PRESS RELEASE – 26/10/2016
GFR launch new UK racing series in association with MSVR! Featuring BMW Z3 and Z4 models, on the grid for the first time in 2017!
MotorSport Vision Racing – Cars and GFR – Gary Feakins Racing are delighted to announce a brand new series will launch in 2017 – Z Cars.
MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) will run the series for BMW sports-roadsters from 2017, working in conjunction with GFR. This new series will add an exciting new sports car element to MSVR’s roster from next season with a field of especially-prepared BMW Z3s and Z4s.
Catering for the BMW Z3 (1.9 litre) and Z4 (3.0 litre) models, this fresh initiative will offer two key opportunities – firstly, a highly cost-effective avenue for newcomers to the sport (a suitable Z3 base car can be purchased for as little as £1500), and secondly a new challenge for drivers who have gained some experience and are looking to move up to the next level with the more powerful Z4.
MSVR will organise a six weekend calendar, taking in the very best UK circuits including Brands Hatch and Silverstone, with each round including a qualifying session and two races. Where possible, these will be held on one day to help further reduce costs.
GFR is a renowned race preparation team, with significant BMW experience. Led by 2015 Toyo Tires Production BMW Champion Gary Feakins, the company has already built and developed one Z3 and one Z4 in race trim, with the final setup work taking place over the next month. Feakins has developed partnerships with leading suppliers including Custom Cages, who have designed a bespoke Motor Sports Association (MSA) – standard safety roll cage for each car and Powerflex who will be a supplier to the championship. The next wave of cars is already lined up ready for race preparation work once the final specification is decided.
These engaging, rear wheel drive sports cars will help drivers to hone their skills while tightly controlled technical regulations will keep the racing close and fair.
MSVR’s Race Operations Manager David Scott said: “The prospect of a grid of BMW Z3 and Z4 race cars is really exciting and with huge support from Gary Feakins at GFR this project is set to hit the tracks in 2017. And with the BMW expertise that Gary and his team have the new series will offer competitors the chance of racing on a very sensible budget. The technical specification will be set to eliminate ‘cheque book racing’ and provide a level playing field where driver ability will shine through.”
Gary Feakins said: “Our experience in club motorsport has allowed us to develop a set of technical regulations which will ensure close and competitive racing, at a cost effective level. Launching a new series in collaboration with MSVR and our various technical partners is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our ability to design, develop and build race cars to the highest of standards and showcase what we can do as an organisation. Our philosophy behind the ‘two-tier’ approach is the BMW Z3 offers a budget friendly way to get started in the series, with the BMW Z4 offering a logical step forward from the Z3 and many other club championships throughout the UK. GFR will be offering the cars for sale as fully-built racers and also in kit form to provide a strong grid for 2017 and beyond.”
Further details, including the full 2017 calendar and series regulations, will be available in the coming weeks. For more information on purchasing or building a car please contact Gary Feakins Racing on 0118 327 4811 or email [email protected]
http://