In brief, June 2008
The BRDC has launched a new Superstars scheme to further the careers of young British drivers. The 14 chosen drivers, who were introduced to the media by Damon Hill and former BTCC champion Tim Harvey in March, include 2007 Formula Renault champion Duncan Tappy, Porsche champion James Sutton and British F3 driver Max Chilton.
The new Dome S102 Le Mans challenger has hit the track. The Judd-powered LMP1 coupé ran for the first time at a rain-affected Suzuka in April, one of only four tests scheduled prior to Le Mans.
Sir Stirling Moss has been awarded an honorary doctorate at Hull University in recognition of his work as a patron of the Daisy Appeal. The appeal has raised nearly £7 million towards a new medical facility in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, which specialises in cancer and heart disease.
Fiat could sign up for the World Rally Championship. The Italian car giant has said it is interested in building a World Rally Car when new rules come into force for 2010.
Danica Patrick made history on April 20 by becoming the first woman to win a major US circuit race when she used strong pit strategy to take an IRL victory at the Japanese Motegi oval.
Canadian Max Boxstrom, best known for designing the Aston Martin AMR1 of 1989, died after a short illness in March. Boxstrom also founded the Dymag wheel company and conceived the Nemo F3 car of the early ’70s.
Mika Häkkinen and Jean Alesi are due to take part in the new Mercedes SLR 722 GT Trophy. Gentleman drivers will pick star drivers as team-mates in the six-round series which kicks off at Paul Ricard on May 24-25. More big names are expected.
Ex-British rally champion John Brown and legendary co-driver Arne Hertz have set up plans to run an ‘adventure drive’ for 4x4s in February 2009. The HERO Singapore-Macau event will run over 30 days and 9000kms through seven countries.