Nippon Challenge

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17 December 2009, 02:05 PM

VF-Racing

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Nippon Challenge

Dear all,

I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce VF-Racing.co.uk, to everyone on this forum, and tell you a bit about the race series we compete in.

Nippon Challenge Overview:

The Nippon Challenge is a race series specifically set up for production and modified Japanese sports and saloon cars. The race series, which is run by Red Dragon Race and Track, is the only MSA affiliated club, dedicated to Japanese and Asian models. Alongside the mainstream makes such as Subaru, Honda and Mitsubishi, the series is open to other Asia Pacific makes such as Proton and Hyundai. Started in the 2008 season, the aim was to provide an opportunity to race your favourite model of Japanese vehicle, in a competitive but affordable environment.

Since its launch in 2008, the series has gone from strength to strength, and has a growing fan base.

Running to maximum flywheel brake horse power, and minimum weights, the grids are made up of closely matched opponents.

Class Structure:

GT150: Flywheel hp 150 and 910kg
GT200: Flywheel hp 200 and 960kg
GT250: Flywheel hp 250 and 1010kg
GT300: Flywheel hp 300 and 1060kg
GT500: Flywheel hp 500 and 1160kg
Super GT: Unlimited

Basic Costs:

Putting aside the cost of your ARDS, and the required race suit, helmet, boots etc, the costs for a season break down as:

Tyres for season: £1500
Fuel for car per meeting: £80 x 7 meeting £560
Transportation per meeting: £100 x 7 meeting £700
Race Entries: £250 x 7 = £1750

Driver:

Vaughan Fletcher has been a keen driver on track, having taken part in track days since 2002.

In 2004, Vaughan purchased his Type RA as a standard road car, with the intention of turning it into a dedicated track car. The car was upgraded as time and money allowed. Throughout 2007/8 Vaughan developed his Type RA Subaru from a road going saloon, to an accomplished track day regular.

In 2008, it was decided that he would take part in professional races, and so he took his ARDS test, and the car’s development moved up a notch.

The car was initially developed by Vaughan, but the need for it to be race ready, meant that it needed certain expertise. As the ScoobyClinic are only a matter of minutes away from Vaughan’s home, and that they are the largest independent Subaru specialist in the UK, it was an easy choice. ScoobyClinic take care of the day to day up keep of the car.

The Nippon Challenge provides a great entry into the racing world. It’s a fantastic mix of close racing, with competitive drivers, and evenly matched cars within their class. There is also a friendly atmosphere in and around the paddock and were looking forward to returning in 2010.

Car:

Vaughan runs a Subaru Impreza RA in the GT300 class. In 2010, he will be returning to defend his 2009 overall class win.

2010 Race Events:

LAUNCH DAY /TEST DAY SILVERSTONE 4th MARCH

PROVISIONAL RACE DATES

APRIL 10/11 SILVERSTONE NATIONAL
MAY 30/31 SNETTERTON
JUNE 19/20 CASTLE COMBE
JULY 25 OULTON PARK
AUGUST 21/22 CADWELL PARK
SEPTEMBER 19 MALLORY PARK
OCTOBER 23/24 BRANDS HATCH

www.nipponchallenge.co.uk
www.VF-Racing.co.uk