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3-4 February Bahrain - Super i1 Series

28-29 January Taupo Motorsport Park,NZ  , Toyota Racing Series

4-5 February Hampton Downs, Auckland, Toyota Racing Series

10-11 February  Losail - i1 Super Series

11-12 February Manfeild, New Zealand GP – Toyota Racing Series

25-26 February Buddh Int Circuit - i1 Super Series

9-10 March Yas Marina - i1 Super Series

15-17 March Sebring 12 Hours -  FIA WEC,ALMS

15-18 March Melbourne, Aus GP – Formula Ford

17 March Oulton Park – Masters Historic Racing

24 March Oulton Park – BARC

24-25 March Brands Hatch Indy – MSVR

25 March Silverstone – BRSCC

30 Mar – 1 Apr Symmons Plains, Aus  - Formula Ford, V8 Supercars

31 March Oulton Park – BRSCC

Donington Park – BARC

31 Mar – 1 Apr Pembrey - BARC

Ultimate Christmas gifts - New for Christmas 2011: Supercar Roulette - Experience the ‘Thrill’ of Silverstone from just £79 - What to get a teenager?

Silverstone has the ultimate gift for everyone this Christmas, with a wide range of Driving Thrills and Experiences available at discounted, festive season rates. New for 2011 is Silverstone’s £79 Supercar Roulette Voucher*, providing friends and family with the opportunity to drive one of three iconic road cars – either a Ferrari, Nissan GT-R or Aston Martin – in the tyre tracks of legends, at the home of the British Grand Prix.

The Supercar Roulette Voucher is perfect for anyone wanting an adrenaline fuelled taste of life in the fast lane. The choice of supercars ticks all the boxes: for budding 007s, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is ready to be shaken not stirred, while for those preferring a touch of Italian flair, Silverstone’s fleet of Ferraris are waiting to be driven with style. Alternatively, for a modern engineering marvel, the Nissan GT-R offers a perfect amalgamation of luxury and speed. 

The voucher also removes any uncertainty surrounding which supercar to choose for friends and family, as Supercar Roulette comes with a twist: recipients won’t know which of these three sensational, high performance cars they will be driving until they get to Silverstone on the day. An additional £70 will secure the opportunity to drive two of these spectacular cars. 

In addition to the Supercar Roulette, Silverstone offers an impressive collection of first-class driving Thrills. From £85, members of the public can take to sections of the world famous Grand Prix Circuit in one of Silverstone’s supercars, including a Lotus Exige, Audi R8 or Nissan 370Z.  

Alternatively, for any aspiring Lewis Hamiltons or Jenson Buttons, the Single Seater Thrill is the closest many will ever get to driving a Formula One car at Silverstone, providing a slick, super-quick taste of formula racing. Then again, others may prefer to tackle the Rally Thrill, providing some off-road fun on a purpose-built rally handling stage in a works-built Ford Fiesta ST 150. 

Silverstone Driving Experiences make perfect gifts for those wanting a little more time behind the wheel and out on track. In the run up to Christmas, Silverstone is offering ‘festive special prices’ on two of its most popular Experiences: the Single Seater Experience, reduced to £159 from £175; and the Ferrari 360 Experience, now only £199 (reduced from £255*). 

What to get for teenagers…Silverstone also has younger members of the family covered off this Christmas. The Northamptonshire circuit provides teenagers (aged 13 years and above) with a unique opportunity to learn the basics of driving a car, or riding a motorcycle on its Rookie Drive or Rookie Ride Experience (available from £50). Both Experiences are designed to introduce teens to driving and riding in a safe and controlled environment, with first class tuition from fully qualified instructors (visit www.silverstone.co.uk for age restrictions). 

For further information on the full range of Driving Thrills and Experiences available at Silverstone this Christmas, visit www.silverstone.co.uk or call 0844 3728 270.

*Offer ends 31 December 2011. Product specific terms and conditions apply. Vouchers cannot be redeemed until 04 January 2012 and are valid until 31 March 2012. Please note that height, weight, age and driving licence restrictions can vary across the range of Silverstone Driving Experiences available – visit www.silverstone.co.uk for full details.

Christmas Driving Gift Ideas from MotorSport Vision

MotorSport Vision, owners of five major UK circuits including Brands Hatch and Oulton Park, has revealed its full line up of Christmas driving gift ideas with a range of experiences to thrill all petrolheads this winter. Activities available on track include F1-style single seater driving with RaceMaster, and powerful saloon car action in a BMW M3 with M3 Master. Off-road highlights includes sideways excitement in a works prepared rally car and sheer drops and waist-high water passes with MudMaster.Youngsters aged 11-17 can experience motoring for the first time in a brand new MINI One with YoungDrive! This is priced at just £79, with 12 month vouchers available. Other experience gift vouchers start from £99.Enthusiastic motorists can also take their own vehicle on track with Club MSV trackdays from as little as £20.A full line up of experiences available from MotorSport Vision and Club MSV are attached with this email, and a selection of high resolution images are also available by clicking here. We’d love you to feature our range in any Christmas gift guides you plan to run, and will be happy to provide any additional information or photography.For more information on MSV Driving Gifts visit www.msvdrivinggifts.com or call 0843 453 1000.

Sat Nav Deals

Photographers

Power Images Photography www.power-images.co.uk 

Dennis Goodwin Photography http://www.dennisg-photography.co.uk/

www.raceinstructors.com   UK based race driving instructors website

ARPRO^® improves impact resistance in motorsport

Classified

Souriau to launch “convenience” and “performance” motorsport connectors at Autosport International  read more

Zircotec coating cools hot racing cars 

Competitors offered 20 percent discount off Zircotec thermal barrier coatings in support of National Motorsport Week 

Race and rally licence holders ordering a ThermoHold® ceramic thermal barrier coating from Zircotec during National Motorsport Week will receive a substantial 20 percent off of the retail price.  The offer, in support of National Motorsport Week, will enable motorsport participants at all levels to enjoy the safety, performance and reliability benefits of managing heat in a competition car at a significantly lower price.  “National Motorsport Week exists to highlight the UK’s importance in all areas of international motor sport,” says Zircotec sales director Peter Whyman. “We wanted to make our own contribution by offering something to those taking part in motorsport, at whatever discipline they compete.” Research suggests that motorsport contributes £6billion to the UK economy each year and employs over 40,000 skilled people. In the UK there are 32,000 competition licence holders.  Any motorsport competitor wishing to take up the offer simply needs to quote their licence number when ordering a coating for any component. “The coating can be used to manage  underbonnet heat and can be applied to turbos, exhausts, heat shields, body panels to solve heat-related safety and  durability issues as well as enhancing car and driver performance,” adds Whyman. “With our coatings used on everything from National Hot Rods and Touring Cars through to Classic Motorbikes and Formula One, many competitors can benefit from the advantages it provides with the added bonus of a lower price.

Zircotec presents new range of colours and finishes for high-technology ceramic coating  A new range of colours and metallic finishes is being developed by Zircotec for its successful plasma-sprayed ceramic coating. …read more

A cost-effective tyre pressure monitoring system for touring cars has been developed by industry leaders BERU f1systems. Specifically for closed- wheel, road car-derived saloons and sports cars, the system provides accurate tyre pressure and temperature information for drivers and engineers to optimise tyre pressures and wear, as well as offering puncture detection…more

Club Racers mail your news to editorthegrid@yahoo.co.uk 

Check out our Letters page - Send your comments to 'the Grid'  click here

NEWS

03/02/2012  

F1600: Black Watch Racing Group will contest the 2012 F1600 Formula F Championship Series season with a two car team made up of Dan Murphy and F1600 race winner Jim Goughary. The duo will race the team’s freshly rebuilt Van Diemen/Hondas for the full six-event, 12-race 2012 schedule. The team recently completed a test in Florida and plans to go back to a SCCA Regional at Sebring in February, in addition to VIRginia International Raceway in March. “Our goal for 2012 is to be the number one team in the F1600 Championship Series,” said Dan Murphy, driver and also the team owner. “I'm particularly looking forward to learning from Jim, and I’m excited to be associated with a driver of his caliber. The cars are in top condition and we are anxious to get started.” Goughary, meanwhile, will be back to hunt for a Championship after finishing third in the final standings in 2012, winning the opening race in Series history by a few inches. “I do not see any other professional racing in the country that offers racing this close at this cost,” said Goughary said. “I felt like we had a shot at winning the series last year, but did not manage to get it done. Maybe this year we can pull that off. And, from a driver’s standpoint these cars keep you very sharp, and that level of driving transfers into all types of racing.The future of Black Watch Racing starts right now and being there from the beginning is something special,” he added. The 12-race, six-weekend 2012 season starts at VIRginia International Raceway, April 12-15.

Ginetta Supercup: Members of the original fan funded project YourRacingCar.com, which has been a steadfast feature of the British Touring Car Championship paddock since 2009, have had to wait until now to learn the car and driver that they will be supporting in the 2012 season. Max Coates has been recruited for a multi-year project with the ambitious crew from Milton Keynes who, having participated in the Ginetta G50 Cup, Renault Clio Cup and British Touring Car Championship in recent years, have elected to return to back Max in the Ginetta Supercup. Speaking about the project, YRC founder Hannah James said “Going back Ginetta was an easy decision to make. It’s far and away the best value championship from a fans perspective and in reality that’s all that matters to us. It’s exciting, the cars are fantastic and basing ourselves at the heart of the BTCC support paddock means we can offer more access to our members than ever before”. Hannah admits that Max has been a target for YRC since mid-way through the 2011 season when his dogged determination, despite budgetary constraints, was obvious for all to see. “Our activities have always been lead as far as possible by our fans interests. Max is totally different from any driver I’ve met before and having an opportunity to help support someone with his spirit, not to mention talent, is something I know our members will be thrilled about”. Max is equally enthusiastic about his tie up with YourRacingCar.com, "Partnering with YRC this year is a great opportunity. Having fans is an important part of being a racing driver and this unique supporters club gives me the opportunity to do just that. The work that YRC has done over the past few years has been incredible and the people behind it, the management within YRC and the members themselves, are fully committed to the group. For me it is a chance to increase my relationships with fans and I can't wait to get going with it."  With just seven weeks before the start of the championship the YRC crew will be introducing Max to their members and are hoping to recruit many more before Max hits the track for the first time carrying the pictures of every YRC member at Brands Hatch on March 31st. Fans can join YourRacingCar.com online and benefits of club membership include free tea, coffee and hot chocolate trackside at each of the BTCC events in 2012, discounts of BTCC race day tickets and their choice of picture to be displayed on the roof of the YRC race car throughout the season.

Endurance Racing: British duo Allan McNish and Oliver Jarvis will race in the Le Mans 24 Hours in June driving for the “factory” Audi Sport team which plans to enter four cars – two of which will be equipped with hybrid drive for the first time. McNish (42), from Dumfries, and Cambridge’s Jarvis (28) were announced at an Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) presentation in Paris on Thursday evening along with André Lotterer (D) and Timo Bernhard (D) as the nominated driver for each of the German manufacturer’s four sportscars aiming to earn Audi an 11th Le Mans win. McNish is a former two-time winner of the legendary sportscar race (1998 & 2008) – having finished in the top-three a further five times.This year’s event on 16-17 June marks the Scotsman’s 13th Le Mans race – his 10th with Audi. Jarvis, meanwhile, competes at Le Mans for only the second time and the first time with the “factory” Audi team. Oliver, who has raced in the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) with Audi since 2008, drove a “customer” Audi R10 TDI in the 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours. In addition to the 56-cars invited to compete in the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, the ACO also announced the entrants for the re-born FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Audi Sport Team Joest has entered two cars with Audi planning to field additional cars at selected races such as the 12-hour race at Sebring (USA) and the 6-hours at Spa (Belgium).The new Audi sports-prototype with hybrid drive will be presented at the end of February with its first competitive outing at the Spa 6-hours on May 5. The WEC season begins at Sebring on March 17 where Audi Sport Team Joest will  rely on the Audi R18 TDI.

OAK Racing has secured three entries for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. After first stepping up to the premier prototype class last season, the French outfit – based at the Le Mans Technoparc – will return with a single Judd-powered OAK-Pescarolo LMP1 with the full intention of challenging for conventional petrol-powered honours. A strong challenge will also be mounted in the junior prototype category after a pair of Morgan LMP2s – prepared by OAK Racing and designed by its constructor division Onroak Automotive – also secured grid slots. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the famous British marque’s only class victory at Le Mans to date, a record the team will hope to add to in 2012 following three podium finishes in the past four years. An extremely competitive 30-car entry list (18 of which are prototypes) for the newly-created FIA World Endurance Championship was also revealed in Paris at the headquarters of TF1 whose Eurosport television channel will broadcast live WEC and Le Mans 24 Hours coverage throughout 2012.  As confirmed yesterday, OAK Racing will field a single OAK-Pescarolo LMP1 in the eight-round global sportscar championship alongside a Morgan LMP2. OAK Racing’s full driver line-ups for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours and WEC will be announced at a later date. Jacques Nicolet, OAK Racing Team Owner: “The fact that as many private teams have entered LMP1 as LMP2 is, for me, complete proof of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s appeal, so understandably I am extremely enthusiastic about the fact that OAK Racing has secured two prototype slots. The entire team is also delighted to be part of Morgan’s Le Mans 24 Hours return with a pair of LMP2s. In putting together an exceptional entry list – perhaps amongst the best in the race’s 80-year history – the ACO offers us an opportunity to express ourselves in an ultra-competitive environment. It’s an environment that will hopefully see OAK Racing fully demonstrate its qualities as a team and its pair of LMP2 Morgans. In addition, we have decided to enter just one LMP1 in the WEC and at the Le Mans 24 Hours as we concentrate our resources in finding improved performance. Nevertheless, a second LMP1 and dedicated technical team will be devoted to a development programme throughout the year that will not only advance future evolutions but also build towards the new technical regulations due in 2014.”  Pic DPPI/Le Meur

Toyota Racing has expanded its plans for the 2012 season and entered the FIA World Endurance Championship. The team had originally planned only to take part in selected races – fewer than required to be considered a full-time entrant – but revised its programme after unexpected changes faced by the championship. This means the Toyota TS030 Hybrid will make its racing debut at the Six Hours of Spa Francorchamps on 5 May. Toyota Racing has also confirmed it will enter two cars for the Le Mans 24 Hours on 16/17 June. The regular driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapierre and Kazui Nakajima are confirmed for the race, with details of the line-up for the additional car to be announced shortly.Yoshiaki Kinoshita, team president, said: “The circumstances for the championship changed suddenly in recent weeks and Toyota Racing considers it important to work together with the FIA and ACO to establish a successful future for endurance racing. We have done everything we can to show our support and we look forward to an exciting season, including the opportunity to race two cars at Le Mans.

Karts: Formula K Europe’s faith in the abilities of Super One champion Ed Brand was rewarded as he delivered a much-deserved 3rd place at Whilton Mill. Defending Super One and Kartmasters champion Ed Brand demonstrated the potential of the Formula K chassis with a stirring drive from tenth on the grid to an eventual podium last Sunday (29 January). It was Brand’s first competitive outing on the Italian-made kart and since renewing his partnership with engine tuners, HRS. Race day started brightly with an encouraging 2nd place in the opening heat. Ed’s fortunes took a temporary nosedive in the following race, but a superb drive in the third heat saw him lift his team’s spirits as he carved his way from 26th to 8th to take a fifth row start for the A final. Passing four karts in the opening lap, Ed steadily edged his way up the order and by mid-distance was 3rd. Despite the leading pair being comfortably ahead, Brand remorselessly hunted them down – setting the fastest lap of the race on the penultimate tour. On this occasion, he had to settle for 3rd albeit that a higher finish looked almost certain had there been more time. “This is a great result for me, the team (Protrain), HRS and of course, the Formula K chassis. Although I couldn’t take the win on this occasion, I feel that we’ve done enough to prove that it’s not a case of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The Formula K is a pleasure to drive, is nicely balanced and allows the engine to deliver its power smoothly.” He added, “We’ve had a positive start to the year and I have great expectations for the forthcoming season.”     

WTCC: Honda announced today, Friday, they will join the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Honda CEO Takanobu Ito explained: "We took the decision to enter in the WTCC with the European Civic. We will develop a totally new engine for this project and we are all excited about starting this new challenge."For this project, Honda formed a joint partnership with Mugen and J.A.S. Motorsport. Mugen will manufacture a 1.6-litre turbo bespoke racing engine developed by Honda R&D and will maintain it at the races along with the team. J.A.S. Motorsport will develop the race car, using the new Honda Civic 5-door produced in Honda's manufacturing plant located in Swindon, UK. Honda's ambition is to join the WTCC as early as this season, with a string of "inaugural rounds". Discussions are currently being held with the FIA, but these rounds would include Japan (on 21 October at Suzuka), China and Macau. Honda will then enter a two-car team, managed by J.A.S. Motorsport, in the full 2013 championship season. Honda press release reads: "The FIA WTCC is the next chapter in Honda's on-going commitment to world motor sport and provides a perfect platform to demonstrate its racing spirit to Honda's numerous fans around the world." Olivier Fisch, Managing Director of Eurosport Events commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Honda in WTCC. Their commitment is a great reward for the huge, joint effort the FIA and Eurosport Events have done all these years to make the championship growing and become popular worldwide. We wish Honda to be successful in this new racing programme."  

Auto GP: Kumho has won the contract to be the sole supplier of tyres to the international Auto GP series. The appointment comes at an interesting time as, new for this season, all Auto GP teams will be required to use two specifications of tyre per weekend; as occurs in F1. Auto GP is already one of the premier schooling grounds for Grand Prix drivers, and giving this year’s competitors the opportunity to learn the management of both ‘prime’ and ‘option’ tyre compounds at each of the seven circuits visited will further strengthen that role. So too will the introduction of a KERS-style over-boost system (by which an extra 50bhp can be summoned 10 times per race) plus a mandatory pit stop for each race (pits stops previously only applied to the first race of each weekend). The second race has alkso been extended to match the first. Steve Thompson, European Motorsport Manager for Kumho Tyres: “The new tyres provided our designers with a number of challenges. Firstly, they had to be able to deal with the considerable power, speed and downforce created by these cars. Secondly, we were required to produce one compound that gave consistent performance throughout and one that initially performed better but also degraded faster – thereby providing the teams with a suitably demanding test of strategy and tyre management. The first challenge was meat and drink to our designers, owing to the inherent characteristics of our tyres. The second request was a harder nut to crack!”  Auto GP s roots lie in the Italian Formula 3000 series of 1999, but was first run in its current format and name in 2010, when it was won by the Swiss driver Romain Grosjean. This launched his career and he was last year crowned champion of both GP2 and GP2 Asia, and will now partner Kimi Räikkönen in the 2012 Lotus F1 team. The outright winner of Auto GP in 2011 was the precocious 18-year old Italian Kevin Ceccon, who plans to graduate to GP2 this year. The three-day Auto GP meetings comprise of practice on the Friday, qualifying and Race One on Saturday and Race Two on Sunday. In 2012 the series will visit Monza, Valencia, Marrakech, Hungaroring,Estoril, Curitiba and Sonoma (USA). The Auto GP season kicks off at Monza on March 9/10/11.

02-02-12

Clio Cup: Fast-growing motorsport team Scuderia Vittoria has snapped up three Scottish racers for an assault on the Renault Clio UK Cup – with backing from One Call Insurance. Vic Covey Jr(pictured at Knockhill) Finlay Crocker and Ronnie Klos are all delighted as the support from One Call enables them to contest the series which is  support to the British Touring Car Championship.  All three drivers have emerged from the Knockhill-based Scottish Mini Challenge, a series that 27-year-old Covey won in 2008. “This will be the first time I’ve raced in a non-Scottish series,” he said. “It’s very exciting and it’s going to be a baptism of fire. I go motor racing to enjoy it and I am very fortunate to raise the budget for Clios, thanks to One Call. The team around me in the form of Scuderia Vittoria are great.” Crocker, a three-time runner-up in the Scottish Mini Challenge, added: “I did a part-season in Clios in 2007 but never had the budget to do it properly until now. This is a great opportunity for me with a good bunch of guys.” Klos has spent a few seasons out of the driving seat but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been an integral part of the motorsport scene – he is a supporter of the career of BTCC superstar Gordon Shedden, who was runner-up in 2011. All three drivers will make the long trip to Brands Hatch for their first test next Monday February 6 – which will be the first taste of the Clio for Covey and Klos. Danny Buxton, the co-team principal of Scuderia Vittoria, said: “We’ve just taken delivery of three new cars. They’re being prepared at the moment at our workshop, in the premises of top BTCC team WSR, and we can’t wait to get started. “Coming from Minis, the guys need to get used to slick tyres but even so I think we’re going to surprise a few people. We’ve got a good testing programme lined up and combined with Scuderia Vittoria’s coaching we can hopefully help all three drivers compete at a strong level. That’s definitely been helped by linking up with One Call – it’s fantastic to get backing from a nationwide company.”  One Call Insurance is one of the UK’s fastest-growing insurance brokers, and searches the market to find the best insurance quote for car and home from a panel of leading UK providers. pic Richard Pascal 11/565 Motorsport

The Masters Historic Racing Series will be ‘back on track’ in just six weeks time when their 2012 race season roars into life at Oulton Park. Saturday 17th March is the date for first meeting of the new season which will use the International Circuit layout.  Headlining the day’s action will be races for: World Sportscar Masters, Gentlemen Drivers, Masters Pre-66 Touring Cars,         Masters 70s Celebration (with revamped regulations for 2012 and new class structure, see Masters Website for details below) and  a special Single-Seater Allcomers race to add to the excitement. The Entry Form and Provisional Timetable are now available to download from the Event Information section of the website (www.themastersseries.com). Oulton Park is one of UK’s favourite tracks for competitors and spectators, and it is hoped  that this event will grow into a ‘must do’ event for historic racers over the coming seasons.  It might not be the warmest event on the calendar, but the Masters Café will be on hand with hot drinks and snacks throughout the day!

Historics: Fiskens, London's foremost historic automobile specialists, unveiled a stunning selection from their current inventory on the opening day (February 1) of this year's Retromobile Show in Paris.A total of 11 cars made the trip from the London-based company's Kensington Mews to the French capital, where the character and variety of the vehicles on show instantly captured the imagination of the gathered crowds.  Perhaps most eye catching was the 1925 Bentley 3-Litre Team Car(pictured), the iconic marque’s first factory Le Mans entry and as such a piece of British motoring history. It was joined by two more Bentleys, one of them a remarkably original Speed Six Grafton coupe, with a superbly race pedigreed Lister Jaguar completing the British contingent. Fine Italian engineering was also well represented on Fiskens’ stand, with a pair of Ferraris accompanying an extensively raced Maserati and a wonderfully maintained Siata. The line-up was completed by three historic French racing cars that span the automobile industry's meteoric technological development during the 20th Century, including a 1908 French Grand Prix Panhard-Levassor that was unveiled by Olivier Panis. Pic: Tim Scott / Fluid Images

Endurance Racing: Greaves Motorsport has added Lucas Ordonez as the final element in the team’s driver line up for 2012. Driving one of the team’s pair of Nissan powered Zytek LM P2 prototypes, Lucas will take part in the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, partnering Alex and Martin Brundle. He will also compete in the 2012 European Le Mans Series with Alex Brundle and reigning LMS LM P2 Champion, Tom Kimber-Smith. Lucas, a 26 year old from Madrid, is the first graduate of the Nissan/PlayStation Academy and has gone from ‘Lounge to Le Mans’ in just three years. Since leaving the virtual world of motorsport gaming in 2008 he has established himself as a rising star in real world of endurance racing, driving Nissan GT and prototype cars. Lucas is joining Greaves Motorsport, who are the 2011 Champions in the LM P2 class at both Le Mans and in the Le Mans Series. Lucas commented on the news, “2011 was an incredible year for me, I learned a lot with Signatech Nissan. They believed in me and trusted me to get the job done. Nissan has set me my next challenge: an overall championship victory. With two top team-mates and a championship-winning team I am aiming to win the European Le Mans Series outright. The Le Mans 24 Hours will again be a big challenge for me and I’m very much looking forward to racing with Martin (Brundle) as I will learn a lot from him. With Martin, Alex and myself I think we will have one of the strongest line-ups in LM P2. It feels great to be able to say that!”  Greaves Motorsport Team Manager, Jacob Greaves, commented. “Greaves Motorsport is very pleased to have Lucas join us. We saw first hand last year how he was developing as a driver and it is great to have him in the car. We feel that our team and driver line up, combined with Nissan, Zytek and Dunlop, will give us a very competitive package for 2012 and we aim to repeat our success of 2011.”

01-02-02

The 2012 AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK is bursting at the blocks as the series looks forward to yet another exciting season. With many new teams and drivers confirmed already, the current crop of Renault Clio racers are lining up in the wings. Last year’s Teams Champion, Team Pyro, are set to run a full six car team, whilst 2011 newcomers in Scuderia Vittoria also return with an expanded operation of up to six cars after filling four seats already. Team head Danny Buxton announced that Luke Wright will return to the series and will be accompanied by Mini Challenge convert Finlay Crocker, Scottish Mini Cooper Cup champion Vic Covey Junior and former Scottish Legends racer Ronnie Clos.  Westbourne Motorsport, headed by paddock favourite James Colburn adds a full season teammate in Ant Whorton-Eales. Ant is no stranger to the grid, having competed in the final few races of last years’ season and the taste of Clio has brought him back hungry for more. Another returnee from 2011 is Simon Belcher, who’s new fabulously liveried Karcher car, running under the name of Handy Motorsport, was unveiled during the Autosport International Show in Birmingham. Lithuanian powerhouse Juta Racing brings in a European flavoured assault to the Clio paddock. Expanding their Porsche operation to include three brand new Clios, two seats are already filled by Tautvydas Barstys Junior and Ignis Gelzinis. As a prominent support race on the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) platform and benefiting from live TV coverage, it remains the most direct link to the nation’s saloon car top step, the BTCC. Almost one third of the current BTCC grid graduated from the ranks of Renault Clio Cup UK.For 2012, the AirAsia Renault Clio Cup will be continuing with one 30-minute qualifying session and two 30-minute races at each round. There is only one key technical change in 2012. After feedback was collated from teams, the minimum weight of the car and driver increases by 15kg to 1,165kg (up from 1,150kg), allowing for slightly more balance of performance for drivers in the field.The 2012 AirAsia Renault Clio Cup kicks off on the 31st of March at Brands Hatch.  calendar

Star Mazda: Team GDT have announced that they have signed rising Colombian open-wheel star Andrés Méndez to compete in the 2012 Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. Méndez, 19 from Colombian,has been competing in both karts and open-wheel cars for the past four years in his home country, Europe and the United States. "The main thing that attracted me to come and race in the United States and the Star Mazda Championship was the Mazda Road to Indy and how it makes getting from where I am now to the top levels of racing very clear," says Méndez. "I've raced a lot over the last four years, in many countries and many different series, and it's all very confusing. Now I'm with a really good team, GDT, racing in a very professional series and in a driver development program where the goal, racing in IndyCar and at the Indy500, is right there in front of me. I'm very excited for the start of the season and to finally get my career going in the right direction." In 2011, Team GDT won its second Expert Series championship in a row with driver/team owner J.W. Roberts. The Expert Series is a race-within-a-race and a championship-within-a-championship for drivers 30 and older.  Read more

Ginetta Jnrs: Teenager Charlie Robertson has been identified by Motorsport News as one of the top three British drivers to watch in 2012 – on the day he is able to officially confirm a renewed Ginetta Junior Championship deal with top team HHC Motorsport. In today’s edition (1st February) of the weekly newspaper, 15-year-old Charlie is placed third in the annual ‘Fast 50 – Drivers to Watch 2012’ which features young competitors from all forms of motorsport, from saloon cars to rallying, karting to single-seaters.  “It was a fantastic feeling opening Motorsport News today and seeing my name in the top three of this year’s Fast 50”, said Charlie, “It’s great to come out so high up the list compared to so many top young drivers. This year I’m aiming for nothing less than the championship title in Ginetta Junior, I’ve got a great relationship with the guys at HHC and we know we’ve got what it takes to win.” Finishing as Championship runner-up in his maiden season of car racing in Ginetta Junior last year, Charlie proved to be one of the fastest and most competitive drivers in the championship. Taking three victories, the youngest winner of an MSA regulated car race with his debut success at Croft, Charlie also set lap records at four circuits visited in 2011. In the end-of-year Winter Series he won two of the four races, but championship glory went begging due to clutch failure in round two.“I’m really looking forward to testing getting underway and being back in the car, it feels like ages since the winter championship last November”, added the Surrey racer, “We know Ginetta Junior will be as tough as ever this year but, with a year’s experience under my belt, I’m well prepared and I’m confident we can fight for the title.”

Porsche Carrera Cup GB: Sam Tordoff has confirmed plans to return for a second season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB with Team Parker Racing. The Leeds-based driver had a very successful debut season in the Carrera Cup in 2011 with Team Parker Racing and was one of the leading rookies as he finished seventh in the overall championship standings. Now, the 22-year old racer is planning to use the experience gained last season to become a strong contender this year and is determined to challenge for the title. Tordoff, previously a successful kart racer, is also a BRDC Rising Star in recognition of his standing as one of Britain’s leading young sports car racers. “It was my dream to return to the Carrera Cup GB for 2012 and I strongly feel that I can do so as a title contender,” said Tordoff. “To return with Team Parker Racing, which showed in 2011 that its professionalism and ability is second to none, is a great pleasure and privilege. I’m really looking forward to working with Stuart and all the Parker team once again.” 

F1600: Bryan Herta Autosport team owners Bryan Herta and Steve Newey have partnered with Indianapolis-based businessman and Jeffrey Mark Motorsport team owner Jeff Mark to form Mygale North America. Mygale North America will import the French manufacturer’s race cars to the United States and Canada and provide customer support for new and existing Mygale car owners. Bryan Herta Autosport will campaign at least two cars in the 12-race 2012 F1600 Formula F Championship Series, competing in the Mygale SJ11 chassis with Honda power. The Formula Ford was introduced to the U.S. in 1969, and has been a training ground ever since for future professional drivers. "F1600 and F2000 are time tested and proven steppingstones to the highest level of motorsports," commented Herta. "Mygale has become the worldwide leader for these chassis, as well as multiple other championships, so the opportunity for Steve Newey and myself, along with Jeff Mark, to create a company that can distribute these winning cars to the North American market, while also creating a factory team to campaign works Mygale SJ11-Honda cars was extremely attractive." Mygale was originally established in 1989 by Bertrand DeCoster and designs and manufactures a variety of cars. "We realized immediately it was a huge opportunity to work with one of the most professional teams in the USA," said DeCoster. "We understood that we needed to come on board with the best organization and staff for our customers. Naturally, we started to discuss with Bryan and Steve the idea to distribute Mygale cars and offer quality spare parts service in North America. I personally believe that the Formula F1600 series will grow, as the USA needs a strong regional and national junior category. We are already in contact with some other clients to join the Mygale family in the USA and Canada, and have just launched a production batch of five new cars. Both companies realize that there are many projects in the USA where we could come with a fresh and powerful package for the future." The 12-race, six-weekend 2012 season starts at VIRginia International Raceway, April 12-15. Pic Valet

Karts: The burgeoning Historic Karting scene will witness perhaps the most significant event of its kind anywhere in the world next May when kart racers from across the globe meet at Donington Park to compete for the inaugural Martin Hines Trophy at the Donington Historic Festival. The event, open to Class I Direct Drive and Class IV Gearbox karts built between 1959 and 1982 that are powered by air-cooled engines, will see drivers from all over the world descend upon the famous Melbourne Loop section of the former Grand Prix venue. Already being seen by many as the closest thing to a world title in Historic Karting circles, Hines’ family have supported the decision to name the event after the man known worldwide as ‘Mr Karting,’ who passed away in 2011. Hines won three FIA World Karting titles, five European titles and six British titles in a top flight career that lasted more than 30 years. In addition to the naming rights, many of Hines’ old karts will be in action, some of them competitively and others solely for demonstration purposes alongside some of the earliest surviving examples of modern day karts deemed too irreplaceable to race. More than 200 karts are expected to race competitively with entries already confirmed from Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and the United States and interested parties from as far afield as Australia. After confirming the title of the event at the Autosport International Show the British Historic Kart Club also confirmed that British Touring Car star Matt Jackson will be putting several historic karts through their paces at the official Donington Historic Festival media day on March 8th. Among the list of drivers requesting entry forms are 1978 World Karting Champion Lake Speed, 1967 World Champion Edgardo Rossi, motor-racing celebrity and British Historic Kart Club patron Barrie ‘Whizzo’ Williams, Dodo Regazzoni (the late Clay Regazzoni’s brother), Lake Speed Jr, former European champion Reg Gange Jr and Hines’ former Zip Kart teammate Carolynn Hoy (nee Grant-Sale) who will drive one of Hines’ Zip/Yamahas in the 250cc Gearbox class. Leading proceedings away from the circuit, former world champion Terry Fullerton will be in attendance as will the kart that Fullerton’s old teammate Ayrton Senna used to finish second in the 1979 world championship. Track demonstrations, trade stalls, static displays, on-stage interviews and much of Hines’ memorabilia will further enhance an event designed to capture the atmosphere and nostalgia of a bygone era.   The 2012 Martin Hines Trophy will take place on May 5th/6th and all interested parties are advised to visit www.britishhistorickartclub.co.uk for entry details and advertising opportunities. Pic: Nick Purdie

16 year-old Macaulay Austin from Brynmawr in Wales has finally been rewarded with the biggest break of his career. With two Welsh titles, ten Club Championships, a pair of National Kart Racing Association titles Macaulay’s achievements remarkable as he has done it all whilst running as an independent driver with only his dad Neil for support. But just as he feared his top line Karting career was coming to an end he has been signed as a works supported driver by PKP Motorsport, the British importers of the Italian Dino brand of kart for a shot at this year’s British Junior Karting Championship.  Read more

RL Racing Department sent a resounding message to its SuperOne and FKS rivals with trophies in Mini, Junior and Senior Max at PFi in the Trent Valley Kart Club’s well-supported second round of its Winter Series (29 January). Highlights of the day was undoubtedly Josh White and Lando Norris’ fine wins in Mini and Junior Max.  Pic: Chris Walker / www.kartpix.net      Read report

Endurance Racing: Rebellion Racing have announced that Nick Heidfeld will drive one of the team’s Lola-Toyota LMP1 coupés during the FIA World Endurance Championship opening rounds and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The German will race for the Swiss team at Sebring 12 Hours, Spa 6 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours. Nick will share the seat of the #12 Lola-Toyota with Neel Jani and Nicolas Prost. Heidfeld, 34, started 183 Formula 1 Grand Prix reaching the podium on 13 occasions. He began at Prost GP in 2000 before moving to Sauber (2001-2003), Jordan, (2004) Williams (2005), then BMW Sauber (2006-2009). In 2010 Nick was Mercedes GP third driver and Pirelli test driver and had a part season (five races) with Sauber. Last year Nick was at Lotus-Renault. Heidfeld has made one Le Mans 24 Hours start back  in 1999 with AMG-Mercedes factory squad with the #5 Mercedes CLR. Nick Heidfeld : “I am really looking forward to this new challenge and I am especially excited that the first race in Sebring, being a new circuit for me, is only a few weeks away. Since I did Le Mans in 1999 I always knew that I wanted to come back to endurance racing. I am very happy to join Rebellion Racing and hope I can help building up on their already impressive achievements which include winning the Team and Manufacturer championship in the Le Mans Series and finishing just behind the Peugeot and Audi works teams in the Intercontinental Le Mans cup.” Bart Hayden, Rebellion Racing Team Manager : "We had a number of options for high profile drivers joining our Team for the longer distance race events such as Sebring and Le Mans. Nick Heidfeld was available and was looking for a new challenge. Nick will be a valuable addition to the team, he is quick, highly-experienced, enthusiastic and very happy to be part of Rebellion Racing.  We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and are looking forward to the start of the season next month at the Sebring 12 Hours, opening round of the new FIA World Endurance Championship.”

At the end of November 2011, after winning the FIA GT1 World Championship title, Hexis was the first team to announce its entry for the 2012 contest with two of the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3s. Today, it stays a few steps ahead of its rivals by unveiling its two driver line-ups. Frédéric Makowiecki, Stef Dusseldorp, Alvaro Parente and Grégoire Demoustier represent a balanced team with two members of the Hexis family and two newcomers. There is an identical 50/50 share-out between drivers with well-established international reputations and very promising young chargers. In the same spirit half the drivers in the team are of French nationality. The cars’ livery has been signed off and tests will begin next week on the Lédenon circuit. The story of the Hexis team began in Formula Renault some ten years ago. The second decisive step was the purchase of a Porsche Cup, with which the team managed by Philippe Dumas learned the ropes of grand touring racing. Hexis then acquired a reputation on the international scene by giving Aston Martin Racing numerous victories in the French, German and European GT3 Championships before winning the FIA GT1 world title. The arrival of the two McLarens in the team’s workshops is the start of a new era at the same time as the championship is at a key turning point. The adoption of the GT3 regulations means a complete shakeup of the field. Hexis already knows that three of its rivals will be teams representing Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz AMG. Philippe Dumas: “We’re doing our first test session on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th February at Lédenon with Fred and Stef. We’re tackling the new season with three objectives: show McLaren that we’re the best team to build a long-term relationship, enjoy ourselves as much as ever as it’s one of the keys to our success, and last but not least – win!”  The FIA GT1 World Championship will kick off on 8th April on the Nogaro circuit in the Gers on which cars bearing the Hexis colours made their debut start back in 2002 during the same Easter weekend!

Historics: Fiskens, London's foremost historic automobile specialists, opened the Retromobile Show in fine fashion today (February 1) when they unveiled a stunning assembly of cars at the Parisian event. The company were joined on their stand by Monaco Grand Prix winner Olivier Panis to present a raft of exciting new additions to their varied inventory, including an unmissable trio of superbly pedigreed French racing cars. First to be revealed was the 1908 Panhard-Levassor, a remarkable example of early 20th Century performance engineering. This pioneering goliath of a car contested the grueling French Grand Prix of 1908, an event that stretched over seven exhausting hours through the dust-covered streets of Dieppe and out on to the surrounding public roads. Following its competitive exploits the car was sold to a collector in Argentina where it continued to be campaigned for several years. It would then lie dormant until 1972, remaining in remarkably good condition and subsequently undergoing superb restoration work by renowned Bentley specialist Dick Moss. It was joined on the stand by a 1965 Ford GT40 once raced by Guy Ligier and double Monaco Grand Prix winner Maurice Trintignant. The car took to some of the world's greatest circuits under the Ecurie France banner, triumphing at the Nurburgring 1000kms, Trophee du Cognac and on home ground at Magny-Cours. The trio was completed by another fine example of French engineering, the grand prix-winning Ligier JS11/15 of Didier Pironi which won the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix, helping the team to end the year as runner-up in the World Championship. "It has been a pleasure to unveil these superb classic racing cars," commented Panis. "All three represent part of French motor sport history. The Panhard in particular is absolutely magic and I still cannot believe people raced machines like this at full speed on dirt roads! This is my first visit to Retromobile and I have been genuinely impressed by the quality of the exhibition. I'd like to offer my thanks to Gregor and his team for inviting me and wish them all the best for the remainder of the show."  Retromobile continues through Sunday (February 5) at Paris’ Porte de Versailles, where Fiskens’ stand can be found at J91, Hall 3.  Pic James Mann

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Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain: Chris Dymond (24) has confirmed plans to contest the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB with Parr Motorsport after three successful seasons in GT racing. The Silverstone-based racer participated in the FIA GT3 Championship in 2008 and 2009 and spent last season contesting selected races in the Blancpain Endurance series. He won the Radical UK Cup in 2010 and was a top level international karter in his formative years. His graduation to cars came in the Renault Clio Cup in 2007 and he won the Clio graduate title in his debut season. Now, he is switching focus to the Carrera Cup GB. “In the Carrera Cup it is purely about me with no other factors,” said Dymond. “The career path with Porsche is very good and it is the best platform for me. Le Mans is where I really want to get to. I’m really aiming to be consistently in the Carrera Cup top three by the end of the year.” For Parr Motorsport, signing Dymond comes soon after confirming plans to field Ben Barker and gives the team two hard-charging young racers with the potential to win races and challenge for the title. Team boss Paul Robe is delighted with the latest development. “Chris is just the type of driver we want to run in the team,” said Robe. “I’m really excited about working with Chris and I believe he has got great potential.”

Endurance Racing: Jeroen Bleekemolen was part of Rebellion Racing’s Sebring and Le Mans efforts in 2011, partnering Neel Jani and Nicolas Prost. Together, they achieved the Team’s best result at Le Mans 24 Hours with a sixth place overall finish and first petrol powered car. This year, Bleekemolen will join the Rebellion Racing regular drivers Andrea Belicchi and Harold Primat for the Sebring 12 Hours race, the opening round of the new FIA World Endurance Championship, and also the 80th edition of Le Mans 24 Hours. Bart Hayden, Rebellion Racing Team Manager: "I am pleased to have Jeroen back with us again this year in the two longest races of the season. Jeroen is a good endurance driver with consistency and speed and great team spirit.” Bleekemolen added,  “ It’s great to be back with Rebellion Racing for the two classic endurance races. I am looking forward to aiming again for some great results. I already know all the people in the team from last year and I have two very strong teammates. I know the team has worked hard to improve the whole package since last year, so we should be strong”  A sixth Rebellion driver will be announced shortly.

David Brabham is ready to embark on one of the busiest seasons of his career in 2012. In addition to contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship with JRM Racing, the triple Le Mans 24 Hours winner and double ALMS Champion will also target the Blancpain Endurance Series title with United Autosports.   Brabham joins the Leeds-based team looking propel the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 towards securing the team’s first major championship title and the Pro Class crown. He will be joined in the #22 car for the Series by GP2 race winner and McLaren GT-factory driver Álvaro Parente (Portugal) and United Autosports-managed Matt Bell (England). Brabham commented: “I’ve been impressed with United Autosports’ development in recent years. They are an ambitious team looking to grow and that’s something I always enjoy being a part of. We turned Highcroft Racing from a small team into one of the most potent sportscar outfits in the world, so I’m sure I’ll be able to help United Autosports develop.When you have the calibre of drivers we have at United Autosports it gives everybody a boost, as you know everything is being taken seriously and the target is to win the championship. This is a serious effort and there’s no excuse. The minute we hit the ground in testing the focus will be on winning. We’ve got a competitive package and I see no reason why we can’t take the title.Having won the 1996 Japanese GTC GT500 driving a McLaren F1 GTR, it will be interesting to take charge of the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, as I’m sure it is going to be fast and a joy to drive.” Earlier this monthBrabham was also confirmed as part of JRM Racing’s all-star line-up to contest the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship, driving the Honda Performance Development ARX-03a alongside teammates Karun Chandhok and Peter Dumbreck. Brabham is eager to take charge of the latest generation HPD LMP1 car, commenting: “The JRM Racing LMP1 programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship is something that really excites me. JRM Racing is a team that’s been developing over the years, it’s got great potential and I can see there’s a real passion and desire to achieve.  I know everyone at HPD and Wirth Research, we’ve gone through a lot of pain and a lot of success together and to join forces with them again is pretty special.” 

Rallycross: Lucas Oil Team Geriatric came away from the annual Quaife MSA British Rallycross Championship awards

MotorSport Vision, owners of five major UK circuits including Brands Hatch and Oulton Park, are offering a number of pulsating driving experiences ideal to get loved ones’ hearts throbbing this Valentine’s Day. Activities available on track include amorous F1-style single seater driving with RaceMaster, and seductive saloon car action in a BMW M3 with M3 Master. Off-road highlights includes sideways excitement in a works prepared rally car and sheer drops and waist-high water passes with MudMaster. Youngsters aged 11-17 can experience motoring for the first time in a brand new MINI One with YoungDrive! This is priced at just £79, with 12 month vouchers available. Other experience gift vouchers start from £99. Hot Rides in a Palmer Jaguar JP-LM Le Mans style sportscar are available for £39, while enthusiastic motorists can also take their own vehicle on track with Club MSV trackdays from as little as £20. For more information on MSV Driving Gifts visit www.msvdrivinggifts.com or call 0843 453 1000

30-01-12

Daytona 24 Hours: AIM Autosport Team FXDD took eighth place yesterday in the GT class of the Fiftieth Anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona as its FXDD Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand-Am performed flawlessly for 24 consecutive hours at Daytona International Speedway. The team faced stiff competition in its debut race with its new Ferrari, battling 47 other cars in the GT class with top drivers representing GT championships around the world.  Read report

Toyota Racing Series: In only his third outing Down Under Jordan King proved that he is a fast learner by taking his first pole position and victory in the New Zealand-based Toyota Racing Series at Taupo. He then added a fourth and a third place finish in the remaining two races moving him to sixth in the championship with two events still to run. Pic Bruce Jenkins     Read report

Grand-Am Sports:The Aston Martin Vantage GT4 of Grand-Am regulars Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster showed encouraging potential by leading the early phase of the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC) series opener at the Daytona International Speedway. Having qualified in third position during Thursday’s qualifying session, the #55 Multimatic Motorsports-run car passed its rivals away from the green flag in treacherous conditions to lead a field of 81 cars on what was Aston Martin’s Grand-Am debut. he second Vantage GT4 of Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey and Aston Martin’s chief engineer Chris Porritt – making a one-off guest appearance – similarly improved on its qualifying position in the early stages as Dempsey rose from 24th to 14th.After two and a half hours of competition – during which the track dried and many yellow flag periods interrupted proceedings – the lead Vantage GT4 of Maxwell/Foster finished in 16th position, while Dempsey and Porritt finished 32nd in the Grand Sport category after both crews suffered punishing delays.  read report

Rallying: Tony Quinn and Naomi Tillet's Targa Wrest Point challenge has ended on the second competitive stage, after a braking problem put their V.I.P. Petfoods Nissan GT-R R35 off the road. The 390kW all-wheel drive supercar’s ABS partially failed on the approach to a corner on the 22.9km Airwalk 1 stage, causing a front brake to lock . "The sensor on the front left wheel failed, which locked the brake for about 30 metres," Quinn said. “The car pulled left and slid off the road at something like 80km/h. At first I thought we’d get away with just a few scratches, because there was a clearing with what looked like small bushes where we went off. But there was a small tree in amongst them – it made a quite mess of the side of the car.”  Although the Queensland-based Scot and his Adelaide navigator were able to regain the bitumen and complete the stage, they incurred a 20-minute penalty for failing to complete the next stage while running repairs were made to the battered machine. The penalty put the V.I.P. Petfoods team out of contention in the two-day Hobart event, but Quinn and Tillett drove Saturday’s remaining stages to gain practice mileage for April’s Targa Tasmania, which will incorporate the same roads. They intended to continue the extended practice session today, but retired after four of the seven stages when the 2011 model GT-R’s transmission began behaving irregularly. “We kept going even though we didn’t have any chance in the event, because there were some things we wanted to test before Targa Tasmania,” Quinn said. “This was only our second event in the new car, and it has quite a few things that are different compared to the 2009 model we ran most of last year.It was going okay after we changed the sensor and took off the broken bits and pieces, but we hit a pothole on Cygnet 1, and that did something to the transmission. There was nothing at stake, so I decided to stop rather than destroy a $40,000 gearbox.”  The event was won by Jason and John White in a Lamborghini, with Matt and Casey Close second in an Audi TT RS, and Brendon Reeves-Rhiannon Smyth third in a Mazda RX8. The V.I.P. Petfoods team’s next tarmac rally is Targa Bambina in New Zealand from March 17-18.

Endurance Racing: The first three graduates of GT Academy - Lucas Ordonez, Jordan Tresson and Jann Mardenborough - will compete for Nissan in 2012 in three of the world's top endurance racing series. A Spaniard  Ordonez demonstrated at the Le Mans 24 Hours last year, GT Academy is now a proven process, turning out drivers who are ready to race against top international competition. Ordonez is GT Academy's greatest success story to date and he has now joined Greaves Motorsport's European Le Mans Series campaign in order to take his next challenge. He will be racing for overall championship honours in an LMP2 Zytek-Nissan alongside Tom Kimber-Smith and Alex Brundle.  At the Le Mans 24 Hours he will race with Martin and Alex Brundle. "2011 was an incredible year for me," said Ordonez. "I learned a lot with Signatech Nissan.  They believed in me and trusted me to get the job done.  Nissan has set me my next challenge: an overall championship victory. With two top team-mates and a championship-winning team I am aiming to win the European Le Mans Series outright. The Le Mans 24 Hours will again be a big challenge for me and I'm very much looking forward to racing with Martin (Brundle) as I will learn a lot from him. With Martin, Alex and myself I think we will have one of the strongest line-ups in LMP2. It feels great to be able to say that!" The driver with the steepest learning curve in 2012 is 23 year-old Frenchman Tresson. The 2010 GT Academy winner has completed a championship-winning debut season in GT racing but is now stepping up to the LMP2 class of the new FIA World Endurance Championship with Signatech Nissan.  He will also follow in Ordonez's footsteps by competing at the Le Mans 24 Hours this summer. "I am taking a very big step up from GT racing to LMP2 this year," said Tresson. "I have tested the car already and it is so quick through the corners! I will have to work hard but I am ready for it. Racing at Le Mans, especially for a French driver, is a special dream. To be racing with a French team, both at Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship at so many legendary race tracks, is almost more than I can imagine. It will not be an easy year." The youngest and newest recruit is 20 year-old Mardenborough. The British driver won the third season of GT Academy just a few months ago.  He has been through the rigorous GT Academy training programme in preparation for a season in the Blancpain Endurance Series where he will race Nissan's new GT3 race car: the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3.  "A year ago I was on a gap year and hadn't even applied to enter GT Academy and now I'm heading into my first full season as a racing driver," explained Mardenborough. "I have had an incredible six months on the GT Academy driver development programme where I have been thoroughly knocked into shape by a group of instructors who I am sure will be lifelong friends. Starting the season at Monza in April will be a big moment for me and I can't wait!"

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Daytona 24 Hours: AIM Autosport Team FXDD driver, Jeff Segal has claimed a front-row start in the GT Class of this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. Segal’s last-lap run in the team’s FXDD Ferrari 458 Italia GT Grand-Am, clocked at 1m 49.357s / 117.194 mph / 188.605 km/h, secured second place for Saturday afternoon’s start and set up a fitting Ferrari-Porsche front row for the fiftieth anniversary edition of the famous race. With yesterday afternoon’s qualifying session approaching its end, Segal started his final run and wrung a fantastic lap from team’s Ferrari 458 Italia. His time, which he later admitted could have been even better, was a mere 0.015s from pole position and the Woodbrige, Ont.-based team was elated with such performance from a new programme with a new car. Just a few hours earlier, the team had battled development issues, finding it challenging to fine tune a qualifying setup for its new Ferrari. The team pressed on, working to find a solution and ultimately began to unleash the car’s qualifying pace. “The car was really good to drive and I am thrilled to have our Ferrari on the front row for the race,” said Segal. “The team worked really hard and this is a great result for such a new car to us.” Race Engineer, Ian Willis added, “We lost a lot of time with teething issues on the car in the morning, so it is very satisfying to be so close to pole position, I feel that we are well placed for the race.” The Fiftieth Anniversary edition of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the opening event in the 2012 GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, is scheduled to start today at 3:30pm ET. Segal, along with co-drivers Emil Assentato, Anthony Lazzaro and Nick Longhi will take shifts driving around the clock to Sunday’s 3:30pm conclusion. The AIM Autosport Team FXDD Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AIMautosport will be updated hourly during the race to keep followers updated on the team’s progress

This weekend, WTCC regulars Darryl O'Young and Franz Engstler face off at the 24 hours of Daytona.  The two of them are competing against each other in the GT category. Hong Kong's O'Young is racing in a Porsche GT3 entered by Bullet Racing, whilst German driver Engstler in a Liqui Moly Team Engstler/Mitchum motorsport Porsche GT3."It's my third consecutive year in this race and it's a great competition to be a part of. Driving along the Daytona banking at 300km/h at night is a special feeling and this race is going to be great fun! I think Franz and I are going to enjoy this experience very much and I hope we can bring back strong results to represent WTCC well in this race," said O'Young.

Formula Kart Stars Championship Director Carolynn Hoy has been awarded the 2012 Lord Wakefield Challenge Trophy by the British Women’s Racing Drivers Club for her lifelong services to motorsport. Hoy was presented with the award by MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton last week at the MSA Night of Champions at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London. The Lord Wakefield Challenge Trophy is acknowledged the British Women’s Racing Drivers Clubs’ premier award and has been awarded by the BWRDC since the Clubs’ creation in 1962 by Mary Wheeler MBE. Previous winners include ex Formula Kart Stars drivers Sarah Moore and Alice Powell as well as former Formula One driver Divina Galica, current DTM driver Susie Stoddart, rally drivers Louise Aitken-Walker and Michelle Mouton and Dakar Rally winner Jutta Kleinschmidt. A leading contender in the burgeoning Superkart scene of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s culminating in second place in the British Championship and sixth place in the World Karting Championship during the early 1980’s when she was a factory driver alongside the late Martin Hines in the world renowned Hermatite Zip team. Hoy retired from karting in 1987 but went on to forge a successful saloon car career, where she was a factory driver for British based sportscar marque Panther and latterly the FIA European Truck Racing Championship until her retirement from racing due to injury in 1995. Two years later Hoy joined Formula Kart Stars, then known as the McLaren Mercedes Champions of the Future, and took over the championship from series founder Hines in 2000. In 2009 Formula Kart Stars became the only karting championship in the world to receive official support from Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Management company and Lewis Hamilton, a champion in the series inaugural season in 1996. “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this award,” said Hoy. “It’s lovely to be awarded the Lord Wakefield trophy as an individual and very humbling. Formula Kart Stars is a team effort and everything we do we do as a team.” Hoy was not the only Formula Kart Stars personality to be honoured at the Night of Champions with MSA British Cadet Champion Daniel Ticktum also receiving his official MSA trophy from British Touring Car Championship boss Alan Gow.

When Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and 22 other drivers line up on the grid at Silverstone on July 8th for the start of the 2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix it will mark the highpoint of the Motorsport calendar in the UK this year. For 12 Formula Kart Stars drivers the unearthly pitch and wail of a modern day Formula One engine will be closer than ever as they sit in the grandstand to watch the race unfold courtesy of Formula One Management and Bernie Ecclestone. Cadet drivers Luke Barker, Jack Leese, Enaam Ahmed, Ross Martin and Jack Brookes, Mini Max drivers Josh White, Aaron Thompson and Josh Cornwell and Junior Rotax contenders Steven Handford, Luke Hughes, Nick Arthur and Shaun Arnold all received the Bernie Ecclestone Driver of the Day award during the 2011 season and their prize of a weekend trip to Silverstone including VIP Formula One paddock passes will be an experience none of them will forget in a hurry. Drivers who attended the 2011 British Grand Prix, courtesy of winning the Driver of the Day award during the 2010 FKS season, experienced the kind of up close and personal access to the pinnacle of world Motorsport that very few get to see. From mingling with the stars of the sport in the Formula One paddock to touring teams’ motor homes, hospitality areas and pit garages the lucky prize winners will experience a side of Formula One usually unseen by the general public or much of the world media. “I’m extremely grateful to Mr Ecclestone and Formula One Management Ltd for continuing to support this award,” said Formula Kart Stars Championship Director Carolynn Hoy. “Over the past two years he has taken our drivers to Monza and Silverstone and I know that this year’s prize winners will truly have the experience of a lifetime. “The drivers who travelled with us to Silverstone last year couldn’t believe the level of access they were granted by the teams and how welcome the entire Formula One family made them feel,” said Hoy. “

WTCC: Proteam Racing announced earlier this week that they have re-signed Mehdi Bennani for the 2012 season. Morocco's 28-year old racer will be facing his second season with the Italian outfit at the wheel of a BMW 320 TC car.  In 2011 Bennani's best result was a sixth place in Macau and he was classified seventh in the Yokohama Trophy."We are very pleased to keep Mehdi in the team and we expect a further improvement in his performance after the positive season last year. We have also confirmed our technical staff directed by engineer Marco Calovolo," team principal Marco Guiducci commented. Proteam Racing will start testing in February and they are due to announce the name of a second driver very soon.

ETCC: Switzerland-based Rikli Motorsport announced they will compete in the FIA European Touring Car Cup once again.  Just like in 2011, the team will enter a couple of Honda cars in the Super 2000 class: a Civic FD for Peter Rikli and an Accord Euro R for Christian Fischer. "We are currently rebuilding both cars, introducing a number of technical improvements. We are doing our best to make them competitive for the season opener at Monza," said team principal Erwin Rikli.In last year's ETCC Rikli and Fischer were classified sixth and ninth respectively in the S2000 class. The ETCC will be supporting series in three WTCC events, at Monza, Valencia and Salzburgring.

ADAC Formel Masters : McLaren Autosport BRDC Finalist Emil Bernstorff confirmed as runner up in 2011 ADAC Formel Masters. After a long drawn out appeal process in the Dutch appeals court following the controversy at Assen, Bernstorff has been confirmed as winner of Round 20, scoring the maximum 25 points. Cars #2 & #17 both have points deducted.  Emil remembers: “In my mind the situation was clear at the last race of the season; if I won and Wehrlein didn’t finish, the championship would be mine” As it happened Emil, starting second, raced into the lead but with 4 minutes of the 25 minute race remaining his battery died and he had to retire, Wehrlein retired 9 minutes into the race. Final Championship standings. Wehrlein 331, Bernstorff 310, Muller 296, Markelov 251, Kristensen 215, Farnbacher 173 (win 25 pts, 2nd 18 pts, 3rd 15 pts).  Full preparations are taking place for the 2012 season and Emil has been testing a few F3 cars and showing really impressive pace resulting in a lot of attention from sponsors, agents and F3 teams. Watch this space. Read more on Emil’s website under blog dated October 3 2011 on www.emilbernstorff.com and www.adac-formel-masters.de  

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Masters Historic Racing: Formula 1 fans should head to Brands Hatch in May for a feast of F1 across the decades as part of the annual Masters Historic Festival. The event, which will run on May 26/27 on the Grand Prix circuit, will be headlined by Formula 1 cars of the 1970s and 1980s running in the popular GP Masters championship. In addition, cars from 1966-72 will race for the Historic Race of Champions, recreating the halcyon days of the non-championship Formula 1 race held at the Kent circuit. A superb grid, including the ex-Jackie Stewart Tyrell-March 701 which won the race in period, is expected. In addition, the earlier generation of Formula 1 machinery will be represented by two races for cars from the Historic Grand Prix Cars Association with cars from the 1930s through to the 1950s on track. In total, six races are planned for Formula 1 machinery in addition to sports cars and touring cars from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. There will also be displays on each day of the weekend of Formula 1 cars from the 1980s and 1990s. In a packed weekend of racing, there will be two races for the CanAm Interserie Challenge where CanAm cars do battle against the smaller-engined European sports-prototypes, while touring cars and GT cars of the 1970s will go head to head in the Masters 70s celebration and JD Classics Challenge races. Motor Racing Legends will bring the Woodcote Trophy for pre-1955 sports cars, while later sports cars will feature in the World Sportscar Masters and Sports Racing Masters events. And if touring cars whet your appetite, the popular Masters Pre-66 Touring Car grid will be full of Ford Mustangs, Lotus Cortinas and Mini Coopers, all set to thrill in a 50-minute race. GT fans will be well catered for as well with the ever-popular Gentlemen Drivers Pre-66 GT cars grid set to showcase a wide variety of sports car in a 90-minute pit stop race. Masters Historic Racing Event Manager Rachel Bailey said: “We are very excited about our Brands Hatch event for 2012. We have worked hard to give the event a clear identity and focussed on crowd-pleasing Formula 1 cars through the different races and the displays on each day as well. Brands Hatch has a wonderful heritage of Formula 1 races with Grands Prix, the Race of Champions and the Victory Race so it is the perfect setting to run these cars showcasing F1 across the decades. We are looking forward to some fabulous racing as well as tremendous machinery taking to the circuit.”

Volkswagen Racing: Former motocross racer Stewart Lines is planning a busy season of four-wheeled motorsport for 2012, combining a full season in the APR Volkswagen Racing Cup with Mini Challenge events.Stewart, 48 and from Sutton Coldfield, sampled Volkswagen racing for the first time at Donington Park and Silverstone at the end of last season, collected a brace of sixth-place finishes and was sufficiently impressed that he bought an ex-Aaron Mason Golf GTI with which to contest a full season. “My objective was to learn about the cars and the championship,” said telecomms company managing director Lines, “and having done that I am now looking forward to a competitive season. I will be racing my Mini regularly also and I am hoping that the more time I get on track that the more competitive I will be. I’ll be disappointed if I finish outside the top six in the VWs and am hoping for a podium at least at every circuit we visit.” Lines’ Golf will be prepared by AWM, for whom Mason won four races in 2011. Backing for Stewart’s track attack comes from telecomms hosting company Wavenet, and from Maximum Networks, Mitel and NEC. After success at Grand Prix and European championship level in motocross, Lines switched to cars in 2007 and has sampled Clio racing and the SEAT Cupra series in addition to his race-winning exploits in Minis. His entry will be part of a three-Golf campaign from AWM, with Lines and Mason joined on track by racing novice Simon Tomlinson. Pic Jakob Ebrey Photography 

Porsche Carrera Cup GB:  Leeds racing driver, Sam Tordoff is joining forces once more with Team Parker Racing to contest the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB. Sam (22) made his debut in the series in 2011 with the team, winning plaudits as he took an impressive 7th in the overall Championship standings. After making such a strong entrance to the series, Sam will be a strong contender in the upcoming season and has his sights firmly set on challenging for the Championship. BRDC Rising Star Sam commented “It was my dream to return to the Porsche Carrera Cup for 2012 and I strongly feel I can do so as a title contender. To return with Team Parker Racing, who showed in 2011 that their professionalism and ability is second to none, is a great pleasure and privilege. I am really looking forward to working with Stuart and all the Parker team once again”. The twenty race Carrera Cup series starts on 31 March/1 April at Brands Hatch.

Historics: Fiskens, London’s historic automobile specialists will unveil a selection of new additions to their inventory at Retromobile Auto Show in Paris next Wednesday (February 1). The Kensington-based company are joined by Frenchman Olivier Panis, a veteran of over 150 grands prix who sealed his place in motor sport folklore by triumphing on the streets of Monaco in 1996. He will be on hand to take the wraps off a trio of groundbreaking French racing cars that span a full eight decades of competition.  Two of these made their names on the grand prix circuit at opposite ends of the century, yet they share remarkable similarities: each was a pioneer of its era, leviathan like in sheer power, and both were amongst the last of their kind, with rule changes capping the grunt of subsequent machinery. The elder represents a Behemoth of the pre-Great War era, a time when racing cars were so powerful teams hired aviators, men of incredible bravery and skill, to handle their controls. The newer model emerged from an age when grand prix racing was a hotbed of innovation and technical exploration, with cars unbridled in their pursuit of power. The trio is completed by an iconic sixties sports car that would dominate the most famous race of them all - the Le Mans 24 Hours. Also present on the stand, and underlining their showroom’s strikingly varied stocklist, will be a trio of pre-war British automobiles, one a works la Sarthe entry and all remarkably true to their original build. They are joined by some exceptionally rare Italian vehicles, along with two of the truly great sports racers to emerge from Italy and Britain during the fifties.morning and am sure that all present will be thoroughly taken aback by what lies underneath." The unveilling will take place on Fiskens’ stand (J91, Hall 3) at 10am on the opening day of this year’s Retromobile (Wednesday, February 1), which is housed at Paris’ Porte de Versailles. Retromobile public opening times  Feb 1, 11:00 am 2nd-5^th Feb, 10am

The third dedicated Goodwood Aviation Show will be held this summer as a fully-integrated attraction at the popular Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show (28 June - 1 July). The Goodwood Aviation Show is being relocated within the Festival of Speed’s stunning Goodwood Parkland site for the very first time, rather than being based at the Goodwood Aerodrome, as in the previous two years. With this new on-site location the annual Goodwood Aviation Show is set to expand considerably, with some additional attractions planned for the first time this year, including a dedicated military and civilian careers area. As in the past two years, the Goodwood Aviation Show will enable manufacturers and agents of fixed wing and rotary aircraft, as well as aviation service suppliers, to showcase their latest innovative aircraft designs and products to both a specialist aviation audience, plus an inquisitive and enthusiastic public. Pleasure flights for the public visiting the Show will be available from the Goodwood Aerodrome during the event, located less than one mile from the Festival of Speed site.  Daily air displays are a highly popular Festival attraction – ranging from the Red Arrows to the UK public debut of the Air Bus in flight – and this year will be no exception, with interesting fly pasts currently in the planning stages, with news to follow shortly.Since its introduction in 1993, the Festival of Speed has grown to become the world’s leading celebration of transportation for enthusiasts, with the prime focus being automotive, but other modes of transport also being celebrated, from pedal cycles, right through to high-speed boats and aircraft. 

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Karts: Kart racer Jessica Hawkins is set for, potentially, her best ever year in 2012 after officially confirming a works deal to contest the Super 1 MSA British KF3 Kart Championship along with selected European events – all in addition to being chosen for the MSA Academy. Despite competing on a shoe-string budget since her debut in 2005 the Farnham teenager’s ability has shone through every year, not least in winning the ABkC ‘O’ Plate Cadet Championship in 2008 and finishing runner-up in the Junior Rotax class of the 2011 MSA Kartmasters British Grand Prix. In addition, Jessica took a memorable Junior Rotax victory on her BNL Karting Series debut in Belgium. Having been selected as one of just five karters to join the MSA (Motor Sports Association) Academy this year, the 16-year-old has now set her sights on a strong season at home and abroad after putting pen to paper with PKP Motorsport. Driving a factory Dino Kart this year, powered by a factory Maxter engine, the teenager will race in one of the UK’s premier categories while also taking on the best in Europe with a planned programme of CIK-FIA events on the continent. Prior to that, Jessica’s first major racing of the year will come at the end of February in the ABkC ‘O’ Plate event at PF International near Grantham. “I’m really looking forward to this season in KF3, it’s great we’ve got a deal with PKP and hopefully we’ll have a strong year together with some good results”, said Jessica, “It’s a really important year for me and it’s the first time I’ve ever had factory backing, so I can’t wait to get started.” Her involvement in the MSA Academy will afford Jessica essential coaching throughout the year plus she will receive key guidance on how best to develop her career. “It’s such an honour to be chosen for the MSA Academy, I’m really grateful to the MSA and I want to repay the faith they’ve shown in me”, added the Hampshire racer.

BTCC: World leaders in battery design and manufacture, Yuasa have signed for a third year as a key sponsor with the Honda Racing British Touring Car Championship Team. The company has already played a key role in developing the Honda Civic BTCC success over the past two years and is now looking forward to working with the team on the new Civic making its BTCC debut at Brands Hatch on April 1. Yuasa Batteries UK Managing Director Andrew Taylor commented, "It's been a remarkably strong partnership which has given Yuasa the perfect springboard for its ambitious UK and European aftermarket plans over the next three years. With a brand new car and exciting rule changes for 2012, we expect a season of very close racing with Matt and Gordon taking on all-comers in the title fight." Behind the scenes, Team Dynamics is putting the final touches to the new 2012 Civic at its Pershore headquarters with plans well advanced thanks to close cooperation with Honda's Swindon-based engineering team. Team Manager Peter Crolla said, "Honda's engineers and everyone at the Swindon car plant have been 100 per cent behind the build, giving us support at every critical phase. We are certainly in a good place compared to previous build programmes at this point. We can't wait to start racing."

F2000: SMR Racing will be back for its third season in the F2000 Championship Series with Tim Paul in the no. 06 CellMark Paper Van Diemen. Again teaming with Glenn Phillips and GTP Motorsports, the squad hopes to improve on their sixth place Championship effort in 2011. Paul is hoping to build on his breakout 2011 season, that saw a podium at Lime Rock, two top fives and six top tens, along with a near win at VIRginia International Raceway in the rain. “The goal for 2012 is to podium at every track we run and see where that puts us in the second half of the schedule, and then make adjustments and decisions appropriate to that situation,” said Paul. “Hopefully we'll be hunting for the Championship.” The offseason for SMR was highlighted by a winter trip down to Sebring. “This year will take lots and lots of effort. We went to Sebring just for seat time, and we've really worked on our communication as a team, between Glenn, Michael (Witson), my crew chief, and I. It’s going to be a good year,” Paul added. After many years of Sprint and Midget oval racing on asphalt and dirt, the SMR team tackled putting together an F2000 Championship Series effort from scratch in 2010. Paul had never driven a formula car, or even driven a road course before, deciding to switch gears and join the F2000 Series. Always a threat while driving different cars on different tracks, the first year of road racing proved difficult, but educational.  In 2011 the combination of GTP, SMR, Paul's growing confidence in the car and talented young crew chief Michael Witson's experience in setup and repair began to pay off. Paul and the SMR team ran the SCCA Sebring club races on the Hoosier F2000 spec tires and setups in early January of this year and brought home a second place trophy before what the team described as an “ill-advised brake-check by an Atlantic car” in the second race took them out before the green flag. “Plenty of experience was gained in Florida,” noted Paul.For 2012 SMR, hopes to run a two-car team and is considering several drivers for at least part-time entries in the identically prepared bright orange and green second car.The 14-race, seven-weekend 2012 season starts at VIRginia International Raceway, April 12-15. Pic Valet

Silverstone Classic: The UK will stage its first-ever BMW ‘Z-Fest’ at this summer’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July). Organised by the BMW Car Club GB as part of its 60th birthday celebrations in 2012, the UK’s inaugural Z-Fest will see hundreds of BMW’s popular Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8 sportscars on display as well as participating in a special parade lap on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. “We wanted to do something spectacular to mark our anniversary and staging the UK’s first Z-Fest at the world’s biggest classic racing festival certainly fits that bill,” said Steve Miller, general manager of the BMW Car Club (GB). “A number of hugely successful Z-Fests have been held on the continent and in The States – now it’s our turn. There are close to 50,000 ‘Zeds’ registered in this country and we are aiming to get at least 500 cars to join in our special landmark celebrations at the Silverstone Classic. The main gathering will be on the Saturday (21 July) and the cavalcade on the circuit, of course, will be a major highlight for all those attending on that day.” BMW introduced its first two-seater Z1 roadster to the media in 1986 with the new Z badge standing for Zukunft – the German word for ‘future’. Just 8000 were produced and the Z1 – which notably featured novel doors that dropped down into its doorsills – has become one of the rarest and most collectable of all BMWs. The Z1 was superseded in turn by the more-mainstream Z3 and Z4 models – both produced in far greater numbers and with the added bonus of right-hand drive. BMW also applied its sporty Z moniker to its range-topping Z8 roadster – a V8 engined aluminium chassis supercar capable of topping 180mph.  

Karts: In a sport where the line between success and failure can be defined in thousandths of a second, any advantage a driver can muster no matter how small can be critical. In 2012 twelve lucky Formula Kart Stars(FKS) drivers will get a first hand insight into how they can unlock those vital tenths and hundredths thanks to iZone Driver Performance’s new ‘In the Zone’ prize. Following a successful 2011 season in which the four FKS class champions all earned themselves a day with iZone, the Championship will nominate one driver in each of the twelve 2012 rounds to attend a full day of training at iZone’s state-of-the-art Silverstone facility. During the day the lucky prize winners will benefit from iZone’s expertise on improving all areas of their driving, expertise that helped Andy Priaulx to three World Touring Car titles. “The prize winners will receive structured development training with iZone,” said iZone’s Neil Riddiford. “We identify potential areas of improvement with each driver and then use the technology that is available to raise their awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses and improve their progression.We look at scientific methods to help them be the best that they can be through a series of accumulated marginal gains,” concluded Riddiford, who also confirmed that the prize would also entail time in iZone’s simulator.  FKS director Carolynn Hoy is enthusiastic about the continuing partnership between FKS and iZone. “It’s incredibly important for every driver to be on top of their game in every race and the team at iZone Driver Performance have been really successful at helping young drivers develop, including our current MSA British Champion Daniel Ticktum.” Hoy also sees the connection between the type of learning available to FKS drivers through the ‘In the Zone’ prize and Boston College’s Education Bus, which will travel with the Championship throughout the year. “Formula Kart Stars is committed to giving our driver all the tools they will need in adult life off the track with our education bus and iZone has the same commitment to giving drivers all the psychological tools they need on the track,” continued Hoy. “It’s also important to remember that a driver who finishes 15th may have been driving just as close to the limit as a driver who wins a race. That is what being ‘In the Zone’ is all about, maximising your own peak performance.” Prize winners will be split into three groups and prize dates will be organised throughout the year depending on school holidays. For more information on iZone Driver Performance and its full range of facilities please visit www.izoneperformance.com

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