Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian and winner of six gold medals, Sir Chris Hoy, will compete in the new 2013 Radical SR1 Cup, run by MSVR.
Sir Chris, who has been taking part in trackdays in between his cycling commitments, has always wanted to compete in motorsport and now he will be fulfilling that dream. Next season he will join 23 other novices as they begin their instruction led training programme that culminates in eight races at some of the UK’s best circuits, beginning at Brands Hatch Indy on 8 June.
The former BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner has spent time getting to grips with his new machine at Bedford Autodrome and he has already impressed his instructors. After years of travelling at speed in the velodromes of the world, Hoy admitted that he is already addicted to the pace of the Radical SR1 and cannot wait for the season to begin.
“I’ve just been out in the SR1 for the first time on a slightly greasy Bedford Autodrome and it’s fantastic, I absolutely love it!”, said a buzzing Sir Chris after his first run. “It’s challenging but exciting, and fun to drive. I think it’s the right amount of power for a driver of my ability but it’s fast – it certainly feels fast – but it’s not too intimidating.
“I think it’s going to take me a little time to get used to the aerodynamics, because there’s a bit of a leap of faith throwing yourself into the corner and braking later than the point you would normally brake in a car that doesn’t have the same downforce, so it’s a whole new experience. I’m starting to experience just how much grip you have with these cars.”
That said, the instructors who sat alongside him were deeply impressed by the speed with which Hoy learnt how to handle the 185bhp, Suzuki Hayabusa powered cars.
Former Le Mans winner and race instructor, Andy Wallace said: “He picked it all up incredibly well; he’s obviously learnt a lot on his trackdays. The advice I gave him he took onboard immediately and both his lines and technique were spot on.”
Experienced GT racer and instructor Ian Flux also took to the track with Sir Chris and said: “He’s ready to race now. Very smooth, fast and consistent. I also noticed that when he was out with other cars his competitive instincts instantly came to the fore. Even in this very different environment I can see why he has been so successful.”
Roger Green, Radical’s Group Marketing Manager commented: “It’s great to have Sir Chris with us. He’s a true petrolhead who loves his cars and track driving. It’s also very exciting for the other competitors to be pitching themselves against such an iconic sportsman, I’m certain he’s going to do a great job out on track and be a yardstick for the others to measure themselves against.”
Radical SR1 Cup 2013 Dates
Early February: ARDS licence tests and seminars
3 March: Exclusive Radical Snetterton trackday with instruction and practice starts
3 April: Exclusive Radical Brands Hatch trackday with instruction and practice starts
4 May: ‘How Fast’ timed trackday at Bedford Autodrome
8 June: Race Day: Brands Hatch Indy (rounds 1 and 2)
13 July: Race Day: Oulton Park Int. (rounds 3 and 4)
10 August: Race Day: Cadwell Park (rounds 5 and 6)
14 September: Race Day: Snetterton 200 (rounds 7 and 8)
For more information on the Radical SR1 Cup visit www.radicalsportscars.com
MSVR heads to Norfolk’s Snetterton 300 circuit for the Weekend of Champions this weekend 27/28 October. More information is available at www.sntetterton.co.uk or by calling 0843 453 9000.