VORTEX DUNLOP FORD FIESTA CHAMPIONSHIP

Ford Racing UK’s Ford Fiesta Championship was again one of the success stories of the 2012 BRSCC race season with a full grid of cars at each of the 8 event 16 race programme and over 60 drivers scoring points. Indeed, at the last Brands Hatch round, the closing event of the 2012 season, a record 29 Class C cars occupied one grid alone.

The Championship incorporates four models of Fiesta, two formerly seen in manufacturer championships:

The Class A Fiesta Si is an 1800cc front running car producing 130 bhp and is probably one of the most consistent Ford race cars to have been seen on the track.

Not to be outdone, the Class B Fiesta Zetec 1400cc arguably boasts one of the best engineered cars for corner taking and dazzles higher opposition. This 90 bhp car continues to gather popularity and always guarantees exciting race action.

Class C features the Ford Fiesta ST, which had an increasingly significant presence on the track in 2012 with 36 drivers competing within the class. The ST has generated further interest in the Fiesta Championship and will help to reinforce the magic which is Fiesta Racing.

Class D will be for the new and current Ford Fiesta Zetec S which has a 1600 120 bhp engine. Being a lighter car than the ST it will be interesting to compare performance in the early races.

One of the reasons why the championship is so popular, is that it offers very good value for money. This is partly due to the cost effective nature of the Championship. Strictly enforced regulations that prohibit performance modifications also help to keep costs down.

For the 2013 season, the championship is sponsored by Vortex Performance Exhausts and the format will follow the previous seasons so that all meetings are double header weekends providing 16 races. Most meetings will include a Saturday morning free practice and then afternoon qualifying. Sunday will feature two races, which are to be filmed for broadcast on MotorsTV. The entries will be split to double up on both the Saturday and Sunday formats, with the classes being split for A & B & D racing together and C running alone.

One of the added attractions is the fact that the front wheel drive Fiestas race on super grip Dunlop slicks thus providing an ideal stepping stone for potential BTCC drivers. There has never been a better time to start racing in the Ford Fiesta Championship.

Race day action is administered by the British Racing & Sports Car Club.

Photos courtesy of Ford Racing UK, John Cooper & www.dennisgoodwinphotography.com