Entering its fifth season, the SR1 Cup is the well-established and popular entry route into Radical competition for novice to intermediate drivers, which makes prototype style sportscar racing both accessible and affordable. With eight races held across four events staged at some of the UK’s top race circuits, it’s the perfect platform for enthusiasts looking to take their circuit driving to the next level with a focused sports-racing car.
With unrivalled packages including a detailed driver training programme, on-track and technical tuition as standard, the SR1 Cup leads aspiring sportscar drivers through the entire journey from ARDS test to getting on the grid.
Sixteen drivers are already registered for the high-speed single-make series, with more set to join later in the year. The class of 2017 will battle for the SR1 Cup spoils piloting identical high down force, lightweight SR1s, each powered by a 1340cc RPE-Suzuki engine delivering 190bhp and 130 lb-ft of torque.
Among those lining up on this year’s Radical SR1 grid is Jérôme de Sadeleer, elder brother to United Autosports driver Hugo currently second in the European Le Mans Series standings. Jérôme may be completely new to racing but the 28-year-old from Gstaad, Switzerland, has high hopes of finding winning form from the start with the 360 Racing team.
Jérôme commented: “I’ve always wanted to drive prototype cars and my ultimate dream is to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so the Radical SR1 Cup is a great first step to achieving that goal. I’ve done a one-day Brands Hatch test prior to this weekend but all the guys at 360 and Radical have been brilliant in helping me train. I realise I’m up against drivers entering their second or third year in the championship, so it will be good to see how I shape up against the competition. It may be my first season but I’m out there to win and I’m training hard to make sure that happens.”
With the series also open to drivers with up to three years’ Radical experience, 2016 double podium winner Richard Baxter will be returning to the fold, dovetailing his Radical Challenge campaign with select SR1 rounds. Heading into his home event off the back of a stellar 10th place SR3 finish at Donington Park last month, the 38-year-old from Greenwich (London) is aiming to mark the first anniversary of his outright racing debut in style at the Kent circuit this week.
“It’s great to be back in the SR1 Cup amid a very busy season with the Nielsen team,” said Baxter. “I’m really looking forward to my first outing on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, which I’ll experience for the first time in qualifying. I’m now comfortable in the SR1, it’s great fun to drive but with more power than grip I know it’s going to be all about technique, racecraft and my ability to learn the circuit. It’ll be interesting to see how I slot in amongst the field but I’m hoping for a return to my 2016 podium form this weekend.”
Although a regular face in the Radical race support paddock as boss of the successful Nielsen team, David Thompson turns racing driver for the first time this weekend. From old faces to welcoming new ones to the Radical community, rookie David Tagg is also set to make his debut while bringing new team, Simon Green Motorsport, to the championship.
The iconic 2.433-mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit, rarely used in club level motorsport, will provide the 2017 field with a thrilling challenge for the first two rounds of the season. The Radical SR1 Cup action kicks off with qualifying at 18:05 on Saturday 20th May with two 20-minute races scheduled for 11:35 and 15:55 on Sunday.