FUN CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

The Fun Cup endurance racing series was launched in the UK in 2002, as a step forward in motorsport with the clearly defined objective of providing cost effective, close, exciting and above all, good fun racing for all teams competing. After nine very successful years in the UK, the Fun Cup was granted championship status for 2011 by the MSA.

As well as the UK and Belgium, Fun Cup now runs in France, Italy, Germany and Spain. From small beginnings, it has taken off to massive success, with more than 160 cars on the grid for the Spa 25 hour race and regular grids topping 30 cars in the UK, which was instrumental in the MSA upgrading it to a full championship.

The cars are powered by ultra-reliable mid mounted VW/Audi petrol engines, which are 1800cc and 130 bhp, or 1900cc TDI, 170 bhp Audi engines. Therefore, there are two classes. One consists of the TDIs and the other features the more popular, petrol’s. There are podium presentations for the top three teams in both classes, after each race.

Both are matched to an Audi 5 speed gearbox at the rear. However, the petrol cars now have the added option of a Sadev sequential gearbox, with power shift (the favoured option). They are ultra tough and will withstand a huge amount of racing, with little work and they are simple, easy to work on and straight forward to repair.

The races are all endurance, between 4 and 7 hours in the UK, complete with pit stops and all the drama of such an event. Teams vary from 2 - 6 drivers in the UK and thanks to carefully formulated rules, however many in a team, your chance of success is exactly the same.

It’s extremely easy to become a part of Fun Cup. Drivers/teams can rent a seat/car for one off races, or they can buy a car. So, for those that rent, all that’s required is that they turn up and drive! The prep, transportation, etc is done for them, they are even provided with their own mechanic!

So, with the car engines and gearboxes sealed and regulations strictly controlled, the racing is super close and the running costs remarkably low.

Fun Cup is filmed at each UK event and Spa 25 hours, for Sky Sports "Raceworld" programme and Motors TV.

Photos courtesy of www.bournephoto.co.uk, Az Edwards, Richard Sykes & Marvin Hall