Prototype Racing Returns to the UK.

Many of you may not be aware but, the upcoming WEC opener at Silverstone will not be the only chance to see prototype racing in this country this year. No, I’m not talking about the Silverstone Classic, or the Festival of Speed but, having already run a single event last October at Snetterton the Henderson Insurance Brokers LMP3 Cup to give it it’s full name will be running its first full season this year, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington (both layouts), Snetterton and Spa in Belgium host the 6 event championship for LMP3 machinery.

Expect a high level of competition from this series considering the pedigree of some of the teams already signed up, a few of which you may recognise from other series.
RML, Speedworks, Team Parker Racing, United Autosports and Redline Racing to name but a few, all of whom know how to build and prepare a quick, fast racecar.

For those of you unfamiliar with the LMP3 category, LMP3 cars often race in the ELMS and Asian LMS series as a second prototype class to the faster LMP2 cars, the same way the LMP2 class is the smaller prototype class in the WEC behind the hybrid and lightweight P1 classes and, are visually very similar to the latest batch of LMP2 challengers, unsurprising really considering ‘P2 manufacturer Onroak Ligier build one of the more popular LMP3 chassis.

Nissan provide the power, in V8 configuration to these beasts which provide around 420bhp. This may not sound like much for a race car but, this is a very lightweight prototype race car with a fantastic aerodynamics, it’s more about the overall package than the power. Also, this is down to costs, each unit must be able to complete 10,000kms before undergoing any form of maintainence. A six speed X-Trac gearbox, Pirelli tyres and Marelli electronics completes the package.

The LMP3 Cup kicks of its 2017 campaign at Donington Park on the National circuit of the 22nd and 23rd of April before heading to:

Brands Hatch Grand Prix 20th-21st May
Spa Francorchamps 9th-11th June
Silverstone Grand Prix 1st -2nd July
Snetterton 300 12th-13th August

Before rounding off the season on the full Grand Prix loop, back at Donington Park on the 16th and 17th September.


An hour long race, complete with driver change will be the championships main event.

Comments

  1. Unknown13 March 2017 at 06:08

    How many cars are signed up to race at the first meeting ? May head along to watch.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tom Taylor13 March 2017 at 14:30

    I'll be honest I'm not 100% sure, series website & social media should keep you updated mind. Thanks for reading & interacting, hope you liked the blog.

    ReplyDelete

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