In response to recent enquiries and a developing trend amongst competitors, organisers of the MSA Time Attack Championship are excited to announce that a brand new category for GT3 and Sports Cars will be included in its line up of classes next year.
This new category will be open to all Sports/GT cars, whether or not they are within their current period of homologation. Therefore, championship organisers have confirmed they will welcome older models that have exceeded their date for participation in events that are only open to current FIA specification vehicles.
In addition to GT3, other denominations of Sports and GT cars will be accepted. These include GT1, GT2, GT4, GTE and other models from Europe, Asia and the USA.
The GTs will run alongside vehicles currently competing within the existing Time Attack Pro Classes. This means cars will only need comply with MSA construction and safety regulations, with no other modifications or requirements having to be carried out. Drivers will need to hold a Race National B (or higher status) competition licence.
The championship is also pleased to confirm that it will continue its association with Pirelli for a further three years. Having supplied controlled tyres to Time Attack competitors since 2016, the company has developed a range of applications that work perfectly for this unique motorsport discipline, as Pirelli UK Motorsport Manager Jonathan Wells explains:
“We have recently introduced a range of super-soft competition tyres that have shown to deliver outstanding performance in sprints, hill climbs and Time Attack events. For us, the introduction of this new class is perfect timing, as we have just extended our super-soft range for GT3 and other sports car applications, which would usually run on our harder compound tyres. We are therefore very pleased to extend our association with the championship and wish organisers the best of luck with this innovative new class.”
Another new feature in 2019 that organisers believe will appear to GT drivers is the introduction of Night Time Attack, an additional event at the end of the season that will see competition continue into the darkness hours that will take place at Snetterton in November.
UK Time Attack owner Andy Barnes is excited about the prospect of seeing GT cars competing in the championship: “Time Attack’s philosophy is one of continual development as well as a passion to make the championship as accessible as possible on all levels.
“We’re therefore delighted to provide a new and exciting opportunity for GT3 and Sports Cars – whatever their age or specification – in a highly competitive environment that comes without the stresses, strains and costs of traditional GT racing.
“Given that our sport is all about setting the quickest lap possible, we believe this is an attractive proposition for GT teams and drivers seeking to hone qualifying performance – or indeed for owners that wish to keep the wheels turning on their GT cars and to enjoy them for what they are.”
2019 Provisional Calendar
ROUND CIRCUIT DATE
test day Cadwell Park – Official pre-season test/trackday 21st March (Thursday)
1 Cadwell Park 6th May (Bank Holiday Monday)
2 Brands Hatch 9th June (Sunday)
3 Oulton Park 13th July (Saturday)
4 Donington 26th August (Bank Holiday Monday)
5 Mallory Park – Circuit debut for Time Attack 13th October (Sunday)
6 Snetterton 300 2nd November (Saturday)
7 Snetterton 200 – Finale & Night Time Attack 3rd November (Sunday)
