SPEED SERIES CHANGES GEAR FOR 2009
· Le Mans-style racing for sensible money
· Will Honda focus now on endurance racing?
2009 sees the exciting launch of the SPEED sports prototype racing series, long-distance high speed racing events for the UK. Two, four and six-hour races will challenge two-driver teams and demand clever race strategy to win. Overseas entries are expected.
Formerly the VdeV UK series, the Sports Prototype Endurance Event Driving (SPEED) series has evolved for the 2009 season with a new brand and a new set of regulations designed to encourage bigger grids and spectacular racing.
A series for cars conforming to the FIA’s CN regulations, SPEED is for sports prototype cars - a massively popular formula in global motorsport; SPEED category events are being organised in the US and by a number of promoters across Europe. The popular French series for CN cars will also continue in 2009. All the current CN cars use the Honda FD2 advanced production car engine. Organisers hope that Honda will refocus their sporting interests on this burgeoning endurance series.
For 2009, SPEED has introduced an additional CN2 category for pure CN cars built with a sealed parts package that includes an engine from Mugen-Honda, electronics, dampers and brakes. This will limit initial vehicle purchase costs and control operating budgets through the season.
In addition, SPEED organisers will invite other sports racing category cars, such as Sports 2000 and small bike-engined sports cars, who’s owners want to sample endurance racing. It is likely that these invitation cars will only have to fit Avon tyres and satisfy the safety dry-break refuelling system.
With an 8-event calendar including two continental events, SPEED will broadcast on MotorsTV and Sky Sports. A Euro series of four races is planned as part of this series of events. Belgium, Holland, Germany and the UK will host events
Championship Organiser, Stuart McCrudden: “SPEED is changing gear and accelerating in 2009. We’ll have professionally-run events for our drivers, manufacturers and teams, race fans and marshals. On track we offer drivers a superb amount of seat-time at some great venues. In the pits, refuelling adds to the challenge for teams and engineers. We’re also aiming to run hotlap rides for marshals and spectators at events to give everyone a taste of what it’s like to run in one of these fantastic cars.”
The new SPEED regulations will be issued shortly and a brand new SPEED series website will be online in the coming weeks. Decal packs and downloadable logos for teams, manufacturers and fans will also be made available.
SPEED will be represented at the Autosport International Racing Car Show at the NEC in January by the TFL-prepared car, which will be on stand number 6950. MSA license holders can enter a draw to win a free test drive in a SPEED car in 2009 by collecting an entry form from the stand.
