CITYCAR CUP GETS READY FOR EXCITING DEBUT WEEKEND AT CADWELL PARK

It’s crazy to think that a race series could go from conception courtesy of an initial conversation at the Autosport Show to its first competitive race event just seven months later with an entry in double figures, but we’re delighted to state that this is exactly what’s happened with the brand new BRSCC CityCar Cup. Having completed their recent Media & Customer Day at Croft a couple of weeks ago and with ten cars ready to race, the stage is set at Cadwell Park for them to race in anger for the very first time!

The CityCar Cup is a new for 2020 race series featuring 1.0 litre 3 door models of the 2005-2013 Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. Under their badges and slightly differing body styling, these cars have exactly the same underpinnings, engines and running gear. The specification of the race cars and the carefully designed technical regulations ensure that not only do all cars deliver equal track performance, they also look, sound, handle and feel like ‘proper’ race cars. This season, the CityCar Cup will race on the same grid as the BRSCC Clubsport Trophy in their 45-minute mini-endurance races, before a planned standalone calendar with sprint race format race weekends in 2021.

So, who gets to be the lucky few drivers that will contest the first-ever CityCar Cup race? First up is Pickup Truck Racing stalwart Nic Grindrod, who will be looking to get to grips with front-wheel-drive instead of the regular rear-wheel-drive machines he’s driven in the past. In this case, it’s certainly going to be a new challenge! Former Civic Cup racer Tim Evans will have to deal with much less horsepower than he’s used to under his right foot this time, but the experience of front-wheel-drive will certainly put him in good stead to potentially come out on top in the sole Toyota Aygo in the line-up.

Liam Browning is not only a competitor in the Magnificent Sevens series, but is also a ProDrift instructor by day, so car control shouldn’t be a problem! However, the setup of the CityCar Cup cars means they are pretty planted but can still be thrown around a bit, so he’s sure to have bags of fun at the wheel. Steve Laidlaw is another driver who boasts Civic Cup experience and he will be contesting his first race weekend in a few years, so he’ll be hoping his racing abilities have stayed with him after a break. And the Civic Cup connection doesn’t stop there – former series coordinator Simon Toolan decides to get back behind the wheel once again and his sibling Paul will also be joining in on the fun, with a battle of the manufacturers set to take place with Simon in a Citroen C1 and Paul in a Peugeot 107.

Andrew Schofield will add another C1 onto the grid, as will Clive Brookson who looks to bring his Compact Cup experience to the fore and put it to good use. EJ Racing will field another Peugeot 107 for a second sibling pairing of Jamie and Elliot Laithwaite, while the final car on the entry list is a rather special one. Those who know the YouTube channel Bad Obsession Motorsport will know Richard Brunning and the crew’s popular escapades including the Project Binky Mini. To that end, Richard will be racing this weekend in their very own Citroen C1, which he has already declared has “embarrassed much faster cars in the corners” at a recent track day at Donington Park.

So, with ten cars ready to go, a great variety of experience levels and at least one of every car and brand represented, the CityCar Cup is ready to take a big step in its so far short but exciting journey. Now the next big question remains to be answered – who will get the honour of winning the first-ever BRSCC CityCar Cup race?

We must give a big thank you to our amazing partners on this project, so shout outs go to SW Motorsports, Nankang Tyres, GAZ Shocks, Motordrive Seats, Powerflex, ATS Wheels, Trade Price Cars Racing and Mission Motorsport!

Scott Woodwiss