Porsche launches GT3 Cup challenge for 2012
Open to any 911 GT3 Cup race car from the 2009 model year or earlier, the series is designed to be a perfect stepping stone for drivers aiming to move up to the Carrera Cup GB in subsequent seasons. It is also ideally suited to younger racers with some sponsorship backing, as well as competitors graduating from track days. The series is open to drivers with a National B race license.
For 2012, the GT3 Cup Challenge moves under the control of Porsche Cars GB, providing closer ties to the UK headquarters of the German sports car marque, the world’s biggest manufacturer of race cars. Links to the premier Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship will be strengthened; both series will share a pre-season Test and Media Day at Silverstone in March, along with a spectacular end-of-season Awards Night.
“The GT3 Cup Challenge is the ideal series for any driver wanting to race a 911 GT3 Cup on a level playing field," said Marion Barnaby, Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars GB. “It is the perfect learning platform for drivers hoping to move up to the Carrera Cup GB, but it will also suit competitors coming into racing for the first time from track days as well as those currently racing in other series. We will be aligning the GT3 Cup Challenge closely with the Carrera Cup GB."
The GT3 Cup Challenge is expected to feature two classes; Class One will be for ‘Type 997’ 911 GT3 Cup race cars up to and including the 2009 model year. There will be two minimum weights to balance performance between the two specifications of car from this period. Class Two will be for all earlier ‘Type 996’ 911 GT3 Cup cars.
Races will be of 25-30 minutes duration wherever possible and the calendar is designed to keep time away to a minimum to help contain costs. Leading teams from the Carrera Cup GB will be fielding cars in the GT3 Cup Challenge, with full-season budgets from £50,000, or from £30,000 if drivers own their cars.
A GT3 Cup Challenge race centre will be operational at all events, offering hospitality for drivers, families, guests and team members. Porsche Cars GB will provide further support with a technical service to give drivers the best chance of completing their race weekend as planned. The prize package for the series will be unveiled shortly, along with filming and broadcast details.
Further information about the GT3 Cup Challenge 2012 including calendar will be announced on the Porsche Cars GB stand at Autosport International at the Birmingham NEC on January 12-15, 2012.