The Gulf Radical Cup debuted in the UAE in 2006, and has continued to grow every year since then. Attracting local talent, and from further a field, but more so over recent years.
So it only seems right to recognise those two demographics racing in the GRC. This season sees the launch of the Gulf Radical Cup ‘National Class Award’. This is a class/award that allows drivers holding national level licences (not only UAE), to score points on a separate tally to compete for the title at the end of the year. Not only will they be recognised as the GRC National Class Champion they will also be awarded the coveted prize to take a funded drive in the latest Radical SR3 XXR in the UK in the 2024 season.
This prize had been reserved for overall Champion in previous years, but this year sees the reintroduction of an old partnership with Team Virage, thus making way for this new award. Virage is one of Europes top LMP teams, and 2023/24 champion will be offered a test in a Virage LMP3 Car in Spain. Spending the first of two days at the Virage Academy facility in their state of the art simulator, then taking to the track the following day.
Julien Gerbi - Virage Team Manager commented:
“We’re really happy to see the development of the Gulf Radical Cup in the Emirates. This series allowed many drivers to race at a competitive level in fantastic conditions during the winter and, with the experience of GulfSport Racing, has become a great platform for many drivers willing to pursue a career racing LMP in Europe. We’ll follow closely the series to see which talent will come out, and are looking forward getting the 2023/2024 champion behind the wheel of one of our cars next year!”
The season kicks off in October at Yas, and its going to be exciting to see who shows early pace and their intentions to take one of these fantastic prizes.
GulfSport Director Martin Hope commented:
“We have had a great relationship with Virage over the years, and recently Gulf Radical Cup drivers have come from far and wide, and with varying experience, but more and more are looking to progress to LMP3/4. However, we also recognise the commitment of our National level drivers. Both these rewards are perfectly placed for our ambitious international drivers and local, national talent.”
Previous and current GRC drivers, like Alex Buhkantsov, Jacopo Mazza, James Sweetnam, George King and Amir Feyzulin have all raced in LPM3 or 4 while keeping their eye in with Radical Racing in the GRC.
Drivers score points at all 21 races, but only the highest 18 count towards the final tally. This allows for a ‘problematic’ race weekend to be dropped, or even if life gets in the way of racing and an event has to be missed.
To know more about opportunities to get on track with Team Virage get in touch.
