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| July 25, 2012 |
| Industry News: Radical Launches SR1 Cup |
 | The new Radical SR1 is designed for drivers looking to hit the track with a focused sports racer
(Photo: Radical) |
2013 will see the start of a brand new sports racer championship - the SR1 Cup - devised to bring new drivers into motorsport via a very cost-effective package that includes Radical's entry-level SR1 car, Alpinestars Radical race suit, and a comprehensive training and race program.
It all begins with the race licence procedure (for those who need it), followed by two instructor-assisted trackdays, and a competitive Bedford Autodrome ‘How Fast’ event. It culminates with eight races at some of the best circuits in the UK, all for the incredible price of just £37,500 - and you get to keep the car. You can’t go faster or have more fun for less!
Open to drivers who have either never held a race licence before, or are still eligible to wear a novice cross on the rear of the car (meaning they have competed in less than six races), the SR1 Cup will lead the drivers through the process of getting on the grid, with a detailed programme of driver training and technical tuition.
The SR1 is a two-seater sportscar that benefits from Radical’s knowledge and expertise gained from building some 1500 race cars since 1997, and is powered by a 1340cc RPE-Suzuki engine modified to suit both racers in the early stages of their development and be extremely reliable with very low running costs. It weighs just 480kg, and therefore with its 185bhp still has a power-to-weight ratio that would shame most supercars, plus it has the benefit of downforce.
The level of aerodynamic grip has not been set as high as in the ever-popular SR3 RS, but it has enough to ensure the SR1 retains its balance and cornering speeds still far exceed those of any saloon-type racer. It will run on Dunlop road tyres and drivers will be limited to two sets for the entire year to keep costs in check. There are no hidden costs with this championship, no required optional extras. Just get in and go!
All Radicals are built with safety at the very top of the priority list, and the SR1 is no exception. With enclosed bodywork there is no opportunity for interlocking wheels, while a comprehensive safety cell and deformable crash structure tested to FIA standards easily exceeds anything else in this price range.
The championship begins with an ARDS race licence test at Bedford Autodrome, including a medical (for those already holding a race licence the cost of the 2013 renewal will be covered), before two seminars take place. The first explains everything that happens during a race weekend, from signing-on to taking the chequered flag, along with circuit driving theory, circuit driving techniques, and how to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. The second details everything you need to know about preparing the car. The SR1 has been designed to be both easy and inexpensive to maintain and Radical’s works team engineers will explain just how to do it.
From there the drivers will take their cars to the first of two exclusive Radical trackdays, one at Snetterton, the other at Brands Hatch – both circuits that these novice racers will compete at later in the season. There will be instructors on hand to guide the drivers, timing will be possible and there will even be the opportunity for them to try practice starts with the full countdown procedure and start lights.
With these trackdays under their belts and the adrenaline rush from driving these thrilling race cars still fresh, it will be time for the drivers to take part in their first competitive event - again held at the Bedford Autodrome.
‘How Fast’ is like a trackday with a twist. After a one hour ‘free practice’ session (run to trackday rules), each car is fitted with a transponder and sent back onto the track one at a time for two flying laps – the fastest of which counts. It’s the perfect step towards qualifying, because the races are now not far away.
Each race event takes place at the same meeting as the Radical Clubman’s Cup, ensuring that there will be support, expert advice and a spares truck at each event, and the qualifying session and two races will take place on the same day to keep travel expenses to a minimum. The races will be held at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Oulton Park, and Cadwell Park, some of the finest in the country, all run by MSVR.
By September next year the first ever Radical SR1 champion will be crowned and along with the trophy they will win a works drive in the opening round of the 2014 Radical Clubman’s Cup in an SR3 RS. Places will be strictly limited, and with so much on offer at such an outstanding price the championship is expected to fill up quickly. Drivers are advised to get in touch without delay.
The SR1 Cup represents the crucial first step on a comprehensive sportscar and endurance racing ladder, via the Radical Clubman’s Cup and UK Cup, to international competition in the Radical Masters Euroseries and beyond.
There’s a wealth of other opportunities to use your SR1 as well; Radical are able to advise on trackday and competitive use in a wide range of disciplines, including sprints, hillclimbs and intermarque racing. |
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