RACING EXPOSURE :: Club level motorsport e-magazine

Pic: Norwich Photo

The 2012 F3 Cup Championship started at Oulton Park three weeks ago at a very wet Oulton Park and the weather looks to be very similar for rounds 3 and 4 at Donington Park.

F3 Cup has a practise session on Saturday, and qualifying and two races on the Sunday.

Pic: Norwich Photo

A grid of more than twenty Formula 3 cars will race in the F3 Cup’s opening round at Oulton Park this Easter (9 April). The championship, which is run by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR), will partner the British GT Championship on one of the busiest days of the season at the Cheshire circuit, with thousands of spectators expected to attend on Bank Holiday Monday.

F3 Cup features Formula 3 cars built between the early 1980s and 2007, and lap only a few seconds slower than the cars that race in the current British F3 Championship. With budgets a fraction of the cost, F3 Cup provides an affordable opportunity for drivers and teams to compete in high-tech F3 cars, and the superb grid of more than 20 cars for the opening round includes British Formula Ford race winner Linton Stutely, plus MSVR champions Tristan Cliffe from the Monoposto single seater series and James Abbott from the Radical Sportscars Clubman’s Cup.

Jamie Stanley

Local man Jamie Stanley from Chester will be making a return to single seaters at Oulton Park with the F3 Cup, a path he was earlier forced to abandon due to budgetary issues. Having carved out a successful career in sportscars, which includes winning the 2010 British GT4 title, the 28-year old makes his F3 debut this Easter at his home circuit.

Stanley, who will drive for Lanan Racing, said: “I couldn’t climb the single seater ladder with the budgets that are normally involved, so the chance to come back and race an F3 car was too good an opportunity to miss. I think the series promotion is great and it’s a fantastic championship and concept.”

David Scott, Race Operations Manager for MSVR said: “We’re delighted to welcome so many F3 cars to the opening round of this year’s F3 Cup Championship. By keeping costs to a sensible level, whilst opening the series to cars from as recently as 2007, both club racers and young drivers on the ladder to F1 can now experience Formula 3 competition in a highly professional environment, even on modest budgets.

“The F3 Cup will co-headline the event at Oulton Park with the British GT Championship, and it will be a fantastic opportunity for F3 Cup competitors to showcase their talents in front of a huge crowd on Bank Holiday Monday. It should be a fabulous meeting and we can’t wait to get started!”

F3 Cup 2012 Round 1 Provisional Oulton Park Entry List:

1. Chris Needham, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

2. Mark Harrison, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

3. Neil Harrison, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

4. Stuart Wiltshire, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

5. Alf Skeels, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

7. Tony Bishop, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

8. Philip Austin, Trophy Class (1997 – 2001)

9. Louis Hamilton-Smith, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

10. Prajesh Shah, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

14. Nick Robinson, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

16. Gino Ussi, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

17. James Ledamun, Masters Class (1980 – 1996)

23. James Cross, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

24. Matt Payne, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

25. Kat Impey, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

27. Tristan Cliffe, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

33. Benjamin Harvey, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

48. Jamie Stanley, Trophy Class (1997 – 2001)

58. Linton Stutely, Trophy Class (1997 – 2001)

74 James Abbott, Cup Class (2002 – 2007)

77 Dave Karaskas, Trophy Class (1997 – 2001)

Tickets for the British GT/F3 Championships at Oulton Park, featuring the F3 Cup Championship, are available from £13 with free entry for children aged 12 and under. British F3, which traditionally races at this event, will this year feature on the Good Friday and Easter Saturday. For more information on the event line-up and to purchase tickets, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.oultonpark.co.uk

The F3 Cup will feature regularly on television in 2012 after a deal was announced with Motors TV that will see the majority of races showcased in the new ‘Full Speed Racing’ programme.

The championship, catering for Formula 3 cars built from 1980-2007, is undergoing a resurgence in 2012 under the MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) banner with a record grid expected for the first round at Oulton Park over Easter weekend.

The F3 Cup, which was awarded outline approval for championship status from the MSA last year, will receive a regular slot on a new club racing programme called Full Speed Racing produced by Race Television. The races will be televised after the event and the majority of the season’s 18 races will be covered.

Race Television’s Nick Barnett said: “We are delighted to be showing the F3 Cup as part of the ‘Full Speed Racing’ programme. We believe the championship will have some very exciting racing ahead in the 2012 season thanks to the expected large grid sizes and new regulations. The F3 Cup coverage will form a major part of our race coverage within the new programme.”

MSVR race Operation Manager David Scott said: “It’s great news that selected rounds of the 2012 F3 Cup championship will feature in an all new programme on Motors TV, ‘Full Speed Racing’. I’m sure that Race TV will create some great TV from this burgeoning championship.”

The 2012 F3 Cup championship begins with a trip to Cheshire’s Oulton Park on Easter Monday 9 April.

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. Follow F3 Cup on twitter at www.twitter.com/f3cup.

F3 Cup has announced more drivers returning or joining to the Championship.

After gaining outline approval for championship status from the MSA, the F3 Cup has been steadily attracting interest and is now set for a bumper grid at the season opener at Oulton Park on Easter Monday 9 April. The latest wave of recruits includes a host of new faces amongst several names who will be returning to the F3 Cup for a second season under the MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) umbrella.

New to the championship this season is reigning Radical Clubman’s Cup champion James Abbott, who will make his first foray into single seater racing this season. The 18-year-old will race an ex-European F3 Open Dallara F307 and will compete in the Cup Class for cars built from 2002-2007.

Tristan Cliffe - Dallara F307 Toyota

Joining Abbott, and making his F3 Cup debut is former BARC Formula Renault racer David Scott. The Lancashire-born driver hasn’t raced regularly since 2009 due to work and family commitments, but the 28-year-old has a rich racing pedigree, competing in BARC Formula Renault and the SPEED Euroseries.

Italian racer Gino Ussi will also make his debut in the F3 Cup this season as he joins Grays Motorsport, the team who ran last year’s winner of the FIA Formula Two test, Aaron Steele. The 53-year-old businessman is a familiar name among F3 circles, winning the ARP F3 Class A championship in 2000. Ussi, who will drive a Mercedes engined Dallara F307 this year, has also raced successfully in Formula Palmer Audi and won the Britcar Production Class in 2010.

Race winner and regular podium finisher Chris Needham will return to the F3 Cup competing in his proven 2004 machine. Needham, who tasted victory at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park last season, enjoyed several entertaining battles with Mark Terry from Kent, who will also return to the grid with Lanan Racing.

James Cross - Dallara F302/4

Joining Terry at Lanan Racing is F3 podium finisher Kat Impey. The Wokingham-born driver was a permanent fixture on the F3 Cup grid last season and will be desperate to build on her performances which saw her finish in the top-six on a regular basis.

Another F3 Cup race winner ready to do battle in the 2012 F3 Cup is Louis Hamilton-Smith. The 28-year-old from Birmingham enjoyed three podiums last season including a victory at Donington Park. Hamilton-Smith has purchased Steele’s old car, which secured 14 wins last year, and he is likely to be amongst the podium contenders this season.

Magic Motorsport will contest the new F3 Cup Teams Championship with brothers Mark and Neil Harrison from Worcester, behind the wheel of a Dallara F307 and a Dallara F302 respectively. Mark enjoyed success towards the latter stages of the 2011 season, while Neil was a top-six contender throughout the campaign.

Dave Karaskas - Dallara F301

Veteran racer Dave Karaskas will once again line up on the F3 Cup grid after a successful campaign last year which saw him compete in his 400th career race. Karaskas will run his 2001 Dallara in the Trophy Class, which caters for cars built from 1997-2001.

Taking the fight to Karaskas in the Trophy Class will be Alf Skeels and Stephen Clegg. Skeels, who has a Club F3 victory to his name in 2010, competed in six F3 Cup races last season, while Cheshire driver Clegg has several podium finishes to his name in Club F3.

Belgian driver Frank Thomas has confirmed he will join up with Mark Bailey Racing in the team’s third car. The 44-year-old raced at Spa in the F3 Cup last year and is eagerly anticipating the new season.

The F3 Cup Masters Class for cars built from 1981-1996 is growing with James Ledamun confirming he will return to the F3 Cup in 2012. This will be the Hampshire driver’s third season in F3 and he should provide James Simons with a challenge for the Masters crown.

The 14 drivers joins Omicron Motorsport’s duo of Tristan Cliffe (Monoposto 2000 Champion) and Tony Bishop, Mark Bailey Racing’s duo of Stuart Wiltshire and Nick Robinson, Toyota MR2 champion James Cross (AW Tracksport) , James Simons (Stanbridge Motorsport) and Prajesh Shah (Chris Dittmann Racing) on the growing 2012 F3 Cup grid for what should produce a thrilling 18 race championship battle.

Pictures: Norwich Photo

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.”

–

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.

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.

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.

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

Pic: Danny Dzenis

The MSVR run F3 Cup has opened itself up to more competitors for the 2012 season with the inclusion of a new engine unit into the series regulations.

Initial plans for the 2012 season were announced in July which included the use of the Speiss OPC engine and the inclusion of Formula 3 chassis built up to December 2007. However, in a further initiative MSVR have announced that another popular engine derivative will be permitted.

In addition to the OPC engine announced in July, the Toyota 3SGE-SXE10 unit as used in the European F3 Open championship will be eligible. This is another engine with long-life which should increase the time between engine rebuilds and improved reliability, helping reduce costs for competitors running in the series.

MSVR Event Director David Scott said: “This engine variant is used with great success in European F3 Open and comes highly recommended. Offering a longer life between rebuilds the engine should help to reduce running costs and hopefully see more cars on the F3 Cup grids in 2012.”

The provisional calendar for the 2012 F3 Cup is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The 2011 F3 Cup continues with a visit to the Silverstone Arena Grand Prix circuit on 30 September – 1 October. Entries are still available for this season and any drivers interested in joining should contact F3 Cup series co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648 or email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk. For all the latest news and how to get involved in the F3 Cup visit www.f3cup.co.uk.

The MSVR-run GT Cup Championship, MINI Challenge, Radical Clubman’s Cup and Monoposto Championships are undecided and with only few races of the season remaining, the MSVR Races of Wales could be a defining moment of the 2011 campaign. Joining the four title fights, providing equally as much entertainment, are the F3 Cup, and Club MSV’s Trackday Trophy.

Anglesey’s picturesque 2.1 mile International circuit will once again echo to the sound of spectacular V8 machinery, with the GT Cup Championship contesting its seventh round of the season. A host of Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs and Chevrons will populate the grid all in search of crucial points.

Only 22 points separate the top two drivers in the title race and both will be vying for strong finishes to boost their championship ambitions. Porsche 997driver Andy Ruhan tops the standings but he cannot afford to relax with David Tomlin, in his Ferrari 430, desperate to claw back the gap. The battles for Group 2 and Group 3 are even closer with Tom Andrew and Barclay Dougal holding slim leads at the top of the standings respectively.

The battle for the 2011 MINI Challenge title is even closer with the championship heading into a three-way fight between Chris Knox, Luke Caudle and Lee Allen. With four all action races scheduled at the Welsh circuit, the destiny of the championship could become a lot clearer. Caudle heads to Wales topping the standings on 187 points after recording two wins last time out at Donington Park. He is 11 points ahead of Chris Knox, who also claimed a win at Donington, his fourth victory of the season. Former championship leader Lee Allen will be eager to ignite his title hopes after suffering a retirement from the last race. Cardiff drivers Craig Freeman and Kevin O’Connor will be hoping to impress on home soil.

The high speed open top sports cars of the Radical Clubman’s Cup are set to thrill with works driver James Abbott hoping to maintain his lead in the championship. Abbott has established a healthy lead in the points’ standings leaving his rivals desperate for a strong weekend in Wales. Mark Abbott is James’ nearest rival in the championship but his hopes were dented by failing to finish one of the races at Donington, which will increase the importance of this weekend’s two races. After two podiums at Donington, Tony Wells is a driver in form and will hope to continue his run of podiums.

With just a handful of races remaining, there is plenty to be decided in the Monoposto Championship, which will see an eclectic mix of single seater machines do battle. Norwich’s Tristan Cliffe is edging closer to lifting the Monoposto 2000 Championship in his Omicron Motorsport Dallara but the title is not out of reach of nearest rival Malcolm Scott. The championship battles are much closer in the Monoposto 1800, 1600 and 1000 classes, with the 1600 class leaders David Parkinson and Nigel Davers split by a single point.

The challenges of the Anglesey circuit should produce two interesting races in the F3 Cup as the series makes its first visit to the venue. Aaron Steele, driving for the Welsh-based Gray’s Motorsport, has been the dominant force so far this season and he will be keen to extend his run of victories to increase his hopes of winning the Sunoco Grand Am 200 Challenge. The national competition could earn the most successful driver of the season an opportunity to race at the famous Daytona circuit in America. However, Mark Terry, Chris Needham and Matt Draper will be aiming to halt Steele’s charge.

The novice racers of the Club MSV Trackday Trophy are set to provide plenty of thrilling on track action as they embark on their penultimate round of the season. With four classes competing, there will be an impressive grid of cars varying from Renault Clios to high powered BMWs. The series is strictly for novice drivers who are looking for an entry in to motor racing.

The next MSVR event is the MSVR 300 Weekend at the Snetterton 300 circuit on 15/16 October. More information is available at www.snetterton.co.uk or visit www.msvracing.co.uk.

Aaron Steele has been the dominant force in MSV F3 Cup

The legendary Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit will echo to the sound of V8 engines once again when the GT Trophy Endurance Series headlines the MSVR GP Weekend on 20/21 August.

Spectacular Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and BMWs will populate the grid for a fascinating and gruelling three hour endurance race around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix, which will test drivers’ skill to the limit.

The sleek Ferrari 458 of Rob Barff and Leon Price has been the star of the field so far this season with victories at Snetterton and Oulton Park, but there will be a whole host of drivers eager to add their names to the winners’ list for 2011. Joining the Ferrari 458 on the grid will be two Lamborghinis, one of which driven by former SEAT British Touring Car star James Pickford. There will also be a rare appearance from a race going Ferrari F40, courtesy of Simpson Motorsport. With three hours of racing around the famous Grand Prix circuit, an unpredictable on track battle is on the cards.

Rob Barff's Ferrari 458

While the GT Trophy cars will provide the main attraction, the single-seaters of the MSVR run F3 Cup, Monoposto Championship and the Champion of Brands will provide wheel-to-wheel action around the 2.3 mile Grand Prix circuit. The F3 Cup is set to produce is biggest grid of the season so far, and local man Aaron Steele will be aiming to continue his impressive form in the series. The Monoposto Championship will see a mix of single seaters of all shapes and sizes including Formula Renaults and other variants battling around the track.

Edge of the seat racing will be produced by the Formula Fords of the Champion of Brands with 22 drivers ready to battle it out in the final round of 2011. The series has witnessed some epic battles around Brands Hatch this year, producing three different winners in the shape of Josh Barnett, Jordan Skinner and most recently Craig Currie.

Golf GTI's provide close racing

Huge grids will be expected in the MK2 Golf GTI Championship as the title battle heats up with only three rounds of the season remaining. Class 1 runner Guy Stevens holds a narrow one point lead over James Bark ahead of yet another intriguing battle at the Kent venue. Volkswagen will also be represented in the VAG Trophy, which caters for pre 2006 machinery from Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT and Skoda. The SEAT Leon of Daniel Rose leads the championship.

Iconic touring cars from the past will also tackle the GP circuit when the Heritage Grand Touring Car Challenge embarks on its penultimate round of 2011. The Lotus Sunbeam of Joss Ronchetti and Julian Westwood and the Chevrolet of Boysie Thurtle shared the victories last time out on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

Also providing thrilling tin top race action will be the Dunlop Motorsport News Saloon Car Championship and the BRSCC Alfa Romeo Championship. Darren Blys’ Nissan Skyline leads the Motorsport News Saloon Car Championship but Brands Hatch specialist and West Kingsdown resident Rod Birley will be looking to claw his way back into the title race in his World Rally Championship spec Ford Escort.

The battle for the BRSCC Alfa Romeo Championship is even closer with just 10 points separating the top four drivers. Emma Karwacki currently leads the standings just a point ahead of Neil Smith in his 156 touring car.

Tickets for the MSVR GP Weekend at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on 20/21 August are available priced at £13 for adults with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000.

Aaron Steele

Tony Bishop

Qualifying was a damp affair, but it was Aaron Steele who took pole position once more, 1.1s ahead of Matt Draper, with Chris Needham and Louis Hamilton-Smith on the 2nd row.

Series newcomers Robbie Watts lined his new Lola F106/03 in 7th place and Tony Bishop brought up the rear in the ex-Phil Moore F302/4.

Kat Impey was disappointed with her session and would line up 9th on the grid.

14 cars would start race 1.

Race 1

Kat Impey

Mark Terry got the best start from 5th on the grid and was challenging for the lead into Paddock Hill Bend. Matt Draper got too much wheelspin and dropped down the field and would have to work hard to recover lost positions. The safety car was brought out after the first lap, when Nick Robinson found himself beached on the kerbs at Druids.

Steele made the perfect restart and lead for the remainder of the race until 2 laps from the end, when he and others found themselves skidding off the circuit on oil dropped by Robbie Watt’s Lola – an oil fitting had failed.

Draper found himself in the gravel next to Steele at Druids, whilst Neil Harrison and Stuart Wiltshire came off at Paddock Hill. Thankfully there were no collisions.

Oil would play its joker towards the end of the race

Kat Impey managed to battle her way up to third with a daring move on Dave Karaskas, but this pass was unrewarded when the red flags were deployed and the results rolled back to the previous lap.

Chris Needham inherited the win, with Mark Terry and Dave Karaskas completing the podium. 7 cars finished.

Race 2

Race 2 grid positions were decided by the 2nd best times posted in qualifying, and it was Aaron Steele on pole, joined by Chris Needham with Matt Draper and Hamilton-Smith behind. The track was wet but drying and the rain was holding off (just).

Alf Skeels, at the back of the grid, decided to gamble on slicks and started from the pitlane, but everyone else opted for wets.

Steele got off the line well, but it was Matt Draper who once more lit up his tyres and dropped a couple of places down the field.

Steele took the race win in a convincing manner, 26 seconds ahead of the recovering Draper who inherited 2nd following the retirement of Chris Needham. Hamilton-Smith took third.

Robbie Watts had managed to repair his Lola, and thankfully there seemed to be no consequential damage from the previous day, he and Matt Payne had an excellent race together.

Kat Impey, again

Bishop retired on the second lap with fuelling problems, and Kat Impey and Dave Karaskas retired after the two cars touched whilst racing hard for position, both cars ending up a the bottom of Paddock Hill’s gravel trap. Skeels retired after 11 laps, slicks not being the right tyre for the conditions.

9 cars finished.

The next F3 Cup race will be on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on the 20th and 21st August 2011 where they will be grid sharing with the Monoposto Racing Club, so will be a large grid of true F3 cars and Monoposto spec F3 derived cars.

Photos: Norwich Photo

The F3 Cup is set for a major evolution in 2012 following the announcement of the initial plans for the series next year.

From next season the MSVR-run F3 Cup will accept entries from chassis that were constructed and raced up to and including 2007. Currently, entries are limited to Formula 3 cars built and raced up to and including 2004. All cars which race in the 2011 F3 Cup will continue to be eligible for the 2012 season.

Next year will also see the series organisers permitting the Spiess OPC engine, as used by the ATS Formula 3 Cup in Germany, to help reduce engine rebuild costs and improve general reliability. Other engines will be considered subject to written application, in order to give competitors and teams the option of alternative power units.

A new class structure will be created in 2012 and further details will be announced shortly. However, it has already been confirmed that an invitation class will be created to enable F3 cars of any age to join the series, subject to the approval of the organisers.

MSVR Race Operations manager David Scott said: “MSVR are pleased to announce our initial plans for the F3 Cup in 2012. With the evolution of Formula 3 at International level, the time is right to allow cars into the series that were manufactured up until 31/12/2007.

“We will also permit, subject to individual application, derivative engines such as the Spiess OPC. This engine runs a larger restrictor than the standard F3 engines but the internal components of the engine are such that its life between rebuilds is considerably higher, thus reducing rebuild costs for competitors and teams.

“The Invitation Class will permit all F3 cars to join our events, again subject to the approval of the series organisers. The Class structure will be subject to a review and will be announced at a later date.

“With an excellent 2012 race calendar that will be available to F3 Cup competitors, including Brands Hatch GP, Oulton Park, Spa Francorchamps and the fabulous new Snetterton 300 circuit, MSVR are confident that the series will continue to flourish and grow with these extremely positive developments.”

The 2011 F3 Cup continues with a visit to the Brands Hatch Indy circuit on 16/17 July. Entries are still available for this season and any drivers interested in joining should contact F3 Cup series co-ordinator Simon Davey on 07770 368648 or email f3cup@msvracing.co.uk

MSV F3 Cup have released this Series Bulletin.

Monoposto 2000 specification cars will be permitted to enter the 2011 MSV F3 Cup in the guest class subject to the following criteria:

1. Cars entering must be to Mono 2000 specification, this includes ride height settings

2. Cars must run on 2011 MSV F3 Cup specification Avon Tyres

3. Cars must use Sunoco fuel; however this can be 100 Ron Sunoco RMR fuel rather than the 102 Ron fuel specified for the other F3 Cup and will be made available by pre-order at race meetings

Jeremy Timms showed that a Mono spec car could be quite competitive against F3 cars at Spa-Francorchamps.

4. Cars and drivers must carry the decals and badges as set out in the MSV F3 Cup regulations

Cars adhering to the above will be eligible for grid positions as obtained in qualifying, class wins and podiums.   Competitors will also be eligible for the Sunoco Grand Am 2000 Challenge and the FIA Formula Two test drive.

All Monoposto competitors will be required to pay the MSV F3 Cup registration fee.

The provisional date 30 Sept/1 Oct in the Monoposto and MSV F3 Calendars has now been confirmed as being part of the support package for this year’s BritCar 24hr race, on the new Silverstone Arena Grand Prix Circuit.

This will be a non-Championship Monoposto event, and will be part of the MSV F3 Cup series.  Competitors will get a single 20 minute qualifying session and a 20 minute race on Friday 30 September, followed by another 20 minute race on Saturday 1 Oct.   The 24 hour race starts Saturday afternoon and finishes Sunday afternoon.

Although the Arena circuit grid can accommodate a massive 54 cars, a capacity entry is expected for this very popular event.    Priority for entries will be given to competitors who have supported their championships the most this season, after which entries will be given on a first come first served basis.