MAJOR NEWS FROM THE BRDC ABOUT 2003 SEASON-JUST IN
Discussion
2003 season - Thursday 29 August 2002
The BRDC is currently finalising various elements of the 2003 BRDC British GT Championship.
The 2002 season has again produced a spectacular array of machinery that has entertained trackside and TV audiences alike. The BRDC congratulates all teams, entrants and drivers for their continuing support of the Championship.
The BRDC fully appreciates that maintaining and competing in front-running GT machinery is a very costly business, and, as championship organiser, it has listened to the GT Association and other key players within the category as it maps out the 2003 championship structure. Key to the future of the championship is close racing to increase the appeal of GT racing to trackside and TV audiences and value for money for those investing in the championship.
The BRDC’s aims for the championship for 2003 are as follows:
In consultation with teams, entrants, drivers, suppliers, circuit promoters and operators, to devise an 11-round championship that takes into account logistical and budgetary requirements plus avoids clashes with major conflicting events (Le Mans and FIA GT rounds, for example).
The re-instatement of a championship round at a major European venue.
Introduction of varying race lengths and formats: 60mins – 2 x 45mins – two hours – three hours.
Single Championship Class for current GTO (FIA N-GT) and current GT class cars at an equalised performance level, therefore creating the spectacular prospect of outright racing for the championship crown for as wide a variety of cars as possible.
Introduction of an entry level Cup class for high-performance GT style cars running below the current GTO specification. Designed to broaden the list of eligible vehicles from a range of manufacturers that could potentially include Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Panoz, TVR and Vauxhall amongst others.
The proposed Championship class is based upon the forecast of less GT-specification cars running in the 2003 series. The British GT Championship rightly forms a springboard to FIA/International GT competition, and whilst existing GT class teams/entrants may wish to remain in the British GT class, the focal point of the championship must be upon a class that is both competitive and well supported. Similarly the battle for the coveted title of British Champion must be fought on equal terms and in a way that can be clearly understood by teams, drivers, spectators and the media.
The BRDC are keen to show their continued commitment to GT class entrants for 2003 however and if GT-class interest proves to be at a level that it would clearly warrant a separate class (e.g. 60% of the total registered teams by a date to be announced) then in principle there will be no restrictions and the GT/GTO class structure will remain basically as 2002.
The BRDC believes that it will be beneficial for the British GT Championship as a whole if some of the prohibitively high vehicle costs could be reduced via the introduction of the GT Cup class thus making it easier for more teams and drivers to enter and be competitive. It is anticipated that increased entries will come from teams normally confined by costs to participating in one-make championships or at amateur level events. The BRDC will ensure that all drivers entering the series are of a licence standard required for the level of competition and that teams maintain rigorous standards in vehicle and team presentation.
The BRDC looks forward to the prospect of the 2003 British GT Championship and further announcements regarding the calendar together with further technical and sporting information will be made as soon as possible.
The BRDC is currently finalising various elements of the 2003 BRDC British GT Championship.
The 2002 season has again produced a spectacular array of machinery that has entertained trackside and TV audiences alike. The BRDC congratulates all teams, entrants and drivers for their continuing support of the Championship.
The BRDC fully appreciates that maintaining and competing in front-running GT machinery is a very costly business, and, as championship organiser, it has listened to the GT Association and other key players within the category as it maps out the 2003 championship structure. Key to the future of the championship is close racing to increase the appeal of GT racing to trackside and TV audiences and value for money for those investing in the championship.
The BRDC’s aims for the championship for 2003 are as follows:
In consultation with teams, entrants, drivers, suppliers, circuit promoters and operators, to devise an 11-round championship that takes into account logistical and budgetary requirements plus avoids clashes with major conflicting events (Le Mans and FIA GT rounds, for example).
The re-instatement of a championship round at a major European venue.
Introduction of varying race lengths and formats: 60mins – 2 x 45mins – two hours – three hours.
Single Championship Class for current GTO (FIA N-GT) and current GT class cars at an equalised performance level, therefore creating the spectacular prospect of outright racing for the championship crown for as wide a variety of cars as possible.
Introduction of an entry level Cup class for high-performance GT style cars running below the current GTO specification. Designed to broaden the list of eligible vehicles from a range of manufacturers that could potentially include Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Panoz, TVR and Vauxhall amongst others.
The proposed Championship class is based upon the forecast of less GT-specification cars running in the 2003 series. The British GT Championship rightly forms a springboard to FIA/International GT competition, and whilst existing GT class teams/entrants may wish to remain in the British GT class, the focal point of the championship must be upon a class that is both competitive and well supported. Similarly the battle for the coveted title of British Champion must be fought on equal terms and in a way that can be clearly understood by teams, drivers, spectators and the media.
The BRDC are keen to show their continued commitment to GT class entrants for 2003 however and if GT-class interest proves to be at a level that it would clearly warrant a separate class (e.g. 60% of the total registered teams by a date to be announced) then in principle there will be no restrictions and the GT/GTO class structure will remain basically as 2002.
The BRDC believes that it will be beneficial for the British GT Championship as a whole if some of the prohibitively high vehicle costs could be reduced via the introduction of the GT Cup class thus making it easier for more teams and drivers to enter and be competitive. It is anticipated that increased entries will come from teams normally confined by costs to participating in one-make championships or at amateur level events. The BRDC will ensure that all drivers entering the series are of a licence standard required for the level of competition and that teams maintain rigorous standards in vehicle and team presentation.
The BRDC looks forward to the prospect of the 2003 British GT Championship and further announcements regarding the calendar together with further technical and sporting information will be made as soon as possible.
(that was taken from www.f3-gt.com)
Shame, looks like GT class is gone forever, such a shame, this is quite an announcement, very important
Shame, looks like GT class is gone forever, such a shame, this is quite an announcement, very important
Sounds like they've amalgamated the GT and GTO classes, presumably with technical restrictions, into the GT Championship Class. This ought to avoid the slightly farcical situation of having very few GT cars racing, and some of those being beaten by the GTO entrants. Should give better competition, and hopefully more understandable competition, like who is actually winning 
basicall this is what will hapeen, you will have BO GT class, but GTO class will have the big GT cars, but with huge power restrictions to make them slower, so they can compete in GTO, then they will have a class lower than GTO, which is for porsch cup cars, macos mantis, ferrari challenge cars, BMW M3's maybee, i think all of it is good exept the face that the true power of the GT cars wont be seen
...and for all their additional expense (1 Saleen = 4 TuscanR's) a 2 second advantage over a decent length track isn't that spectacular a difference and they don't even sound any better.
Just shows how forward thinking Porsche were when they restricted their race programme to the GT3.
I look forward to the new class hopefully opening up a larger grid (like the Marcos challenge did last year) and Spa (not going to be anywhere else if a certain member of the GTA has his way !)
Just shows how forward thinking Porsche were when they restricted their race programme to the GT3.
I look forward to the new class hopefully opening up a larger grid (like the Marcos challenge did last year) and Spa (not going to be anywhere else if a certain member of the GTA has his way !)
There should be just one class at national level to succeed. GTO should be made to the the same rules as the FIA (GTO) championship. If there are 2 classes everyone will end up in the second class which then devalues the first class and therefore makes it less attractive. That is what has happened over the last 4 years.
There is no championship in the UK that succeeds in having 2 well represented and competative classess. Radical are going to go the same way if they push the SR3 to much. People and organisations must learn from there mistakes not keep repeating them.
And also while i'm in the mood they need to make a BRDC award with cash prize to help the winner of the British GTO championship get a Le Man drive as this is a huge part of the history of the BRDC.
There is no championship in the UK that succeeds in having 2 well represented and competative classess. Radical are going to go the same way if they push the SR3 to much. People and organisations must learn from there mistakes not keep repeating them.
And also while i'm in the mood they need to make a BRDC award with cash prize to help the winner of the British GTO championship get a Le Man drive as this is a huge part of the history of the BRDC.
quote:
There should be just one class at national level to succeed. GTO should be made to the the same rules as the FIA (GTO) championship. If there are 2 classes everyone will end up in the second class which then devalues the first class and therefore makes it less attractive. That is what has happened over the last 4 years.
I'm with Shane on this one. It will still be too confusing for most spectators. Unless there's a clear differential like having Elises/VX220's/Ginettas the inclusion of more Ferraris and Porkers will blur the line between GT and GT Cup.
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