GT Cup Official Launch
7th January 2008
Following a very successful inaugural event which attracted twenty four entries, the GT Cup is set to become a permanent fixture on the British Motorsport scene. The series has been confirmed for 2008 with a premier calendar of sixteen races over eight events visiting circuits including Brands Hatch GP, Donington GP and Silverstone International. The races are being organised by MSVR and the Series run by Bute Motorsport, a new company set up by founder Marc Haynes, who has personally invested £250k. An official launch event at the Haynes International Motor Museum will take place on Sunday the 27th of January 2008 with a website (gtcup.co.uk) being launched in time for the Autosport Show where the GT Cup will be exhibiting on Stand 9110 in Hall 9 opposite the F1 display. Outline Draft 2008 Regulations have been issued to over 300 teams and potential entrants with full 2008 regulations being prepared for the Launch. Consistently full grids are expected with a large number of registrations already received. ABG Team Principal Peter Hignet said, "I've got six entries lined up. The format just seems to suit so many people and isn't available anywhere else in the UK or Europe." Each race will have three classes with the series being tightly focused on modern production based GT and sports cars with sports racer and prototype cars specifically excluded. The series will be shown in a dedicated TV programme presented by Gemma Scott with in-car footage to be included. Series creator Marc Haynes commented "The paddock at Snetterton looked fantastic and there was close battling throughout the grid. We intend maintaining this level of quality in 2008." Response has been exceptional with entries being confirmed from several Porsche teams such as ABG and Ferrari teams including Team Nero as well as a host of private entries with strong interest from TVR owners especially. Many more top teams with customer driver entries are expected with the GT Cup format and calendar fitting well within the UK's GT racing line up of events. Entries are restricted to no professional drivers which has attracted a large number of top owner/drivers such as Paul Mace, David Botterill and Chris Everill who have all confirmed their participation. The GT Cup grid will represent Ferrari, Porsche, Marcos, TVR, Ginetta, BMW & Lotus with others being considered on application. Expected series front runner Colin Broster said "Things have really taken off with the GT Cup which looks as though it may be over subscribed at many of the rounds in 2008". Top series contender Pete Morris said "Everything seems to be right and I can't wait for the season to kick off in April. The January Launch Event should be a great opportunity to find out more about the competition". An exceptionally high level of hospitality will be provided throughout 2008. Series promoter Marc Haynes said "Bute Motorsport has made a significant investment in the GT Cup to ensure it has the backing needed to assure its success. This includes the purchase of a 150 seater mobile hospitality centre". Sponsors are coming on board with Dunlop Tyres and Sunoco Racing Fuels signed up as well as Flintshire based logistics firm FTS Hatswell. Title and support sponsors are still being negotiated, with several companies registering their interest.
