Wednesday 13th July 2005

Caterham offers racing on a budget

Cash upfront and a monthly sub buys you a racing car

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Get into one for £199 a month

Budding F1 drivers can now get a leg up onto the first rung of the motor sport ladder as Caterham has launched a unique finance package for its 2006 Academy grid line-up.

For £199 a month, every competitor will not only get to own a road legal, 1.6i 120bhp Caterham Roadsport, capable of reaching 60mph in 6.2 seconds, but will also be guided to attain a National B racing licence. In addition participants will also get to compete in eight rounds of motorsport including four speed events – hill climbs and sprints – and four races at top UK circuits including Silverstone, Goodwood and Cadwell Park. Caterham provides professional race instruction, seminars and technical support for each competitor to help make it one of the ultimate driving experiences.

The exclusive finance deal requires a down payment of £3,900 and then 23 monthly payments of £199. A final instalment of £9,860 is required during 2007.

Drivers interested in competing in the 2006 competition season (April – October 2006) are urged to contact Caterham quickly as places on the grid are limited and often sell out well in advance.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the 2005 Caterham Academy is already packed with 56 novices of all ages and sexes eager to get to grips with the most raced production car in the world.

Managing director at Caterham Cars Ltd, Ansar Ali, said: "This single make race series is the perfect introduction to motorsport. It’s fun, fast, and furious and now, thanks to the unique finance package, more affordable than ever. This unique finance package allows more wanabe racing drivers the chance to live the dream without a hefty upfront payment."

The Caterham Roadsport costs £16,495 on the road.

• More from www.caterham.co.uk

[carl_w]

So you race in 2006 but make the final payment in 2007? What happens if you bend the car?

[simon996]

good point. i'm signed up for '06 but am buying the car outright. that basicallky means i get to decide whether to insure or not. i assume caterham will have some sort of minimum insurance clause in case you total the car on the first race and then just walk away from the debt. i know the '05 guys have had many debates about whether to insure for the races or not - the cost is quite high and the excess is about 10% of the car's value so you need a hefty shunt to get your money back.

i think caterham may have had more trouble filling the academy this year; i believe there are still a handful of spaces left while i think it was well full by this time last year.

si.

[Incorrigible]

Simon

I'm doing it this year, if you want a chat about it PM me. (I'm in Sussex if you're local)

Also have a look here at the accademy forum

[senator]

Simon/Ben

I've just signed up for the academy for 2006. Simon, I see you have an advantage over me in that you already have a 7!

Ben, what are your thoughts about it so far?

Joel

[simon996]

hi guys,

joel - you need to get on the caterahm academy website (if not already) - there's a few of us '06 types already there (i'm simonr on forum). i bought a used 7 to get a bit of practice as i have NO experience on tracks - have done 3 track days so far and love it!

ben - would be great to hear your views/experiences so far - not long 'till the first race! i'm hoping to get along to one of the meets this year so might see you there.

si

[Incorrigible]

senator said:

Ben, what are your thoughts about it so far?

The government are going to ban people having this much fun

It can't be good for you

I see you're in London, plenty of accademists there for a chat, get on the forum

[carl_w]

Do you still have to assemble the car yourself?

[Incorrigible]

carl_w said:

Do you still have to assemble the car yourself?

They'll do it for you for £2500

But it is very straight forward, all the tricky stuff is already done for you (wiring, dash, fuel tank/lines brake lines etc)

Definately do-able in a single garage too