SuperPro VAG and GTi Championships up the ante in 2013
After an entertaining season of packed grids and impressive driving standards in 2012, the organisers of the SuperPro VAG Trophy and Mk2 Golf GTi Championships have turned up the wick for the forthcoming season with new, more competitive regulations, more drivers and even a trip to the legendary Spa Francorchamps Circuit!
As one of the greatest crowd pleasers in British club motorsport, the paint-swapping antics and sheer driving heroics of the GTi Championship have now become a staple on the MSVR calendar. Last year’s champion Jamie Martin is looking to defend again this year, but won’t have it easy thanks to Touring Car ace Harry Vaulkhard confirming he will campaign a full season. Prep outfit Jabba Motorsport also plans to field two ex-Ginetta Cup stars too with Mike Robinson and Graham Johnson sharing a car, meaning the front of the grid could get very competitive indeed. Tim Harvey’s old Porsche Carrera Cup team mate Lewis Hopkins will also be making the move over to the immensely competitive GTI paddock, proving that this friendly championship is fast becoming almost a ‘reverse feeder’ series for ‘A’ grade drivers looking for a cost-effective seat in a closely-fought grid.
Regulations for 2013 also see minimum weight changes for the 8 valve cars and eligibility for Perspex windows and bigger brakes in both classes, meaning that the gap between 8 and 16 valves should be reduced and the field will be opened right up for new names to shine through.
The SuperPro VAG Trophy also looks set to be a firecracker season with Paul Taylor looking to hold onto his champion’s title and serial top-step man and 2011 champion Dan Rose back in the mix. A few of the VW Cup drivers will also be making the move over to join the eclectic VW Group grid and rumours of ex-BTCC Seats – and current BTCC drivers - making an appearance are rife! With classes determined by power to weight ratios competitive close racing is a certainty. The Mk4 TDiGTi challenge cars also sees new entrants as the season approaches, making a ‘race within a race’ for those looking for high thrills and small bills with a tightly controlled, yet competitive set of regs.
Mix in TV coverage on Motors TV, a superb paddock atmosphere and an extensive press package and it’s easy to see why both series continue to attract the best drivers and preparation outfits in club motorsport. Make a note in your diaries for the race dates. Go as a spectator at the very least, but better still, why not prep yourself a car and get on the grid?
Race Dates
23 March – Oulton Park
27/28 April – Donington Park
12 May – Cadwell Park
12-14 July Spa
24/25 August – Brands Hatch GP
26/27 October – Snetterton 300
All are double headers.
