What is sprinting?

Sprinting is a high-speed discipline in which drivers take turns to set a time around a lap of a race circuit or a set course, with the fastest times determining the results. Cars start singly and are timed by electronic equipment accurate to 100th of a second. Sprints are typically held on racing circuits and disused airfields, with venues spread right across the country.

Competitors are given one or two practice runs before the competition proper starts. Usually, you will get two or three runs against the clock, with your best time counting in the final results. A major positive with sprinting is that if you get your first run wrong you still have a chance of making amends on later runs.

Road going cars are eligible to participate, and the vast majority of competitors will not need to fit a roll cage, fire extinguisher or harness to take part. Events take place over just a single day, avoiding the need to book accommodation.

The Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship operates similar technical rules to the FIA approved Lotus Cup Europe race series. There will be three separate championships in 2023, one for normally-aspirated Production cars, one for forced induction Production cars and one for faster SuperSport cars. Drivers can easily graduate to racing if they want once, they are comfortable with their performance and ready to take the next step.

Each of the 2023 championship’s rounds has been selected for their suitability for all levels of experience and types of car, with a variety of venues around the UK. These will include Donington Park, Goodwood, Snetterton and Lydden Hill race circuits where drivers will sometimes compete on the same bill as wheel to wheel race championships. There will also be a visit to the Lotus test track at Hethel as well as a return to the classic sprint circuits of Curborough.

Lotus Cup UK Speed Championship is designed to be fun and sociable, creating an environment where Lotus owners can meet up whilst taking part in grass roots motor sport.

Regulations

Road going (MoT & taxed) cars can participate in sprinting; you do NOT need a fire extinguisher or harnesses in your car to take part, and most cars will not need a cage either.

There are 3 championships – Production 1, Production 2 & SuperSport

• Production – Elise & Exige road going cars. Single way dampers, standard interior. Production cars compete in two separate classes at events: Class 1 for the likes of Elise S1 & S2 K series & S2 Toyota or Class 2 for the Elise S3 and any class 1 cars falling slightly outside of the class 1 regulations.

• SuperSport – Elise modified K series/Toyota, Exige S2 & V6, 2-Eleven & Evora.

Tyres are limited to List 1A & List 1B meaning a cage isn’t required.

Obtaining a Motorsport UK License

Sprinting is regulated by the Motorsport UK and in order to compete there are certain requirements which must be followed. Firstly, you need to join a Motorsport UK affiliated car club such as LoTRDC which has a sprinting membership, you can then apply for an Motorsport UK Competition Licence. With that licence comes the Motorsport UK yearbook (The Blue Book) which contains a wealth of useful information. If you don’t already hold a race licence and are competing in a car that is currently licenced for use on the public highway and will compete in road-legal condition you need to apply for a RS Inter Club Competition Licence. Those running in SuperSport may need to apply for a RS National licence depending on the specification of your car. You probably won’t need a medical and there’s no test – simply apply and complete the required payment (£69 for most) – it’s that easy. If your car is not road legal please see section 7.1.5 of the MSA yearbook.

Equipment

Timing Strut – To enable your car to be timed it is mandatory to fit a Timing Strut to the front of the car. The strut must be: mounted vertically so that it’s leading edge is the furthest forward point; be of solid material (ie metal or wood) and matt black; be 51mm wide, 254mm high with 200mm ground clearance; be in place when presenting the car for scrutineering.

Crash Helmet – A helmet must be worn during competition and the following standards are accepted : FIA 8860-2004, FIA 8860-2010, FIA 8859-2015, SNELL SA2015, SNELL SAH2010

Race Suit – Flame resistant overalls in Proban or Nomex are required. Acceptable standards are: FIA 8856-2000; FIA 1986 Standard. These standards are clearly marked on the overalls. Flame resistant gloves to ISO 6940 standard are also required. Flame resistant boots/trainers, socks, balaclavas and underwear are recommended.

Yellow electrical tape – A small amount of yellow electrical tape is needed to cover the battery earth. We will always have a spare, just ask before going to scrutineering.

Ignition off sticker – Just a small sticker to show which way to turn your ignition off. We will have spares on the day.

Race numbers – We will have these for you on the day.

FIA-approved FHR (Frontal Head Restraint) – Some drivers will need to wear an FHR while competing. We would strongly recommend that all drivers competing use an FIA-approved FHR.

• In addition – There is no special requirement just because there is a 4 point belt, BUT if the belts are marked ‘FOR HANS USE ONLY.’ then a FHR MUST be worn ( Applies to 2”/50mm Belts).

Essential equipment to take with you on the day – Tyre pressure gauge; Foot pump or equivalent; Oil; Coolant; Cable ties; Gaffa tape; assortment of tools(wheel-nut wrench etc.); plastic sheet/drip tray(for oil leaks); If you’ve room a jack and axle stands.

On the day

Before leaving home, make sure not to forget your licence etc, and it would be a good idea to pack some food & drinks in case there isn’t any available at the venue. Also important to bring your cars V5, MOT, Insurance & Road Tax if you are competing in a road going vehicle as this might be required to prove this.

On arrival park your car in the appropriate area and proceed to signing on with your appropriate documents (Motorsport UK Licence, etc). After signing on you must then have your car passed by a scrutineer and preferably, walk the course prior to the first practice runs. It is advisable to arrive early to allow enough time for all these things.

You are now ready to compete and just have to wait for your practice runs to be called before proceeding to the start. It is important that you listen to and obey all marshals and officials on the day. Depending on the event you will normally get the opportunity to have 2 timed practice runs followed by 2 or 3 timed runs. The fastest timed run will count. Once on the start line, it is up to you, so put your foot down and go for it!

Entry Form

The following form is required to be submitted.

(If you don’t have all the required information as yet it will still help us to have your partially completed entry form as early as possible – we can update parts at a later date)

LoTRDC Sprinting Membership

Entering