BRITISH TEAMS UNITE OVER GT3 RULES ROB LADBROOK
“I blame sun on the screen for the score”
A new British GT teams’ association panel has been formed in an attempt to bring in new ways of boosting interest in the GT3 category in the future.
The GT3 entries have struggled against the rise in popularity of the lower cost GT4 class for this season, with GT4 outnumbering the top tier at all rounds so far this term.
At British GT’S Spa round last weekend GT3 crews held a meeting on Friday evening to brainstorm ideas of how to safeguard the class and bring in new entries in the future.
Two team principals have been elected to the panel – Barwell boss Mark Lemmer and TF Sport head Tom Ferrier – alongside drivers Andrew Howard and Phil Dryburgh, who will collectively put suggestions forward to series organiser SRO.
A number of ideas were tabled at the meeting, including increasing the minimum driving time for amateurs during races and the addition of an all-amateur Bronze class.
Lemmer said: “The meeting was very positive. We’ve seen GT3 numbers fall, but the interest in GT3 racing is still very high so we have to work together to get cars out. We want to have at least 18 next season. British GT is a very high level so we’re trying to find ways of making the championship less intimidating for gentleman drivers, who are the lifeblood of GT3 racing.”
Howard added: “The teams’ association is a great idea as we’re here spending the money and we need a voice in the future regulations. We’ll put ideas to SRO and hopefully they’ll listen.”
Championship manager Benjamin Franassovici said: “I welcome any form of input from the teams so this is good by me. We will look to package and promote the Am-am class properly as it will add to the options for GT3 racing, and be a good way for gentleman drivers to dip a toe into the championship without the pressure of finding professional team-mates. We’ll also look at the race formats, and maybe changing the minimum Am driving time to 60 or 70 minutes instead of the current 50.”
The Vintage Sports-car Club’s celebrated Prescott Speed Hill Climb is the undoubted jewel in the crown of the Vintage motorsport year, having first taken place in 1938.
Over 300 of the finest Pre-war and Historic Racing and Sports-cars will be in action at the famous Hill Climb venue near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire – home of the Bugatti Owners’ Club – from Friday, August 5, to Sunday August 7. Some have travelled from all over the world to compete, with representatives from the evocative marques of this special era of motoring, including Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Aston Martin, Frazer Nash, ERA, Cooper and more.
From noble Edwardians to famed Pre-1961 Racers, six decades of motoring history will be on show over the weekend, from the most original machinery through to fire-breathing, tyre-smoking aero-engined Specials.
The weekend will comprise two events, with Friday’s ‘Long Course’ contest – including the weekend’s Postwar competitors – followed by the Club’s long-standing traditional two-day Pre-war Hill Climb utilising the venue’s traditional ‘Short Course’.
As well as the thrilling action on track there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy. Spectators are free to explore the Competitor Paddock, where they can get up close to the competing machinery and drivers, whilst the annual gathering of Spectator Pre-war Cars in the Orchard, this year including a Centenary Anniversary Celebration of BMW, is always worth the entry price alone. Renowned auction house and club sponsors, Bonhams, will also provide another impressive display of exquisite cars.
Our fine Trade Village and ‘Autojumble’ will surely offer something to suit all interests, whilst the traditional children’s entertainment area, including bouncy castle and sweet and games stall, ensures there will be plenty to keep our younger enthusiasts occupied. With on-site camping available, the traditional jazz band lunchtime parade up the Hill on Sunday and plenty of catering facilities available on site throughout the weekend, the event is the ideal family day out!