Suzuki Swift Sport Cup offers cost-effective entry into rallying

Suzuki has announced further details of the proposed 2008 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup which is to be contested over the first five rounds of the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship plus the Tempest Rally (subject to MSA approval).

Drivers will be competing in Suzuki Swift Sports powered by a 1.6VVT engine and built by the works Monster Sport Europe team. These are identical to the class-winning cars used on the BRC this year by 2006 S1600 Champion, James Wozencroft and Lorna Smith.

Uniquely, competitors will be able to lease their car for a small monthly outlay which will also cover factory re-preparation after each round, transport to and from events, a Swift Sport awning and ground sheet, factory support with technical advice and on-event parts supply. There will also be the option to purchase the car at the end of the season less any payments already made, effectively offering HP on a rally car!

The Swift Sport Cup is part of Suzuki’s 5 year worldwide marketing campaign and will be featured in a half hour stand alone TV Series. The overall winner can choose between a fully-funded drive on the 2008 Wales Rally GB in a Suzuki Swift S1600 car or, if they are still battling it out for overall British class championship points on WRGB, a brand new Suzuki Swift Sport road car as well as a fully-funded WRGB drive in their own Suzuki Swift Sport Cup car.

Entering in the BRC Rally 1 class, Swift Sport Cup competitors will not only enjoy British Rally Championship class prize money and be eligible for selection in the 2008 Pirelli Star Driver competition but Suzuki will be offering their own cash incentives and rewards too.

Suzuki GB Product and Events Manager Ian Robinson said: ‘We have worked hard to create a series which will be ultra-competitive as well as cost-effective, a balance rarely found in motorsport. We are confident that we have done that and hope to make more announcements in the coming weeks to add to what is already a very exciting opportunity.’

‘Suzuki have been great supporters of the BRC,’ comments British Rally Championship Manager Mark Taylor. ‘They have been providing a ladder for talent over the past few years. The innovative way that the cars are available means that people who may never have been able to compete at this level now can, it’s a great starter package that can only be good for unveiling the great talent we have in British rallying.’

Two recent test days for prospective competitors provided incredibly positive feedback and further customer evaluation dates will be announced soon. Those wishing to register an interest should e-mail the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Championship Manager, Ian Phillipson at swiftsportcup@rallybrc.co.uk

Benefits for Competitors

The only manufacturer-backed one-make rally series in the UK.
The Championship is part of BRC and will include the Pirelli, Jim Clark, Isle of Man, Ulster and Trackrod rallies, as well as the season finale Tempest Rally.
Best five from six round scores count.
Stand-alone 30-minute TV programme after each round.
Dealer cup to encourage support from across the Suzuki network.
Suzuki Swift Sport Cup branded overalls and Eeze-up and groundsheet supplied free to all registered drivers. This will enhance the high-profile servicing village at each round.
Unique lease rental plan to reduce outlay.
Arrive and drive concept including factory preparation of each car to ensure highest possible reliability and equality. Competitors only need to bring a van and mechanics to each event. Full technical support provided at each event. Discounted OE parts and free products from championship partners.
Cars transported to each event making significant savings on ferries.
Generous start and prize money on every round including bonus for competitors who start all six rounds.
Two test days (one gravel, one tarmac) included for all competitors.
Training day for drivers, co-drivers and mechanics in early March 2008.
Championship winner to receive a prize of a fully funded drive on 2008 Wales Rally GB in a Suzuki Swift Super 1600, or brand-new Suzuki Swift road car & a supported drive in competitor’s own Suzuki Swift Sport Cup car on 2008 Wales Rally GB.
All competitors eligible for BRC prize fund and championships in addition to SSSC prizes.
Junior series champion receives guaranteed place in 2008 Pirelli Start Driver selection final.
All competitors eligible for 2008 Pirelli Start Driver selection on each event.
Full support of Suzuki GB press office including web presence.
Long-term support from Suzuki GB, the only manufacturer with presence at all levels of rallying – BRC, JRC, WRC (from 2008).