'No Limits' class attracts Golden Era Sportscars to new prototype series

Motorsport’s World Governing body, the FIA, has given its approval to the renamed European Sports Prototype Trophy series which will thus become a championship for the first time this year under the stewardship of the Group 4 Racing organisation.

The calendar, which opens at Monza’s charismatic Coppa InterEuropa meeting in May, also visits the classic endurance racing venues of Silverstone (Coys Festival), the Nurburgring (AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix) and Spa-Francorchamps, and will feature at Most, in the Czech Republic, and Dijon for the first time.

Great news is the introduction of a Porsche Cup class, which will bring together the 906, 907 and 910 chassis which have supported the competition to date. Brainchild of Swiss 906 stalwart Ivan Scout it will hopefully attract more of Stuttgart’s finest sportscars, including at least one 917 which is under preparation.

“In the past, the Porsche prototypes didn’t have a prayer against the very quickest Chevron GT cars,” said Group 4 prime-mover Jonathan Baker. “This unlimited capacity class gives the drivers something to fight for, and, with a separate points fund, a chance of winning the inaugural tide.”

Competition promises to be hot, for Jeremy Agace, Jon Shipman and Paul Grist have all acquired 3-litre Alfa Romeo T33s to run against Baker in Bell & Colvill’s example, and the Lola 170 pack. That prodigious class victor Michael Schryver threatens to get among them, having graduated from his giant-killing Chevron B6 to the ex-Brian Robinson B16 complete with Cosworth FVC power. A rare Abarth 2000SP is also likely, with American Stephen Griswold up.

Regulations are available from Group 4 on 0207 440 8721. MP