UNVEILS NEW SERIES
Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer KTM will launch the 2009 X-Bow Super Sport Cup at Autosport International next January, following a successful debut season in the GT4 European Cup.
KTM X-Bow owners will be able to compete in two pan-European leagues, running within the existing GT4 series, with the top ten Super Sport drivers entering an end-of-season shootout to determine the ‘KTM X-Bow Super Sport Cup Champion’.
Developed with Italian racing car constructor Dallara, the X-Bow is powered by the 1984cc, 240hp turbocharged Audi TFSI engine and with a carbon-fibre chassis, barely tips the scales at only 790 kilos.
“The plan is to have two championships, one serving France, Italy and Spain, the other for drivers in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK,” said KTM UK project manager Jeff Lau. “Although the last few details are still being decided, KTM has already set up a customer race service to maintain and support drivers on events.”
Better known for their distinctive orange motorcycles, KTM moved into the lightweight sports car market with the dramatic X-Bow less than twelve months ago, but are building on the firm’s long competition history, winning the GT4 Sports Light class in the car’s maiden season.
“To launch the series at Autosport International was an obvious decision; it’s the hub for motorsport activity in Europe,” Lau added. “The timing is perfect, at the start of the racing season, and with all the big names in motorsport attending, it’s the ideal place to showcase our plans.”
“KTM’s decision to launch the X-Bow Super Sport Cup at Autosport International clearly demonstrates the important role the show plays in the global motorsport industry,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “The series will be a valuable addition to the European circuit racing scene, with such an eye-catching and exciting design, and we welcome their presence at the show.”
KTM can be found on stand 2660at the Autosport International Show next January.
The 2008 Autosport International Show attracted over 84,000 visitors, including 28,000 trade buyers. Over 1,000 media representatives were present throughout the event, covering the show’s numerous live displays and 850 exhibitors.
Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 January 2009. Adult tickets start at £29 per day, with children’s tickets costing £19, and include a 34-page souvenir brochure. To book, visit autosport-international.com or call 0044 (0) 844 579 3188 .
Paddock passes are available for £35 per adult and £25 for children. In addition to standard admission, visitors will have access to the Driver Signing Area as well as fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and a great viewing position at the centre of the grandstands.
A Platinum Club pass, at £100, includes all the benefits of the Paddock Pass plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with champagne and canapés. You will also receive complimentary parking, cloakroom at the NEC plus a goodie bag.
