GT Cup Awarded Championship Status
Mon 23 Nov 2009
The GT Cup is set to be upgraded to championship status in 2010 after being granted outline approval by the MSA.
Since its launch in 2008, the GT Cup - which aims to encourage drivers into entry-level GT racing - has regularly attracted full grids of over 30 supercars. This season the series supported major international events including the FIA Formula Two Championship and the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, as well as competing as part of MotorSport Vision's (MSVR) club racing programme.
The new championship permit will be held by MSVR as the organising club, whilst the permanent series promoter will be Bute Motorsport. Bute Motorsport and MSVR will continue to jointly run the GT Cup to the same high standards as in previous years with the emphasis on competitive and enjoyable racing.
As in 2009, professional racing drivers will not be eligible for the 2010 GT Cup. The field will be divided into three groups based on vehicle performance. Group one is open to machinery such as the Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, Lotus Europa, Morgan Aero8 and Ferrari Challenge GT, group two will feature vehicles including the BMW M3, Porsche 996 GT3, Ferrari 360GT and the Ginetta G50, and group three will be pegged to the pace of FIA GT4 homologated cars such as the Lotus 211, BMW Z4, Nissan 350Z and the KTM X-Bow.
A full calendar for next year's GT Cup championship will be announced shortly, featuring seven rounds at UK circuits and one at a European venue. Each race meeting will include two 25 minute races as well as free practice at all two day meetings.
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of MotorSport Vision, said: "After two extremely successful years, the upgrade of the GT Cup to championship status is a logical progression and bodes very well for the series' future.
"The GT Cup's package has a huge appeal with club level drivers, as it gives them the ability to race some fabulous GT cars without having to share their car with another competitor. Many of this year's entrants have already confirmed for next year and I'm sure fans will enjoy even bigger grids and closer racing still in 2010."
Bute Motorsport Managing Director Marc Haynes commented "Since founding the GT Cup in November 2007 I have worked closely with MSVR to build the GT Cup and I'm delighted that together we are taking the series to the next level. We have an outstanding calendar for 2010 and the added excitement of being a championship but we will be sure to keep our eye on the ball with respect to retaining the excellent paddock atmosphere which competitors have come to love so much in the GT Cup."
For more information on the GT Cup visit www.msvracing.co.uk or
the official site www.gtcup.co.uk
