What's the news?
We'd all fancy a cheap way of getting into motor racing. Not all of us, in fact probably none of us, have Lewis Hamilton's millions and access to a working Mercedes F1 car. However, there just might be a way to put our ambitions on track...
MicksGarage.ie has just become the title sponsor of a new series in Irish racing, the Future Classics Championship. Designed, specifically, to be low cost and highly competitive, the series is planning to expand next year and already includes some very eclectic cars, from a Vauxhall Chevette to a Toyota Celica to, next year, an Audi 80 estate with a V6 engine.
The cars must be 21 years old (or have originally been designed 21 years ago) to be eligible and to keep costs down, a 'Barrier Time' time keeping system is used to try to equalise performance and budgets as much as possible. In-car lap-timers are discouraged, as are pit-to-car signalling.
The plan is also to keep the racing clean - no BTCC-style bumper bashing here. "With parts becoming scarce for a lot of these cars it becomes increasingly difficult to put these cars back together. With rare parts come high prices. For example: a wing for a Fiat Punto may be 20 quid, a wing for a Fiat Ritmo, well ask your price... if you can find one" says Future Classics spokesman Darran O'Hara.
"The class has gone from strength to strength and often boasts twenty plus cars on the grid. Not bad for only our 3rd year. The racing is always close and the variety of cars on grid is huge. We have Fiat Uno's, Puntos, Golf Gti's, 205 GTI's, a Vauxhall Chevette, a Celica, an FTO, ex rally cars and an MR2 just to name a few. One of these cars actually drives to the track and is road legal with tax and insurance.
"I guess the next question is what all this will mean for you the fans. Well to make it simple some pretty good racing. Big grids filled with huge variety. Plenty of excitement both on and off the track. Loads of competitions and giveaways. You can meet the drivers. Get pictures taken in your favourite cars and much more."
All of the races will be streamed live on Mondello.tv and the championship's own website, as will live-timing screens. "Motorsport is a passion we share here at MicksGarage" said a spokesperson. "Having the opportunity to be involved with and support a number of different championships and drivers over the last few years is something we're delighted to be able to do and hopefully will continue to do over the years to come. The Future Classics Championship embodies everything we love about grass-roots Motorsport. It's competitive, cost effective, extremely accessible and most of all, great fun!"
The championship kicks off in March, spans 10 rounds and finishes up in October.