How to go circuit racing in the UK is just some of the advice you will get in this week’s edition of the Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup. I also have a guide to passing and braking techniques, an amazing hand-control system used by Robert Wickens and the anatomy of an F1 Academy car. All this and much more.
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
Rob Krider on the SCCA website explains 4 must-know techniques for successful passing in road racing.
When it comes to passing, there are rules of engagement to be followed, the width of the racetrack to be considered, then there’s adrenaline – and sometimes ill-thought-out ideas enter the mix. Whether it’s the SCCA® National Championship Runoffs® or Formula 1, passing equals conflict, and conflict equals drama. There are, however, techniques for successful passing to help you avoid drama, dodge unwanted trips to visit the stewards, and (just maybe) win the race.
Read the full article here.
Terry Thomas in Grassroots Motorsports asks the question, why does track driving make simple instructions so hard to follow?
“Those of us who attend driver education events often hear the same mantra over and over. Instructors, those brave souls who jump into the right seat to help us become better drivers, must spend entire days repeating it through clenched teeth: “Look ahead! Be smooth!” Sounds simple, right? And while we can all probably agree that looking ahead and being smooth sound like great ideas, do we really know what the heck these phrases mean, never mind why they are so important to attaining driving bliss? We’ve done a bit of digging to determine just why those two commandments are indeed so critical to safe, effective laps.”
Read more at Grassroots Motorsports.
Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets discusses experimenting with lines.
“The line is defined as the curved path from the Turn-in point, past/through the Apex, and out to the Exit or Track-out point. This path is a compromise between driving the largest radius, and one that best sets us up for what’s coming after the corner (and sometimes, what came before it). If all we cared about was being as fast as possible through one single corner in isolation, we’d always drive the largest radius, and the Apex of the corner would be in the exact geometric center of the corner. But we all know that if the Apex was there, we’d be late at beginning to accelerate out of the corner, and therefore, be slow down the following straightaway (assuming there is a straight afterward).”
Read his full article here.
Are you ready to jump into the fast-paced world of circuit racing? Whether you’re an experienced driver seeking a new challenge or a complete beginner with a need for speed, this comprehensive guide has got you covered. Get ready for your first race with all the essential information you need to make it a success.
In Motorsport UK video above, Charlie Lower takes you through the step-by-step process of preparing for your racing debut. From finding out where and when you can race to sorting out the logistics, we’ve got everything you need to know. Join us as we provide the tips and insights to help you on your journey to racing success.
A new hand-control braking system developed by Bosch Motorsport debuts on Robert Wickens’ Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Canadian driver, a race-winner in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge competition, utilizes hand controls in the TCR class entry after being paralyzed following an NTT IndyCar Series accident in 2018.
The new system, developed using Bosch’s existing electronic brake system module from the LMDh platform, along with a controls platform and display, provides a more “robust” solution according to the company.
Read more in the two articles at Sportscar365 below:
- Bosch Hand-Control Braking System Debuts With Wickens
- Bosch System Gives Wickens a “Chance” at LMDh Drive
This is an educational video from Daniel Morad that will help real life drivers and simulator drivers improve their braking technique. This video explains the 5 stages of the brake zone! These tips won’t just make you a faster driver, they will also make you a much more consistent driver, which will lead to better race results.
Race Car & Series Developments
The Athletic explains how the F1 Academy car was designed with the series’ goals in mind. “F1 Academy’s cars are similar to Formula Four, an equal competition level, but with a noticeable tweak that aligns F1 Academy more with F1. It’s the right choice for this series because it helps prepare the young drivers for higher competition and growth.” Read the full article here.
The Australian Racing Group is pushing for its TCR Australia and Trans Am categories to join the Supercars support bill in 2025. TCR would provide a point of difference to the current suite of Supercars supports, which include Super2, Carrera Cup, Toyota 86, SuperUtes, Touring Car Masters and Aussie Racing Cars. SpeedCafe has more details.
Staying in Australia, Ferrari is bringing its one-make Ferrari Challenge series to the region for the first time next year with a five-round schedule on Australian soil. The Ferrari Challenge Australasia will be underpinned by the new Ferrari 296 Challenge model, while the 488 Challenge Evo will also be eligible. That means the series will effectively be split in three with the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell classes for the 296-shod drivers and a seperate class for 488 competitors.
Andrew van Leeuwen of SpeedCafe explains why this will be different from other one-make series. “I would say it’s a very different approach to racing,” Filippo Zanier, Ferrari Challenge’s Business Development and Special Projects manager, told Speedcafe.
“With Ferrari, what we do when we launch a new championship in a new country, we really create a new driver market. We bring Ferrari customers from Corso Pilota, which is the first stop, to then Club Challenge, which is the introduction to driving a Challenge car on the track, to Challenge racing. Instead of going and picking drivers from the existing market to create our grid, what we do is bring new drivers to the market. I’m pretty sure that from all the drivers we’ll have on the grid next year, and we expect an 18 to 20 car grid, all of them will be new racing licences that have been created through Club Challenge.” Read all the details here.
Britcar is poised to embark on an exciting new era in 2025 with a new format of the Britcar Endurance Championship. Following the conclusion of this year’s campaign, the organizers have announced that the British Endurance Championship (BEC) and Britcar Trophy Championship will amalgamate to form one single Championship for 2025 season.
Going back to its original title – The Britcar Endurance Championship – the championship will include six competitor classes and feature a mixture of one 90-minute or two 45-minute races across eight rounds – all of which will take place at major UK circuits. The provisional dates for 2025 have now been announced:
Full details can be found here.
The TCR UK Touring Car Championship has announced that it will join forces with the British Automobile Racing Club in 2025. As part of this announcement, the 2025 TCR UK Calendar has also been revealed. The calendar includes two meetings alongside the huge crowds of the British Truck Racing Championship, as well as a return to the British GT Championship. Full details can be found here.
The build up continues to the 3rd running of the Radical World Finals at the iconic Yas Marina circuit, November 6-10, 2024. A limited number of rental cars are still available, and a small window exists to have new cars delivered to the track. Late fees commence and the preferred rate at the famed W Hotel will time out come September 30, so sign up today!
Radical owners, racers, and teams from around the world will descend on Abu Dhabi to duke it out for three Radical World Finals titles in Platinum, Pro 1500 and Pro 1340. A number of drivers from the USA and Canada have already committed, so join your fellow racers in the biggest event of the year. The entire event will be live streamed on Radical Motorsport’s YouTube channel. Full details can be found here.
Gonzalo San Miguel on the SCCA website explains how UTVs are revolutionizing SCCA Rallycross with a new era of exclusivity and excitement. “The introduction of UTVs in SCCA RallyCross is poised to attract a fresh wave of motorsport enthusiasts. With their user-friendly handling and lower operational costs, UTVs are ideal for those who are new to off-road racing or looking for a less intimidating entry point. This influx of new members not only boosts the Club’s membership numbers but also revitalizes the competitive spirit within the community.” Read more here.
2025 Calendars
A lot of 2025 racing calendars have been released in the last week. Here are the ones that I am aware of.
- Prototype Sprint Series Association
- International GT
- The Trans Am Series
- Sportscar Vintage Racing Association
- Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR)
- RBI Sport introduces The ROCK Trophy, Baja Europe for 2025 calendar
Track Days
Chamberlain Property Group (CPG) is proud to host an Area 27 Performance Driving Day to raise money for Road to Racing Canada – a Motorsports Amateur Athletics Association. CPG requests a charitable donation to Road To Racing to attend. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – Professional Coaching provided. Tickets are limited to 40 drivers, so don’t hesitate to book your VIP ticket! Guests of drivers are welcome with a $50 charge per person. Lunch is provided to drivers and guests. Full details can be found here.
Balaton Park Circuit is hosting their very last VIP Track Day on September 28, 2024. “Join us for our very last VIP Track Day, featuring two thrilling categories: Sporty and Racer. This exclusive event offers the chance to secure private garage boxes for your vehicles. The day will begin at 9:00 AM and run through to 5:15 PM, giving you a full day of high-speed excitement. Don’t miss your final chance to be part of this unforgettable experience! Full details can be found here.
Racing Opportunities
P1 Groupe has a number of drives available. “We have a number of drives available for 2025. Options that are currently available include drives in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in GT4, IMSA VP Challenge in GT4, and SRO McLaren Trophy America with Artura Trophy. Other international options also available such as 24h of Dubai, etc. Contact for details on any of these opportunities that are of interest.”
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a former lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
