TO BE LAUNCHED BY GRAHAM HATHAWAY RACING AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL Essex-based specialist race car preparators Graham Hathaway Racing (GHR) will launch the new Speads RM08 single seater race car at the Autosport International show at Birmingham’s NEC in January, on stand CP7 in Hall 10. The RM08 will be the first car launched at the show when it opens at 9am on Thursday January 10th.
The distinctively styled Speads RM08 will be the car of choice for a new BARC-supported one-make single seater series called Formula Triple S, which will run a selected programme of meetings throughout 2008 before expanding to a full season in 2009. The RM08 is also suitable for Monoposto, SEMSEC, Sprints, Hillclimbs and other open wheel events. The 2008 Formula Triple S calendar includes events at Pembrey, Mallory Park, Anglesey and Lydden. The track activity schedule will be one 20 minute qualifying session followed by one 20 minute race each day during a two day meeting, whilst there will be a single 20 minute qualifying session followed by two 20 minute races during one day events.
GHR – the exclusive UK distributor for South African-based Speads Formula Cars - will supply the Speads RM08 as standard with the popular 1300cc Hayabusa engine (the regulation engine for Formula Triple S), although a 1200cc ZX12 power unit will be available for those who purchase the car for use in Monoposto.
The RM08 is the result of six years of development carried out in its native South Africa. The RM08’s handling characteristics are defined largely by its full aerodynamic package - including adjustable front and rear wings, bargeboards, flat floor and rear diffuser - and from the Dunlop full slick (or wet) tyres to be used on the UK version of the car. These elements combine to create substantial grip when the car is on track. With the RM08’s track being 60” (1524mm) both front and rear and the wheelbase running to 130.5” (3315mm), its physical size coupled with the grip levels creates nimble, responsive handling.
“Formula Triple S and the Speads RM08 are a perfect match, particularly for younger drivers coming out of karting as they will be able to learn at an early stage about proper, fully equipped single seaters, which can only help them progress up the single seater ladder,” comments Graham Hathaway.
“The RM08 is a very impressive car and it brings a refreshingly modern design to the UK racing scene”, Hathaway continues. “One of the main advantages of the RM08 is the cost compared to equivalent cars in terms of the overall price of the car, its maintenance and the running costs. The performance level of the car is also very impressive, so there is also going to be a big adrenaline rush for anyone who drives it, which makes it ideal for club racers.” The car will sell for £29,995.00 (ex VAT) for the fully built, 1300cc Hayabusa powered version, with other prices relating to different specifications. GHR can also supply the RM08 in kit form.
Racers who would like more information about the Speads RM08 and Formula Triple S are advised to contact Graham Hathaway Racing either at Autosport International direct or by contacted them on (01621) 856956.
FORMULA TRIPLE S - 2008 Calendar
DATE VENUE DETAILS
May 10th Pembrey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min raceMay 11th Pembrey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min race
June 8th Mallory Park 1x 20min qualifying; 2x 20min races
August 2nd Anglesey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min raceAugust 3rd Anglesey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min race
September 13th Pembrey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min raceSeptember 14th Pembrey 1x 20min qualifying; 1x 20min race
October 4th Lydden 1x 20min qualifying; 2x 20min races
GRAHAM HATHAWAY RACING
Graham Hathaway is a well known and established name within the motorsport industry. Graham Hathaway Racing has been established for over 20 years and has achieved significant success throughout its history – from a Rallycross title in the early 1980’s to winning the British Touring Car Independents Cup in 1997, plus Group C sportscar wins and World Speed records.
GHR have been manufacturing the GT1 and GT2 cars for use in the Global GT Lights category, which itself is owned by GHR. The main difference between the GT1 and GT2 is that the latter has a more powerful 1,300cc Hyabusa engine and two seats, whilst the GT1 runs with either a 600cc or 1,000cc Yamaha engine.
The company launched two new cars in 2007, the GTS and GTB. The GTS has been designed primarily for the Sports 2000 Duratec series and features a 2ltr Mountune engine. Its short wheel base, light weight structure results in a nimble, rapid car that has been designed to be simple to work on, yet to exacting engineering standards. The GTS proved it credentials during the 2007 Sports 2000 season, including taking pole at Silverstone. The GTB meanwhile is a two-seater version of the GT1, with a higher specification 1,300cc Hyabusa engine.
GHR also returned to the British Touring Car Championship in 2007, preparing team sibsport’s Honda Integra.
The company also operates services from bespoke track days to race tuition.
SPEADS FORMULA CARS
John Sapsed, founder of Speads Formula Cars, moved to South Africa nearly 20 years ago. The company was officially formed in 2000.
Speads Formula Cars has developed into a popular manufacturer for club level racing machines, with the company renowned for its highly innovative designs and engineering capabilities.
The company’s design and manufacturing facility is based in a 400 square metre factory at Strand, east of Cape Town. Almost all the elements of the company’s cars are produced in-house.
In addition to the newly launched RM08, the range also includes the RM02A single seater and the RS04, a full bodied sportcar.
Speads Formula Cars have regularly won races in the UK and in the US. The company’s original RM02A single seater won its debut race at the Killarney circuit in South Africa back in 2002.
