In response to competitor demand, Masters Historic Racing will crown five ‘Champions of Europe’ at the end of their 2010 season, after unveiling plans to run its major race series on a points-scoring basis for the first time.

Competitors in Grand Prix Masters, World Sportscar Masters, Gentleman Drivers, Sports Racing Masters and the Pre-66 Touring Cars will all be competing for the honour of being champion in the newly titled Masters European Series.

In each of the five race series, points will be awarded on class results, so that the drivers in less powerful cars have an equal chance of being crowned champion at the end of the season. Drivers will be able to drop a round (or two, depending on the series) in the year-end calculations, so that drivers do not have to contest every race in the series to have a chance of success. For example, in World Sportscar Masters, drivers will count their best six scores from eight races.

However, drivers unable to commit to a full programme are, of course, also welcome as in previous seasons on the various Masters grids, whether for one or more races. With a superb calendar of races at some of the best venues in Europe, there is plenty of choice.

"After much off-season discussion and negotiation we are delighted to announce the Masters European Series," said Christopher Tate of Masters Historic Racing. "This is a logical step and we believe that it will raise the level of competition to new heights, and provide extra excitement for the many Masters regulars who have asked for this."

More details are available from themastersseries.com