Beetle Racing Series Hits UK

UNIROYAL set to launch unique new racing series in the UK

Major tyre brand Uniroyal is poised to launch a unique new race series in the UK. The aim of the Uniroyal Team Challenge is to provide low cost motor racing for a larger number of people with a real emphasis on the enjoyment factor.

The UK races will be run on similar lines to the series which started five years ago in Belgium. This is now hugely successful and has also taken off in France and Italy this year. Its success can be gauged by the 110 cars on the grid for the 25-hour race at Spa Francorchamps held in June. More track time with team endurance races of 4, 6, 8 and 25 hours.

Identical specially built VW-Audi powered space frame cars with a mid-mounted 130 bhp engine and lightweight VW Beetle type body. The cars weigh only 700 kg. have great handling. and high levels of reliability. And of course all cars run on Uniroyal RainSport tyres.

A fast-track route for drivers to gain a race license and take part in these events - ideal for newcomers; and corporate sponsors looking for a new way to entertain customers.

Two-seater cars will be available in which passengers can actually go out during the race under strictly controlled regulations. Full hospitality is provided for every race team throughout the day.

A total commitment to provide low cost motor racing, with cars available to hire for the year with full maintenance and race service. They can even be hired for one off races, and of course you can also buy a car. The cost of buying a car will be of the order of £17,500 + VAT.

Currently Uniroyal are in discussions with the Motor Sports Association and others on the format of the racing to bring all these features together to provide a breath of fresh air to UK motor sport.

Racing is planned to start in the UK in 2002 - with the ability for drivers to also compete at well-known European circuits like Spa and Zolder. Uniroyal has had a long history of association with successful motor sport, being a major sponsor for many years of the UK’s premier production saloon series and later providing the tyres for the hugely successful road saloon championships, which became the largest race series in the UK.

Said Uniroyal Marketing Manager Tim Bailey: "The Uniroyal Team Challenge represents a new way forward for motor sport in providing accessible and exciting motor racing with maximum track time and great value for money. It has been hugely successful in Belgium attracting both raw novices new to the sport and ex Formula 1 drivers."

Co-ordination of the series is being handled by Grahame Butterworth of Impact PR, who has extensive experience within motor sport at all levels as a competitor, organiser and sponsor. He says: "This is a really exciting way forward and meets the needs of so many people. It has tremendous potential and will I believe receive widespread support. Those who have experienced this type of racing have been truly awakened - with a big smile on their face. "It is a great opportunity for the UK to truly expand its racing market at a time when both individuals and companies are looking for new avenues.