Caterham Academy 2008

The unique Caterham academy is already on course to sell all of its 56 grid places for next year – something of an anomaly in motorsport.

While the 2007 field of novice racers still battle it out on track, the fight for the remaining ten 2008 seats is on. The 14th Academy series will pitch rookie drivers against each other in identical 125bhp Ford Sigma-engined Sevens for the first time, replacing the Rover K-Series powered machines of previous seasons.

Talk of any motor racing aspirations is often met with the noise of air being sucked through teeth followed by index finger rubbing thumb - the silent gesture for ‘that’ll be expensive’. But the Caterham Academy bucks this trend, offering novice drivers affordable close racing across the UK’s best venues in identical cars.

Celebrating its 14th year, the Caterham Academy looks stronger than ever for 2008. Led by a dedicated and vastly experienced team, the ethos of this popular series has always been to gently immerse novice racers into the motorsport world with a step-by-step approach, eliminating any stress and leaving only fun.

From just £199 a month, each rookie driver will get to compete in the acclaimed Caterham Academy race series. They’ll also receive expert tuition on how to build, set-up and drive their car to its limits. All administration work is handled and every question answered. At the end of the season drivers will achieve their National B race licence and of course own the latest 1600cc 125bhp Caterham Seven Roadsport, all for just £16,995.

The Caterham Seven offers an unrivalled driving experience on the road, but let loose on its spiritual homes of race tracks and twisty hillclimbs, an uninhibited Caterham is an addictive, adrenalin-fuelled event.

The 2008 Academy cars will be identical specification, Ford Sigma-engined Roadsport 125s; a car punching out an impressive 227bhp-per-tonne and capable of propelling 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. Academy cars are also completely road legal, allowing competitors to drive to each event and enjoy these cars at all times. From April to October 2008, Academy drivers will get to compete in three timed Sprint and Hillclimb events before going head-to-head in four Circuit races.

Historically, the Academy has acted as a springboard for new talent. There are more than 700 Sevens registered in 20 one-make championships and classes in 11 countries, making the Seven the most raced car in the world.

Drivers interested in competing in the 2008 season are urged to contact Caterham quickly, the 56 available places on the grid are selling out quickly.

For more information visit caterham.co.uk/academy