The BARC has unveiled plans for the Open Sports Racing Cup in 2005. The new series will be open to an extensive range of sports-racing cars and will run over six weekends, with three races per weekend.Following representation from sports-racing car drivers and manufacturers, the new series will accept all current National Supersports cars as well as a wide range of both open and closed-top sports-racing cars. Discussions with the BARC started in April 2004 and agreement is now in place for 2005 and beyond.Apart from a weight limit for each class (which will include the driver), there will be no specific regulations beyond the normal vehicle regulations. Costs will be controlled by the use of success ballast in each of four classes.The classes are:A: engines of more than 3000cc; minimum weight including driver of 700kgB: engines of 2001 - 3000cc; minimum weight including driver of 650kgC: engines of 1501 - 2000cc; minimum weight including driver of 600kgD: engines of up to 1500cc; minimum weight including driver of 575kgEach race weekend will include one qualifying session and three 50km races. The grid for race one will be decided by qualifying times, the grid for race two will be the reverse of finishing positions in race one and the grid for race three will be the finishing order from race two."We are keen that there is a series that will cover a niche in the market that is not covered by other series," says Ian Watson of the BARC. "The open regulations will allow as many cars as possible and we would particularly like to see cars that are not currently being used back on the track."The BARC also recognises the importance of a category that allows new racing car designers freedom to develop their skills. Such a class is good news for the British motor racing industry, and the development of Chiron designer Henry Nickless is a shining example of the fact that the sport needs classes where new design talent can emerge.A core of competitors will transfer across from National Supersports and the initiative has the full support of the National Supersports Association. "This is not only excellent news for drivers with National Supersports cars, it is good for anyone with a sports-racing car," says NSA chairman Mike Swinnerton.Entry fees for each weekend are expected to be around £325, meaning a fee of just over £100 for each 50km race. "This represents great value for money," says Swinnerton. "The concept of having one race weekend each month is designed to help make it affordable for competitors." Registration for the series is free, although competitors will need to be members of the BARC and a competitors' association. A minimum National B race licence will be required.A wide variety of cars are eligible for the category, including:All RadicalsAll National Supersports carsAll SR2 carsAll Sports 2000 (both Classic and Pro-Series)Historic Group 6 carsLM 3000sPrototypes and one-offs, including motorbike engined carsThe provisional 2005 calendar is as follows:1 April 24, Donington Park (two races)2 May 28/29, Snetterton (three races)3 June 25/26, Croft (three races)4 July 30/31, Brands Hatch (three races)5 August 27/28, Rockingham (three races)6 September 24/25, Pembrey (three races)