Another couple of videos from Autosport International 2014, this time Rosemary meets the British Superkart Association to find out more about this incredibly fast form of motor racing...
Then we meet Ben Davis and Peter Bennett who have moved on from racing SuperKarts to take on the Clio Cup
Showing posts with label Racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Racing. Show all posts
Monday, 3 February 2014
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
BTCC 2013 : The season hots up at Oulton Park
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| Plato's car catches fire in race three |
 |
| A packed grid took to the Oulton Park circuit in perfect conditions |
MG KX Momentum racer Jason Plato scored a flawless double BTCC victory at Oulton Park today (9 June) before a dramatic fire put him out of the final contest, handing his Honda Yuasa Racing rival Matt Neal the championship lead.
Two-time champion Plato is no stranger to winning at the Cheshire venue, having taken seven victories at the circuit prior to this weekend, and he duly added to his impressive tally.
He was in dominant form throughout the event – claiming pole position before securing two lights-to-flag wins in commanding fashion. But for the agony of race three, the Oxfordshire driver was still pleased with his weekend’s work, “I’ve been on fire – literally,” he said in reference to both his fine form and later misfortune!
Plato’s young team-mate Sam Tordoff starred in race one by claiming second – the best result in his short BTCC career so far and the first ever one-two for MG KX Momentum Racing.Reigning champion Gordon Shedden took third in the opener before going one better in race two in his Honda Civic, whilst 2009 champion Colin Turkington claimed third in his eBay Motors BMW 125i M Sport.
The chaotic final encounter was won by Andrew Jordan in his Pirtek Racing Honda Civic after his team-mate Jeff Smith spun away the lead with just three laps remaining. Turkington scored another podium, rounding out an extremely encouraging weekend for the eBay Motors driver.
The impressive Adam Morgan took his first ever Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship podium in the final race, which was just reward for the Ciceley Racing driver and continues his fantastic form so far in 2013.
Matt Neal finished just 0.078s off the rostrum after hounding down Morgan in the closing stages but his race results of sixth and two fourth places were enough for him to leave Oulton Park with the championship lead. Such is the competitiveness of the 2013 BTCC season that Neal, Jordan and Plato are separated by just seven points at the top of the standings.
Other notable results belonged to the Rob Austin Racing-run Audis of Rob Austin and Will Bratt – the duo finished fifth and sixth respectively in race three.
 |
| Lea Wood and Liam Griffin shared Jack Sears Trophy honours |
Further to Neal’s lead in the overall Drivers’ standings, Honda lead the Manufacturers’ Championship and Honda Yuasa Racing also top the Teams’ Championship. Andrew Jordan and his Pirtek Racing squad hold the advantage in the Independents’ Drivers’ and Teams’ standings respectively.
Rounds 13, 14 and 15 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place at Croft on the 22/23 June.
Jason Plato said: “I’ve been on fire – literally! It has been a fantastic weekend. What happened in the final race was just one of those things. The most important thing for me is that we’ve got the performance and we’ve sent a shockwave down the pit lane. There’s a long way to go but we’ve put on a pretty dominant display here, which bodes well for Croft and beyond.”
Andrew Jordan said: “If you’d asked me how my day was going after race two I’d have been a lot less happy than I am now. To pull that result off has made my weekend – you can never be sure what’s going to happen in race three and it was only once I got up into fourth that I thought I could actually win it. It’s a shame that we couldn’t get a one-two for the team – there were no team orders, Jeff (Smith) just lost the rear going into the chicane and didn’t quite manage to save it. Consistency is key for me this year and while I didn’t get great results in the first two races, we scored big in the last one while Shedden and Plato didn’t finish, so that makes it an even better result.”
Colin Turkington said: “That’s the first podium (race two) that we’ve had on raw pace. We didn’t have any luck or a reverse grid to be there so we’re definitely moving forward, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. We’ve still got more performance to find in the car and it’s not there yet. I didn’t expect two podiums, especially with the speed of the Hondas and the MGs, so to take those results when they're in the kind of form they are is absolutely fantastic.”
Adam Morgan said: “It’s absolutely amazing to get that result, not just for myself but for my team, my family and all the sponsors that support me. The race was pretty hectic – I didn’t get a second to catch my breath, but I just kept pushing and to get my first BTCC podium at my home circuit – it’s brilliant. The car felt really really good, and now I've got one, I'll be pushing harder than ever to get up there again.”
Penalties:
Liam Griffin received a one second time penalty in race one for gaining an unfair advantage
Andrew Jordan received three penalty points and a £500 fine for an incident relating to driving standards in race three
Jeff Smith received three penalty points and a £500 fine for an incident relating to driving standards in race three
Photos courtesy of btcc.net
Friday, 8 February 2013
Fortec announces Driver line up for Protyre Formula Renault
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| Fortec are a front runner in Formula Renault and have great links to other series too. |
Fortec
Motorsports is the first of the leading teams from the Protyre
Formula Renault Championship to reveal its full driver line-up for
the 2013 campaign after confirming a
capacity four-car entry.
The
Daventry outfit, which steered Seb Morris to last November’s Winter
Series title, will field a squad with a truly international flavour.
Spearheaded by British karting graduate Sam MacLeod (Cambridge) and
returning Chinese racer Hong Wei Cao (Stoke-on-Trent), the team will
also feature Malaysian newcomer Weiron Tan (London) and Hong
Kong-born racer Wei Fung Thong (Liverpool).
“We’re
really pleased to have all four deals done so early, I think it’s
going to be a very open season this year with so many of the
experienced guys having moved on”, said Fortec team manager Steve
Lynch, “It’ll be a learning year for Sam but he’s been very
quick in testing and we’re confident he and Martin [Cao] will be
fighting at the front for regular podiums.
“Sam’s
already proving himself to be a very good driver and we’re looking
for Martin to continue where he left off in the Winter Series, he’s
committed to making a big push this year. We know it’ll be a whole
new challenge for Tan and Thong but we’re sure they’ll both make
strong progress, setting a strong base for next year and, hopefully,
a future move up the ladder with Fortec.”
MacLeod
competed in British and European KF2 Championship karting last year,
having debuted in continental-level action in 2011 where he was
fourth in the CIK-FIA European Championship. Prior to that, in 2010,
MacLeod was fifth overall in the KF3 class of the UK-based Formula
Kart Stars series.
Cao,
also known as ‘Martin’, is the most experienced of Fortec’s
quartet. After making his British racing debut in Protyre Formula
Renault last year, the 19-year-old Keele University student went on
to achieve his maiden podium in the 2012 Winter Series – concluding
the four round championship fifth overall. He was also the 2008 Asian
Formula Renault Champion.
Malaysian
driver Tan, who is part of the AirAsia Caterham Driver Development
Programme, moves into Protyre Formula Renault from the JK Racing Asia
Series where he was seventh overall last year, taking two podiums
along the way. The 18-year-old, from Kuala Lumpur, also contested
selected JK Racing Asia Series rounds in 2011 alongside a campaign in
the Malaysian Super Series.
Hong
Kong youngster Thong, who is also referred to as ‘Shaun’,
competed in Asian Formula Renault in 2012 where he was third overall
and took one race victory. The 17-year-old, who currently studies at
Liverpool University, also tried his hand at GT racing with outings
in the Malaysian Super Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and the
Trofeo Maserati World Series.
Commenting
on Fortec’s announcement, Protyre Formula Renault promoter Simon
North said: “Having a team the stature of Fortec as an integral
part of Protyre Formula Renault really is very important for the
championship as a whole, we’re obviously delighted with the
confirmation of four drivers and the international flavour underlines
the increasing reach of Protyre Formula Renault.
“Fortec
is one of the biggest and most successful teams, both nationally and
internationally, and I’m sure everyone there will be determined to
add the main Protyre Formula Renault title to the Winter Series crown
won last year.”
Protyre
Formula Renault features an expanded 16 race calendar for 2013,
beginning with two races at Donington Park in the East Midlands on
13th/14th April before embarking on a run of four ‘triple headers’
at Snetterton in Norfolk, Thruxton in Hampshire, Croft in North
Yorkshire and Rockingham in Northamptonshire.
The
season finale, like the championship opener, will be a double-header
and will take place at Silverstone National Circuit over the weekend
28th/29th September alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car
Championship.
Along
with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally
supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium
and NGK Spark Plugs.
Rockingham lines up action packed Calendar for 2013
 |
| BTCC is sure to be a fan favourite at Rockingham in 2013 |
WITH
the new motorsport season just around the corner Rockingham has
announced its exciting racing line-up for 2013, which will again
feature action on both two and four wheels at the Northamptonshire
circuit.
The
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship leads the action on four
wheels and will again be the headline race meeting when it returns in
the autumn. Rockingham hosts Round Eight of the UK’s premier
tin-top series over the weekend of September 14/15.
Following
a successful return last season, the UK’s largest bike racing
series, Thundersport GB, is back over the weekend of July 27/28, to
offer the chance to watch an awesome array of motorcycle racing on
Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Motorcycle Circuit.
It’s
also a summer date for 750 Motor Club, which is one of the UK’s
leading motor racing organisers with championships to suit all
tastes. The club will hold its maiden race meeting at Rockingham over
the weekend of July 13/14.
The
Avon Tyres British GT Championship will
provide a touch of glamour over the Bank Holiday weekend of May 5/6,
when some of the world’s most prestigious supercars will provide
bumper-to-bumper racing at breathtaking speeds.
Rockingham
Chief Executive Charlotte Orton said: “We are looking forward to a
fantastic 2013 season at Rockingham. We have secured some great race
meetings this year from grass roots motorsport through to the UK’s
premier motor racing series.”
The
British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC) will raise the curtain on
the new season over the weekend of April 6/7, while British
Automobile Race Club (BARC) are pencilled in for two visits on May
10/11 and August 10/11.
.
Rockingham
2013 Race Calendar
April
6/7 BRSCC Race Weekend
May
5/6 Avon Tyres British GT Championship
May
10/11 BARC Race Meeting
June
1 Britcar
July
13/14 750 Motor Club
July
27/28 Thundersport GB
August
10/11 BARC Race Meeting
Sept
7 BRSCC Race Weekend
Sept
14/15 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship
Dec
7/8 Rockingham Stages Rally
To
reinforce Rockingham’s commitment to making motor racing accessible
and affordable to all fans, adult admission prices start from just
£10 per day, while children aged 16 and under get in for free.
Don’t
forget if you buy a BTCC Sunday race day ticket before March 1, you
will receive free entry to Saturday’s qualifying day. Advance
tickets can be purchased either online at www.rockingham.co.uk or via
the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.
All
tickets include a grandstand seat with a unique panoramic view of the
entire circuit and access to the race paddock, allowing an exclusive
insight into the hard work which goes on behind the scenes to keep
the drivers and cars on track.
For
more information visit the race events page on the Rockingham
website.
MGR Returns to Protyre Formula Renault
 |
| MGR's team has steered many teams to success over the years, 2013 should be no exception |
Protyre
Formula Renault (Formerly Formula Renault BARC) Championship front-runner Chris Middlehurst (St.
Helens), second year competitor Tom Oliphant (Tarporley, Cheshire)
and series newcomer Matteo Ferrer (Ipswich) are the first three
drivers confirmed for MGR Motorsport’s 2013 assault on the 16-round
season.
With
plans to field a four car squad currently in advanced stages, as the
Bardon team continues discussions regarding its final vacant seat
with a number of drivers, MGR is delighted to confirm its first three
signings.
Middlehurst
enjoyed a strong debut season in Protyre Formula Renault last year,
ending the main campaign ninth overall with two podiums to his credit
before going on to mount a strong challenge in the Winter Series
where he took two further rostrums from the four races contested.
The
18-year-old, son of former racer Andy Middlehurst, will certainly be
a championship challenger this season and will be aiming to secure
his maiden race victory in the category. His best result so far of
second place came during the opening weekend of the 2012 Winter
Series.
Oliphant,
like Middlehurst, will be embarking on his second season in Protyre
Formula Renault this year and the 22-year-old will be hoping to
continue where he left off with Leicestershire-based MGR during the
final event of last November’s Winter Series.
After
a difficult main championship campaign, Oliphant moved to the Mark
Godwin-led team for the Rockingham rounds of the Winter Series and
showed a marked improvement by achieving a career best finish of
seventh place.
Protyre
Formula Renault newcomer Ferrer, who is of Venezuelan, German and
Italian heritage, had no previous karting experience prior to his
motorsport debut last year in the now defunct InterSteps Championship
but developed significantly as the season wore on.
Ending
the year eighth overall in the driver standings, Ferrer is now
preparing for a major step-up in competitiveness and has
already made a strong impression on MGR team principal Godwin during
initial winter test outings.
"I
watched Matteo develop during the 2012 Intersteps Championship, and
was really quite impressed considering his complete lack of
experience”, said Godwin, “From what I saw during our winter
testing in Valencia, I believe we can look forward to a very
competitive year. Tom has looked strong in winter testing and we’re
confident he’s going to have a good season, he did a great job with
us in the Winter Series considering how much he had to adapt to the
new car and team.
“We’re
very confident Chris will be challenging up at the front from the
off, what he achieved last year was very impressive – especially
towards the end of the main season and in the Winter Series. We’re
sure, with our determined and structured approach, that Chris will be
a strong contender.”
Rounds
one and two of the 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship will
take place on 13th/14th April at Donington Park National Circuit in
Leicestershire – MGR’s home track. Before then, teams and drivers
will take part in the official ‘Media Day’ at Silverstone on
Thursday, 21st March.
Commenting
on MGR’s signings, championship promoter Simon North said: “MGR
is obviously one of the most competitive and well run teams in
Protyre Formula Renault and we’re delighted Mark [Godwin] has
confirmed three drivers already for the new season. Knowing a fourth
car is also highly likely with the team is fantastic news for the
championship.”
Along
with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally
supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium
and NGK Spark Plugs.
Toyota enters British GT with new GT86 GT4
 |
| The GT86 - Quite possibly one of the best looking Toyotas - nay even cars - seen this decade |
 |
| The GT86 has already seen racing action in the Britcar 24 Hours |
GPRM and its directors Gary Blackham and Roger King believe the new Toyota will be a serious GT4 contender: “The new engine from Nicholson McLaren will be capable of between 360 and 400 bhp,” said Blackham, “although of course the definitive output figure will be determined by the balance of performance testing.
 |
| Inside the Office |
GPRM’s Toyota GT86 is a cost-efficient entry-level endurance car. The company embarked on the GT4 project immediately after the Britcar24 last September, where the new Toyota sports car made a successful UK race debut. Although not a works effort, the GT4 project has the blessing of Toyota GB, which is providing technical support.
More marvellous mid-engined Motors move towards magnifient Goodwood Revival
 |
| a Ferrari 250LM (and a GT40 in the background) racing at Goodwood. |
Further to the recent announcement that Goodwood will be staging a unique all-Ford GT40 race at this year’s Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) to mark 50 years since development of this exceptional mid-engined Anglo-American racer began, another legendary mid-mounted endurance racer will now also be competing at this September’s event.
Like the Ford, the revered Ferrari 250 LM celebrates its half century this year, having premiered at the Paris salon late in 1963. Also like the Ford, the 250 LM went on to win the Le Mans 24 Hours race, with the North American Racing Team-entered car – driven by Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory – taking the chequered flag in the 1965 event. This remains the last time Ferrari took overall victory in the French endurance classic.
The 250 LM raced in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood in 1964, where it finished fourth, and last competed in this race in the modern era at the Revival in 2000. An example of the Ferrari has also run in the Whitsun Trophy race at the Revival in various years.
For the 2013 Revival, a number of 250 LMs will be returning to the prestigious Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race for the first time in 13 years, campaigning against fierce competition from Ferrari 250 GTOs, AC Cobras, lightweight Jaguar E-types, Maserati 151s, Aston Martin DB4s, and many other rare and mouth watering machines to create the most valuable historic motor race in the world.
Tickets,
grandstand seats, camping and other products for the 2013 Goodwood
Revival can be purchased via the Goodwood website
(www.goodwood.com/motor
sport/), or the
Ticket Hotline as follows: Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
Friday, 25 January 2013
Daytona DMAX launches 2013 season
 |
| Daytona's DMAX championship is a great way to get into motorsport without the hassle of owning your own kart |
The UK's most competitive hire kart series, the Vodafone DMAX Championship, is all set to burst onto the Tarmac for its fourth thrilling season.
After 2012’s sensational total of 1225 entrants, 60,000 racing miles, 10 rounds at 8 different circuits and six worthy champions, the 2013 series is gearing up to be the biggest and best yet.
Since it first stormed onto the grid in 2009, the Daytona Vodafone DMAX Championship has seen an unprecedented increase in competitor numbers year-on-year. In 2010 an average of 55 drivers raced at each of the ten rounds – in 2011 that number increased to an average of 80 drivers per race and in 2012 a staggering 124 drivers on average entered each round – an amazing increase of over 100 percent in just two years.
So what is the secret behind the series’ meteoric success?
Devised by the Daytona Motorsport Group in 2009, the Vodafone DMAX Championship was designed to offer a unique opportunity for serious drivers to compete in a professionally run series at a fraction of the expense of running their own race karts.
Daytona Motorsport owns and manages the superb fleet of state-of-the art DMAX karts and thus can guarantee a level, yet highly competitive, playing field at affordable prices. Despite the reasonable cost, absolutely no compromise is made on performance; the karts are designed by World Championship winning manufacturer Birel and powered by legendary Rotax 2-stroke engines. With exceptional handling and agility, plus top speeds of up to 80mph, the DMAXs are unquestionably the fastest hire karts available in the UK today.
Jim Graham, DMAX Series Director is understandably thrilled with the success of the Championship. “Just look at the statistics. We had 1225 drivers compete in the 2012 Vodafone DMAX Championship in ten epic rounds at eight different venues,” he enthused. “This Championship offers the chance for serious kart enthusiasts – looking for the best in racing technology at the most affordable price – to enter a series without any of the hassle or expense of owning and transporting equipment. We have listened to the drivers and are committed to providing the very best run and most evenly matched Arrive&Drive championship in the UK… and by all accounts we have achieved this.”
Those wanting to ensure 2013 is a year to remember by being part of the Daytona DMAX success story are strongly advised to register soon,as places on the grid are filling up fast. Registrations can either be made via contacting Daytona Motorsport on 0845 844 5504 or by emailling: mark.wimblett@daytona.co.uk
Vodafone DMAX Championship Calendar - 2013
| Round | Date | Venue | Circuit |
| 1 | 17 February | Daytona Milton Keynes | International |
| 2 | 17 March | Daytona Sandown Park | Grand Prix |
| 3 | 21 April | PF International | Extended Circuit |
| 4 | 19 May | Rye House | Full Circuit |
| 5 | 16 June | Lydd | Full Circuit |
| 6 | 21 July | Bayrord Meadows* | Full Circuit |
| 7 | 18 August | Whilton Mill | Full Circuit |
| 8 | 15 September | Red Lodge* | Extended |
| 9 | 20 October | Daytona Milton Keynes | Cliff |
| 10 | 17 November | Daytona Sandown Park | Alternate |
(*new venues on the calendar for this year)
Silverstone Classic back for 2013
 |
| Masters F1 cars will once again be in action |
Already
firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing
festival, the mouth-watering line-up for 2013’s extravaganza
features all the hugely popular historic Formula One, sportscar, GT
and touring car grids that produced such close racing last year…
plus a further three grids to be announced in the coming weeks.
As
the home of the British Grand Prix and birthplace of the FIA Formula
One World Championship, Silverstone is the perfect venue to celebrate
the full spectrum of F1 history. And, with more than 100 of the most
famous and iconic GP cars recreating many of the sport’s golden
eras, there’s no better homage than the Silverstone Classic.
 |
| Headlights ablaze, the Group Cs race into the darkness |
Grand
Prix Masters puts the spotlight on the following generation of
DFV-powered F1 cars, reliving a fantastic decade of GP racing from
1968 to 1978 as well as the rise of many of the British teams
including Brabham, Lotus, McLaren, Tyrrell and Williams. Adding to
the spectacle and rekindling many fond and magic memories, all these
renowned racers compete in familiar period liveries.
The
comprehensive single-seater bill features two more exciting grids.
Races for Historic Formula Junior and the combined F5000/F2 class
were among last summer’s many highlights and both make welcome
returns this July. All five of these open-wheeler categories are in
race action twice at the Classic with a thrilling showdown each
during both Saturday’s and Sunday’s busy schedules.
Harking
back to what many believe were the halcyon days of the world famous
Le Mans 24 Hours event, no fewer than five sportscar and GT grids are
also on the unrivalled Silverstone Classic bill.
 |
| Touring cars ancient and modern are always popular |
Moving
the clock forward to the 1980s are the super-fast Group C prototypes
that once again will race into dusk on Saturday evening. Last year’s
entry featured legendary machinery from Jaguar, Mercedes, Peugeot and
Porsche as well as a trio of Ferrari-engined Lancia LC2s. An even
more alluring line-up is promised for 2013.
Meanwhile
Aston Martin will aim for a famous hat-trick of wins in the
prestigious Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy for Historic Cars.
Run for Pre-63 GT cars, victory in 2011 went to an Aston Martin DB4GT
shared by racing legends Stuart Graham and Richard Attwood while last
year’s encounter was won by Wolfgang Friedrichs and David Clark in
the remarkable Aston Martin Project DP212.
 |
| Classic GTs return in 2013 in the Woodcote trophy |
“It
all adds up to another incredible line-up of races that put the
spotlight on so much fantastic racing history… and we have another
three grids still to announce,” enthused Nick Wigley, event
director. “With more than 1000 entries, the Silverstone Classic is
now not only the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival but
also the largest race meeting staged anywhere on the globe. It may
sound clichéd but, hand on heart and given some of the announcements
yet to come, this summer’s looks like being the most successful
yet.”
To
house so much exotic and priceless motor sport history, the massive
event will again fill both Silverstone’s National and new Wing pits
and paddock complexes. The non-stop racing schedule, organised by the
HSCC, is staged on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit with many
races boasting fully-subscribed 58-car grids.
 |
| A very wide range of racing cars line up for the Silverstone classic. |
Adding
to the Classic weekend’s enormous appeal, all tickets give free
access to both racing paddocks as well as trackside grandstands and
live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets must be
purchased in advance. Those booking before the end of March can take
full advantage of special ‘Early Bird’ prices with adult tickets
starting from just £30 (plus fees). Considerable savings are on
offer for festival goers spending the full weekend at Silverstone and
special packages for car clubs and their members are also available.
Full details can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com
website.
Monday, 21 January 2013
eBay Motors' 2013 Driver line up revealed
 |
| The 2013 eBay team, Rob Collard, Colin Turkington and Nick Foster |
eBay Motors announces Colin Turkington will be joining its driver line up for the 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The 2009 BTCC Champion joins Rob Collard and Nick Foster in the new NGTC specification BMW 125i M Sport cars, as they launch their three-pronged attack on the Championship.
2013
is the fourth season in the BTCC for eBay Motors, the UK’s leading
online automotive marketplace, and looks to be the most exciting yet.
Colin
Turkington said: “I’m
really excited to be back in the BTCC with eBay Motors for the 2013
season. I have a long relationship with WSR and we’ve experienced
some great success together in both the BTCC and WTCC. I am hoping
to bring that success once again this year. Getting behind the wheel
of the NGTC specification BMW will be a new challenge and I can’t
wait to be back on the grid at Brands Hatch on 31st
March.”
Rob
Collard said: “Colin and I raced together
in 2006 and his addition to the team sees us look stronger than ever.
I hope to build on last year’s strong performances and will be
looking to win races in the new BMW 125i M Sport.”
Nick Foster said “It’s
going to be fantastic having Rob and Colin as teammates this year.
I’m looking forward to learning from both of them to building on my
success with the eBay Motors team.”
 |
| The 2009 BTCC champion returns to WSR in 2013 |
eBay
Motors Team Principal Dick Bennetts added:
“It’s really great to have Colin back on
board for the 2013 BTCC season. With Rob, Nick and now Colin, I
believe eBay Motors have a very strong driver line-up capable of
challenging for Championship honours.”
Andrew Hooks, eBay’s Head of Hard Goods (Motoring &
Electronics), said: “We are excited at the
prospect of a fourth BTCC season and wish our drivers all the very
best for the challenging and thrilling season that lays ahead.”
The first race of this year’s Championship takes place
at Brands Hatch on the 31st
March 2013, with the Media Day at Donington on the 21st
March.
To keep up to speed with all the news on the car
development and the drivers’ preparations visit
www.ebaymotorsbtcc.co.uk
and follow us @ebaymotorsbtcc
Yokohama supports Formula Four and Atom Cup in 2013
 |
| The new Ariel Atom Cup car |
The brand has been selected as control tyre for two of the newest and potentially most exciting formulae for the 2013 season. Formula 4 is a new series, run by the British Racing Drivers' Club, the BRDC. Based on identical cars owned and run by teams or individual drivers, the series is based on three races per weekend at some of the UK's most prominent circuits. Identical engines, transmissions and chassis but with huge set-up options mean that the emphasis will be on drivers feel and ability, generating what promises to be exceptional racing.
Another new series to feature Yokohama as control tyres is the Atom Cup, the first race series created for race-prepared versions of the legendary high-performance Ariel Atom road cars. The series will feature two races over each race weekend and visit eight circuits around the UK. The series will be run under three packages, catering for drivers with a wide range of budgets and based on the success of similar series run in America, should provide excellent, cost effective racing for experienced, as well as novice, drivers.
Yokohama will continue with its numerous relationships with race and rally series in the UK, including Formula 1000, which allows young drivers to start in rallying before they turn 17, the Caterham Academy and of course, Sports 2000. It will also continue as tyre supplier to the Irish Touring Car Championship, which sees exciting racing in a two-class structure in Ireland, for Touring and Super Touring-specification cars.
The UK distributor, Yokohama HPT Ltd, will also introduce the new radial tyres for sidecar racing, an area it has enjoyed notable success in recent years, particularly in the world-famous Isle of Man TT races. Tyres are already in production for F2 specification outfits and testing on F1 class machinery will begin in the New Year.
Commenting, Head of Motorsport at Yokohama HPT Ltd, Mark Evans, said; "2012 was a fantastic year for Yokohama in all forms of motorsport and it looks as if 2013 will go one step further... In the UK, we're very excited to be involved in both Formula 4 and the Atom Cup. F4 looks to be a fantastic start in single seat racing for up and coming drivers looking for a series that will allow their talent to shine through. And the Atom Cup has given racers something they have been looking for for some time - a genuine race series for the Ariel Atom."
For more information on Yokohama and its motorsport involvement, go towww.yokohama.co.uk.
Check out our interview with Atom Cup series director, Mark Harrison here
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Autosport International 2013 : Britcar announces plans for 2013 and beyond
Britcar Boss James Tucker talks to Chris Lucas about the plans for the 2013 British Endurance championship, the replacement for the 2013 Britcar 24 hours and the future of the around the clock racing event at Silverstone
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Autosport International 2013 : Ariel Atom Cup - Video Interview
Our presenter, Chris Lucas, meets Atom Cup organiser Mark Harrison to talk about the first one make racing series for the Ariel Atom at the Autosport International Show 2013
BARC unveil Formula Renault 1.6
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| The new Formula Renault 1.6 takes pride of place on the BARC Stand |
Representatives from the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) today, Thursday, 10th January, gave drivers, teams and members of the media their first chance to see the Formula Renault 1.6 car on UK soil during the opening day of the 2013 Autosport International Show at Birmingham NEC.
Presenting
the ‘junior’ Formula Renault chassis to the biggest possible
audience at the world’s most popular and heavily attended
motorsport show of its kind, the BARC is evaluating interest shown by
competitors and teams ahead of a planned introduction of the car into
British motor racing in 2014.
Designed
and constructed by Signature in France and powered by a 1.6-litre
Renault engine, which produces 140bhp, the all-carbon Formula Renault
1.6 is a perfect entry-level single-seater for young drivers who are
making the move into car racing for the first time.
With
the hugely successful and cost-effective Protyre Formula Renault
Championship having grown significantly in recent years under the
stewardship of the BARC, the Thruxton-based organisation is confident
the time is right to consider bringing a new, sensibly priced,
standalone Formula Renault 1.6 Championship to UK shores to run
alongside the sister category.
“We’ve
been delighted with the interest shown in the 1.6 car already on just
the opening day of the show”, said Protyre Formula Renault
Championship promoter Simon North, “It’s a fantastic car for
young drivers planning on moving up from karting or, indeed, those
who are new to motorsport and considering a potential career in
single-seaters.
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| The new car targets young drivers, and will run alongside the Renault Clio Cup |
“Dependant
on the levels of interest shown and then further enquiries during the
coming weeks and months, we will then make a decision on whether to
introduce Formula Renault 1.6 into the UK in 2014. There’s also the
possibility of bringing that forward and running a Winter Series for
the car at the end of this year, that would be the ideal scenario.”
Formula
Renault 1.6 will run in northern Europe this year with two
championships established, the first running alongside the Formula
Renault 2.0 Northern European Cup as an ‘NEC Junior’ series and
the other as a Scandinavian Championship mainly based in Sweden.
In
addition to its involvement with Protyre Formula Renault, its new
position as custodian of the Renault UK Clio Cup and a lead role in
the organisation of the recently announced Clio Cup Series, the
BARC’s commitment to its partnership with Renault is as strong as
ever
New Formula Ford unveiled
Young race drivers from across the globe are eyeing this season’s new-look Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain.
Competitors
from 10 countries have registered firm interest with series
organisers. With 10 weeks until the opening round, officials are
delighted with the response to the major changes introduced to the
category for 2013.
 |
| Months of design work have gone into the new car |
“The
number of serious inquiries from international drivers who are
considering committing to the series has exceeded our expectations.
“Competitors
from USA, Finland, South Africa and Argentina, countries that are
regular participants in the championship, have either tested a car or
been in talks. But what is particularly encouraging is that we’ve
had similar interest from drivers in Greece and Norway.
 |
| The new car will compete on the TOCA package |
“The
Autosport show traditionally raises the curtain on the motorsport
season and we’ve maintained the strong momentum here by displaying
the car and meeting with other prospective competitors and teams
wishing to join us for 2013,” added Norton.
The
new high-tech EcoBoost 200 car will provide racers with the world’s
most technically advanced junior single-seater cars. Increased power
from the turbocharged engine allied to the introduction of
aerodynamic front and rear wings, one of the biggest technical
advances in the championship’s history, will transform the car into
the UK’s fastest junior single-seater.
The
1.6-litre unit is a proven and reliable entity. It is the same
downsized, high-efficiency EcoBoost engine as used in Ford’s latest
production cars and has a successful season’s race development
behind it. For 2013 its electronics will be remapped to boost power
output in excess of 200PS.
The
chassis complies fully with the FIA’s latest stringent safety
requirements equivalent to that of Formula 3 and also boasts a
Formula 3-specification six-speed gearbox and on-board data logging
and track mapping.
Ford
of Europe’s design team played a key role in the look of the car.
Its input ensured the EcoBoost 200 visually reflects the successful
kinetic design styling cues synonymous with Ford’s product line-up.
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| The new car looks fantastic with hit's new wings |
Formula
Ford has an increased profile to match, as a support series to the
Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship for the next three years.
The agreement delivers live TV coverage at each of the 10 race
weekends, incorporating 30 races, on UK terrestrial channel ITV4.
The
calendar begins on 30 / 31 March at Brands Hatch and visits Donington
Park, Thruxton, Oulton Park, Croft, Snetterton, Knockhill, Rockingham
and Silverstone before returning to Brands Hatch for the final rounds
on 12 / 13 October.
Yokohama supports Formula Four
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| The New Formula Four Car has caught lots of eyes |
The Japanese brand of high-performance and motorsport tyres, Yokohama, has been selected as control tyres for a brand new UK race series. The BRDC Formula 4 series, based on identical 'slicks and wings' single seat race cars, will use Yokohama dry slick and moulded wet tyres throughout the 2013 inaugural season.
Announced in late 2012 and launched at the 2013 Autosport international show, the series is run by the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) and will be managed by MSV, the company founded by former Formula One driver, Dr Jonathan Palmer.
The series is based on 24 identical cars, designed and built by RFR, founded by Ralph Firman who also created the legendary Van Dieman operation. All will be built to an identical specification, use sealed engines and transmissions yet allow the individual teams and drivers a wide range of set-up possibilities, including front and rear suspension geometry.
The engines are Ford Duratec units supplied by renowned specialist Cosworth mated to paddle-shift Sadev developed transmissions. With power of 185bhp and low weight, they will provide an exciting yet cost-effective first step into the world of single seater racing.
Following its long-standing relationship with MSV, Yokohama has been selected to provide the tyres for the series, which will feature three races over each of the eight race weekends. Each team will be allowed unlimited wet tyres but just four dry slicks for each weekend.
The tyres will be from the Yokohama A005 dry and A006 wet ranges, sized 200/50x13 for the front and 240/45x13 rear. The UK distributor, Yokohama HPT Ltd will service the series, including distributing tyres and providing technical support at every round of the series, which visits some of the UK's most famous circuits, including Silverstone and Brands Hatch.
Commenting, Head of Motorsport at Yokohama HPT Ltd, Mark Evans, said; "We're delighted to be involved in the new BRDC Formula 4 Championship which we know is going to be a great success and a fantastic stepping stone for young aspiring drivers. Using all our previous experience in this area, and in keeping with the cost-effective approach of the series, we've opted for a tyre that can offer both optimum performance and durability.
"Production of the tyres began in November with an extensive testing programme taking place early next year. Throughout the season YOKOHAMA will of course be offering full technical support with a dedicated team attending all race weekends and official test days."
Giles Butterfield, Group Operations and Engineering Manager for MSV, added: "Given Yokohama's pedigree as an international tyre supplier we had no hesitation in selecting them for the new BRDC F4 Championship. They've been able to deliver us a tyre that is not only very hard-wearing but also able to get the best out of the car which will no doubt lead to some great, close racing."
The likely popularity of the series is clear, with all 24 cars being sold before the end of the 2012 racing season. The New Year will see the start of the intensive testing period, before cars begin shipping to teams and private drivers.
Video of the launch of the new F4 car is coming soon to Overdrive
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| Jonathan Palmer and Derek Warwick unveil the car in front of the press (Including Overdrive!) |
Friday, 4 January 2013
Italian Champion Baiocco returns to British Superbikes with Ducati
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| Matteo Baiocco in action on his Ducati |
Reigning
Italian Superbike Champion Matteo Baiocco has signed a one-year deal
to join the Moto Rapido Ducati team to contest this year’s MCE
British Superbike Championship.
The
28-year-old, from Osimo in Italy, rode for the Winchester-based squad
at Silverstone last year as an injury replacement and returns for a
full season with the blessing of Ducati, where he is an official 1199
Panigale test rider.
“I
am very happy to finally formalise my agreement with the team Moto
Rapido. We have been working for this together for a long time and I
really want to thank Steve Moore for this opportunity. During 2012 I
had already got to know Moto Rapido team and BSB, I like the team
very much and I am excited to race in BSB,” said Baoix, as he is
known in his native country.
“This
will be a very important season for me after winning in Italy and I
look forward to the challenge of riding in BSB and will do my best to
be competitive in the best national series in the world. I want to
say thank you to Ducati Corse and Ducati UK who will help us in this
season.
A
big hello to all the British fans that have a great passion and
loyalty for racing.”
Team
principal Steve Moore added: “Firstly I am really pleased to
continue our project in BSB with Ducati and I am very happy to have
put pen to paper with Matteo over the Christmas break. He is quite a
character and I am sure the BSB fans will love him.
Matteo
is twice Italian Superbike Champion with Ducati and his strong links
to the factory brings increased technical support from Ducati Corse.
With the upgrade to the 1199R Panigale this year we are expecting to
progress well. We are still a new team so the challenge has been
huge, but this season is looking stronger than ever for us and we
have more exciting news still to come.”
“Thank
you to our customers and sponsors including Solent Scientific,
Aerodynamics, Motul for the continued support. On a personal note I
would like to thank Scott Smart for the hard work of the last few
seasons with us,his technical ability is astonishing and has helped
us develop all areas of the 1199. We’ll be cheering him on in
Supersport this year.”
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