken the decision to partner with us.  We will be working closely with Dax and his colleagues to help them achieve their objectives.  In 2012 the St. Cross Mono Championship has arranged a superb race calendar as well as continuing to keep costs as low as possible.  With the support of St Cross Electronics and also the help of our race organising partners MSVR we aim to make this season the best yet for our competitors”

Omicron Motorsport will join the 2012 F3 Cup field with a two car effort for reigning Monoposto 2000 champion driver Tristan Cliffe and Monoposto front runner Tony Bishop next season.

The Norfolk-based outfit are no strangers to the F3 Cup after entering Tony Bishop into the series at Brands Hatch last year and Tristan Cliffe at the Oulton Park season finale. However, for 2012 they plan to make more of an impact with Tristan Cliffe and Tony Bishop leading their bid to challenge for the 2012 F3 Cup championship.

Three-time Monoposto champion Cliffe has elected to embark upon a new challenge by joining the championship, taking advantage of the new regulations which permit F3 Chassis built up to and including 2007. The Norwich racer will run an ex-Team West-Tec Dallara F307 which helped the squad lift the European F3 Open Teams Championship last season.

Cliffe, an accomplished driver in the Monoposto Championship, made his F3 Cup debut at the final round at Oulton Park in October, where he picked up a third and fourth place finish respectively. Despite an impressive display at the Cheshire circuit on his debut, he is under no illusions of the extent of the challenge ahead but eager for the new season to begin.

Cliffe said: “It’s most certainly a new challenge for me. I’ve raced in Monoposto for a few years now and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it but I’m looking forward to more competition next year. I’m not sure how I will stack up against the other drivers but the run at Oulton Park last season gave me reason for optimism. I still think I should be targeting podiums and wins but we will see. I just can’t wait for the first test and the first race weekend now.”

Whipsnade racer Bishop will complete the line up for Omicron Motorsport’s F3 Cup effort as he bids to compete in his first full season in championship, behind the wheel of his Dallara F304. Bishop is relatively new to motorsport, but has shown his potential by finishing third in the Monoposto 2000 Championship in 2011 and is looking forward to moving up the F3 Cup grid in 2012.

Bishop said: “I’m really excited to be joining the F3 Cup next year with Omicron Motorsport. Tristan gave the car a good run out at Oulton Park at the last round which showed the car has pace. I hope to get a bit fitter over the winter and progress throughout the year.”

In addition to the announcement that Omicron Motorsport will join the F3 Cup next year, the team are holding a competition to design the livery for Cliffe’s car for next season. For more information on how to get involved in the contest, visit www.dallara398.com.

Cliffe added: “We had a play with a few designs for the new car and there were none that really stood out so we have decided to open it out to get some input. We’ve had a few designs come so we will see what happens.”

Drivers and teams interested in joining the 2012 F3 Cup should contact championship co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648, email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk. For all the latest news and further announcements visit www.f3cup.co.uk.

Pics: Norwich Photo

Pic: Norwich Photo

Experienced F3 driver Nick Robinson will team up with Mark Bailey Racing once again in 2012 as he aims to move up the F3 Cup championship grid.

The Orpington-born racer has been a regular competitor in the F3 Cup formerly Club F3 since 2005 and is already looking forward to building upon last season’s strong performances next year, with Mark Bailey Racing.

Robinson’s 2011 F3 Cup campaign was hampered by new car mechanical difficulties in the first few races, but the Company Director from Ely made steady progress throughout the second half of the year, which included an impressive fifth place finish at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Continuing with his Mark Bailey Racing Dallara F302 for next season, Robinson is eager to return to the F3 Cup grid and is ready to battle for points, following the series receiving outline approval for championship status for 2012.

Robinson said: “I’m really looking forward to next year and it is great to be working with Mark Bailey Racing next season, they do an excellent job. You can run a car on your own in the F3 Cup but it is a lot of work. There is always friendly rivalry between me and my team mate Stuart Wiltshire. Next season we’ll be a three car team with Frank Thomas joining us in his new 306 Dallara so we’ll all be aiming to be number one Mark Bailey Racing driver.

“The Brands Hatch Grand Prix and Spa weekends were absolutely fantastic last year. We went to some great circuits and I’m sure it will be no different in 2012.”

The new F3 Cup season will begin with a trip to Cheshire’s Oulton Park on 9 April.

The GT Cup Championship is set to produce even more thrilling sports car action in 2012 following the announcement of a 23 race calendar which includes visits to the UK’s premier circuits.

Bute Motorsport’s popular GT Cup Championship enjoyed a highly successful 2011 season which it hopes to develop with an expanded race schedule and new regulations permitting GT3 cars into the championship. Last season Irishman Andy Ruhan lifted the overall title after an intense season long battle with David Tomlin.

Running under the banner of MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) for another season, the GT Cup Championship will comprise 23 races beginning and ending at Donington Park. The championship will visit Silverstone, Brands Hatch Indy and Brands Hatch Grand Prix along with trips to the Snetterton 300, Oulton Park and Scotland’s Knockhill. Each round apart from Oulton Park will host three races of varying lengths and the championship title will be decided by competitors’ best results from 16 of the 23 races.

GT Cup Championship founder Marc Haynes said: “It’s a great calendar. We’re going to Donington Park twice which is always good and we are back at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. New for 2012 will see the GT Cup Championship head up to Scotland to tackle the Knockhill circuit for what should be a really special event. I’m pleased with the progress made with the championship for next season, its early days still but I’m looking forward to next year.”

New for 2012 is the eligibility of GT3 homologated cars which include the Porsche 997 GT3 and the Ferrari 458. The GT Cup Championship has also appointed a new competition manager with former BTCC team owner Philip Boland joining the championship to share his expertise. Car equalisation will undergo a change with the use of a chassis dyno which will be deployed at GT Cup Championship events.

GT Cup Championship 2012 Calendar

28/29 April – Donington Park (3 Races

12/13 May – Silverstone National (3 Races)

16/17 June – Brands Hatch Indy (3 Races)

30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300 (3 Races)

21 July – Oulton Park (2 Races)

18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP (3 Races)

8/9 September – Knockhill (3 Races)

6/7 October – Donington Park (3 Races)

Drivers and teams who wish to register their interest in joining the 2012 GT Cup Championship should email hannah@butemotorsport.co.uk or visit www.gtcup.co.uk for more information.

18 races at premier circuits including Brands Hatch GP and Spa-Francorchamps

The 2012 F3 Cup championship calendar has been announced today and will feature 18 races at six of the UK’s premier circuits, including Brands Hatch GP, plus a double header at Spa Francorchamps.

After recently receiving outline approval for championship status from the MSA, the F3 Cup will commence with a double header race meeting on Easter Monday at Oulton Park alongside British GT, an event that has traditionally attracted a huge spectator audience.

The season continues at Donington Park, Silverstone National and then on to the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit, home of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Another highlight of the season will be an F3 Cup championship race on the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit in August, where competitors from the Austrian F3 Cup will be invited to join in one of the largest gathering of F3 machines in 2012. This will support the Lotus Festival, one of the biggest events on the 2012 Brands Hatch calendar. The championship will conclude at the 2.99-mile Snetterton 300 circuit where the first F3 Cup champion is likely to be crowned.

MotorSport Vision Racing will be making further announcements shortly with regard to enhanced prize offerings for 2012, the final regulations package and television coverage.

MSVR Race Operations Manager David Scott said: “The 2012 season looks set to be a great year for F3 Cup with an exciting new calendar. The championship will visit some fabulous circuits including Brands Hatch Grand Prix where we look forward to welcoming competitors from the Austrian F3 Cup, and the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. We are confident the championship will expand and flourish next year and everybody at MSVR looks forward to welcoming both existing and new competitors for 2012. We very much appreciate the feedback and support we have received so far.”

F3 Cup 2012 Provisional Calendar

9 April – Oulton Park International (Alongside British GT)

28/29 April – Donington Park

12/13 May – Silverstone National

16/17 June – Spa Francorchamps

30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300

18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP (Lotus Festival)

8 September – Anglesey

September/October – (TBC)

27/28 October – Snetterton 300

Drivers and teams interested in joining the 2012 F3 Cup should contact championship co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648, email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk. For all the latest news and further announcements visit www.f3cup.co.uk.

Following from a very successful 2011 season, the Monoposto Racing Club have released their provisional 2012 calendar.   The 2012 season will be held over 13 championship rounds with the best 11 scores to count.   Most events are twin header weekends.

24/25 March – Brands Hatch Indy
28/29 April – Donington Park
12/13 May – Silverstone National
30 June/1 July – Snetterton 300
21 July – Oulton Park International
18/19 August – Brands Hatch GP
1/2 September – Cadwell Park

Additionally there are currently three Non-Championship rounds scheduled.

4 June – Mallory Park as part of the Motors TV event
15/16/17 June – Spa-Francorchamps Spa Summer Classic (Roadbook)
and one at the end of the season, details to be announced.

Additionally the club has announced some slight changes to the class structure.    The two motorcycle engined classes (Mono 1000 and Mono 1400) have been merged and the new class will be known at MotoMono.    No changes are needed for cars.

Mono Heritage is also announced for pre-1989 cars conforming to the old Class A regulations.    This class will be run at selected events, and entry by invitation only and each car will have a technical logbook.

More details can be found at the Monoposto Racing Club website

Pic: Norwich Photo

The MSVR run F3 Cup has been awarded outline approval by the MSA for full championship status in 2012 as part of the series’ expansion plans.

The F3 Cup joined MSVR’s racing portfolio this year and has enjoyed a successful season with a growing number of drivers competing in races at premier UK circuits, alongside a trip to the world famous Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

MSVR Event Director David Scott said: “F3 Cup is hugely important to MSVR and has the full support of Jonathan Palmer CEO of MotorSport Vision. I’m delighted that the MSA have granted outline approval for Championship status and this will be a massive shot in the arm for the F3 Cup. I look forward to seeing the F3 Cup enjoying success in 2012 and providing competitors with an affordable Championship to progress their racing career and hone their skills. Equally, it will continue to be enjoyed by competitors racing for fun without career aspirations but with a desire to race these exciting cars.”

Alongside the boost of full championship status, the F3 Cup is targeting a further increase in cars next year with all new technical regulations for the 2012 season. Later F3 chassis and alternative engines will be admitted and further details will be announced shortly as well as a prestigious 2012 calendar.

Among the highlights this year, the F3 Cup took part in the largest ever single-seater race with the Monoposto Racing Club in the UK at Silverstone and joined its Austrian compatriots for a thrilling battle around the Spa Francorchamps circuit in June. The F3 Cup has provided a platform for upcoming talent with driver Aaron Steele winning a FIA Formula Two Test as the most outstanding driver of the year, and the 22-year-old has earned a drive at the famous Daytona circuit in America after winning the Sunoco Grand Am 200 Challenge, courtesy of his performances this season.

Details of the F3 Cup season schedule and further developments are set to be unveiled shortly. Drivers and teams interested in joining the 2012 F3 Cup should contact championship co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648, or email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk.

Pic: Norwich Photo

LoTRDC have released the 2012 Elise Trophy calendar, for the sixth season of the series. The technical rules remain essentially unchanged from 2010, with cars running Rover engines up to 151bhp at the hubs and Toyota power plants up to 172bhp. The race format is also retained, with two 20 minute races at each meeting.

Whilst the Elise Trophy is aimed at novice drivers and promotes a social atmosphere, entrants can also compete in the Lotus Cup UK Championship, which will share many of the dates and venues. The Lotus Cup Europe series will also be open to Elise Trophy competitors, which will continue to appear at the continent’s finest circuits.

The 2012 calendar includes the UK’s blue riband circuits Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington, whilst visiting many favourites from previous seasons, including return visits to Castle Combe and Anglesey. The traditional DTM support slot is retained, whilst the Lotus Festival moves from its June date to August and will now take place at Brands Hatch on the Grand Prix circuit.

2012 Elise Trophy Calendar

Round 1 14 April Silverstone GP

Round 2 19-20 May Brands Hatch Indy (DTM)

Round 3 16 June Castle Combe

Round 4 28 July Oulton Park

Round 5 18/19 August Brands GP (Lotus Festival)

Round 6 8 September Anglesey

Round 7 6 October Donington

Round 8 28 October Snetterton

Pics: Snappyracers.com

2012 Radical UK Cup

Off the back of a 2011 season that featured record grids, and thrilling, close racing for both drivers and spectators,the Radical UK Cup continues to offer the UK’s ultimate endurance racing package in 2012, with an extended season and fresh calendar.

Radical is anticipating a larger-than-ever SR8 field in 2012, with recent confirmed orders of Radical’s flagship product we expect between 12-15 Masters Class cars at each round, alongside Radical’s evergreen SR3 RS in the Supersports Class. Racers can now look forward to events from March to October, visiting the UK’s best-loved circuits including current British Grand Prix venue Silverstone.

10/11 March: Snetterton 300
14/15 April: Silverstone GP
05/06 May: Spa-Francorchamps
16/17 June: Brands Hatch Indy
28 July: Oulton Park Int.
15/16 September: Brands Hatch GP
06/07 October: Donington Park Int.
27/28 October: Snetterton 300

With Radical’s continuing trackside technical and spares support, and events televised on Motors TV and the Radical TV web TV service, the Radical UK Cup is Great Britain’s top national endurance racing series. Radical expects packed grids of up to 50 cars, and places will be offered purely on a first-come, first-served basis, so book early to secure your place on the 2012 UK Cup grid.

2012 Radical Clubman’s Cup

Continuing a deserved reputation for producing packed grids, fascinating racing and a close title battle, the 2012 Radical Clubman’s Cup promises to be another great year, with the ever-popular sprint racing format offering the ideal entry-level step into sportscar racing.

The 2011 Radical Clubman’s Cup attracted over 25 entries for every round, including a near-capacity grid of 33 cars at Snetterton; with limited grid spaces at some rounds in 2012, we urge prospective competitors to book early and avoid missing out.

The 2012 Radical Clubman’s Cup now covers eight months of competition, visiting the UK’s favourite race circuits including the 2.6-mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. For the first time in many years, Radical’s premier sprint racing series also visits Cadwell Park and Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. A simplified two-class system sees Prosport and Supersport class competitors vying for overall honours, with additional points for pole position and fastest laps available

Many rounds will be televised through Radical’s pioneering on-demand web TV service, Radical TV, and on Motors TV, with increased marketing presence through continued association with MSVR.

10 March: Snetterton 300
28 April: Donington Park
12 May: Silverstone National
16 June: Brands Hatch Indy
28 July: Oulton Park Int.
01 September: Cadwell Park
15 September: Brands Hatch GP
27 October: Snetterton 300

2012 Radical Masters Euro Series

With an expanded calendar of seven events covering a longer racing season from April to November, competitors in the 2012 Radical Masters Euro Series face new, exciting challenges such as the high-speed Paul Ricard HTTT in the South of France, and recently-refurbished Red Bull Ring in Austria, alongside other prestigious championships including the Le Mans Series and International GT Open.

Subject to ratification by the FIA, the Radical Masters Euro Series will also enjoy the status of an ‘International Series recognised by the FIA’ in 2012, reflecting the Radical Masters Euro Series’ continued growth and ever-increasing professional status.

14/15 April: Silverstone GP (UK)
05/06 May: Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)
26/27 May: Zandvoort (Holland)
21/22 July: Paul Ricard HTTT (France)
25/26 August: Red Bull Ring (Austria)
06/07 October: Donington Park Int. (UK)
10/11 November: Catalunya (Spain)

Gavan Kershaw and Stuart Hall have won the second Lotus 1000km, driving a Strattons-run Evora. Whilst the team were favourites for victory, they were pushed all the way by last year’s pacesetters GWS. The thirstier V6 was barely three minutes ahead of the challenging Exige and potentially required an extra stop before the 515-lap distance was completed. However when Jamie Stanley brought the GWS car in for an unscheduled stop in the final hour and was unable to resume battle, the matter was settled.

This left Doug and Chris Setters, plus Chris Headlam in the Combat Laser Games Exige to take second, whilst the leading Elise Trophy class car took the final podium position. Witham Cars Japan’s line-up of Adam Bewsey, Dan Plant and Yuji Shinohara defeated LaHay racing’s John LaMaster, David Hay and Steve Williams by just seven seconds after more than eight hours of racing and they shared several battles out on track. The moment was particularly sweet for Shinohara, who had flown from Japan to compete.

Last year’s winning entry, which included Paul O’Neill on the driving strength, failed to make the start following gearbox failure, whilst a storming series of laps from Nick Tandy in the pole-sitting Europa came to nought after gear linkage troubles left them in the garage for many laps. His team’s race was more successful than fellow front-row starters Hofmann’s Motorsport, their Europa retiring early after refuelling flash fires indicated an incurable problem. However, 16 of the 24 starters were classified at the finish, with many more running at the end of the race.

(images courtesy of Jon Bryant at Snappyracers.com)

Club MSV have today (9 November) announced the launch of its new Club Racing School, with the aim of enticing new drivers to motorsport and helping existing competitors unlock the secrets to improving their race performance.

Club MSV, the trackday organising division of major UK circuit owner MotorSport Vision, have introduced more than 100 drivers to the world of competitive motorsport through the novice race series ‘Trackday Trophy’. However, with motor racing being a complex sport, where the fastest car will not necessary guarantee success, Club MSV hope to help drivers lift the lid on how to race successfully through the new Club Racing School.

The Club Racing School sessions will take place at MotorSport Vision’s Bedford Autodrome complex and a team of highly experienced instructors will help aspiring amateur racing drivers learn the basics, from start line procedures, overtaking and defensive driving, through to car control and car preparation. The first ClubRacing School is due to begin with sessions on Friday 27 January and Saturday 4 February, priced at £499. Further dates are expected to be confirmed in due course.

Club MSV Manager Alex Baker said: “Any racing driver can tell you about the racing line, as could most trackday drivers – track driving skills are regularly taught on trackdays throughout the country. However, many racers don’t know the techniques required to be a successful racing driver, particularly those new to the sport.

“Having fed more than 100 new racers through our Trackday and Team Trophy race series, it’s become clear to us that there was nowhere club racers could receive training on racing techniques – most competitors first “race” experience is when they’re actually sat on the grid! That’s why we are launching theClub Racing School to train club racers on the many elements of a race that you simply can’t practice or prepare for on a trackday. Everything from the basics of car preparation through to race craft.”

For more information on the Club Racing School, please contact Nick Rice on 0843 453 3000, emailnick.rice@clubmsv.co.uk or visit www.clubmsv.co.uk/clubracing.

Steve Quick - Pic: Kevin Ritson

Steve Quick has won the inaugural Lotus Cup UK championship after a dramatic final round at Brands Hatch yesterday (22 October). The Norwich-based driver entered the race with a twelve point deficit to leader Ken Savage but just twenty minutes into the deciding round, the latter’s car started to smoke badly. Staying out until the pit window opened, when he returned to the garage there was nothing that his mechanics could do, leaving Quick just needing to finish the race, which he duly did.

Mark Fullalove claimed the overall win, beating Steve Williams by ten seconds, repeating his victory on the GP circuit back in July. Pete Storey made it a 2-Eleven podium, after holding off Exige Cup winner Jamie Stanley for several laps. Alternator failure put paid to early challengers David and Rob Fenn, leaving the other father and son pairing, Doug and Chris Setters, as Open Class victors. Production honours were claimed by Stuart Plotnek, whilst Quick finished fifth in class.

Stuart Rowland added to his Elise Trophy victory tally at Brands Hatch (image courtesy of Derek Partridge)

Savage’s later win in the final Elise Trophy race of the year went some way to making up for his heartbreak but not before Stuart Rowland had added a second victory of the year with an assured drive. Newcomers Martin Wills, Warren Scott and Andrew Wright made a big impression on their debuts, although first-night nerves saw a few spins, including a botched move on second place from the former, which spoiled a great drive from Phil Stratton-Lake. Two appearances on the podium for second completed a great day for Quick.

Lotus Cup UK 2011 Class Champions

2-Eleven: Steve Williams

Exige Cup: Glenn Sherwood

Evora: Greg Rasse

Stuart Rowland added to his Elise Trophy victory tally at Brands Hatch (image courtesy of Derek Partridge)

Lotus Open: Vitthal Chauhan

Production: Steve Quick