News series launched for GTC Cars
20th September 2007
Haynes and MSVR have joined forces to run a new televised race series for GT cars sponsored by PRO-MIL. Names the 'Pro-MIL GT Cup' the inaugural race will be run at Snetterton on 3rd & 4th November 2007 on the same billing as the Formular Palmer Audi Shootout.
Promoted by Marc Haynes and Organised by MSVR, the PRO-MIL GT Cup will headline GTC paced car/driver combinations with entries permitted by invitation only. Performance equalisation (based on power to weight and restrictions on modifications) will be enforced to ensure close and exciting racing. The format over race weekends will include one half hour free practice and a 15 minute qualifying session on Saturday with two half hour races on Sunday.
Primarily designed for single driver entries, two driver teams will also be accepted where they share the same car and each drive's the whole of one race. Marc Haynes commented "This series will fulfill a growing requirement in GT and Closed Top Production Sportscar racing which is not currently being provided for by any other current GT race series".
Haynes is personally backing the race at Snetterton to ensure the format stays true to his vision. He said "There are lots of GTC pace cars about who's drivers want to have the opportunity of having top billing without the complication or expense of two driver, long distance races. At the same time I believe they want a solid weekend's worth of racing track time. I also want to ensure speed differentials between classes allow everyone to enjoy themselves without Class One lapping Class Two within five or six laps. I fully expect the best of Class Two to be well into the Class One field whilst still being able to win one of the splendid trophies being supplied by Cameleon Teamwear".
A Class Two will run with cars of similar but slightly lower pace than GTC with examples such as Ferrari 355, Porsche 993 and Mazda RX7 lined up. If demand requires, a Class 3 may be considered for 2008. During the inaugural race weekend a forum will take place to hear competitors ideas and feed back.
The inaugural race will be televised with presenter Charlie George fronting the program which will showcase plenty of in car footage. The half hour will be dedicated to the GT Cup and will show action from highlights of both races along with driver interviews. A race hospitality centre will also be on hand to provide give some warmth and hot refreshment.
Strong interest has already been expressed with pre entry applications received from seven Ferrari 360's and 355's, nine Porsche GT3's, two Marcos Mantis's and several Lotus Exige. A grid of at least 20 cars expected to run in November.
One of the Ferrari teams run by top British GT racer Aaron Scott will enter at least one Ferrari 360 and commented "The GTC class has been the mainstay of British GT racing for a number of seasons, as the new GT3 cars move to the forefront of the National Championships there are still a number of teams and drivers wanting to race their GTC cars. I expect the race in November to be well supported and the Championship to go from strength to strength with the backing of MSV and Motors TV.
MSVR Race Operations Manager David Scott said "MSVR are delighted with the response Marc has received to date and eagerly anticipate both some great racing and a friendly atmosphere at Snetterton in November"
