Thursday 31st July 2003

Caterham Academy Full

Budget motorsport proving a tad popular!

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With nine months to go before the start of the 2004 season, Caterham has sold all 56 places in the championship.

"We’re used to seeing the Academy fill up well before the start of the season ," said Caterham Cars managing director Simon Nearn, "but to have sold out by the end of July is unheard of. It just goes to prove that no matter what problems motor sport faces nationally and internationally at the higher levels, there is no shortage of people who want to take it up and learn the right way to go racing ."

The Caterham Academy offers the budding racer a unique proposition. The cost to compete next season is just £15,950, which includes a road-legal 1.6-litre Caterham Roadsport to keep, track licence exam, training seminars and all event and championship fees. Competitors get to sample hillclimbing, three sprint events and three circuit races.

"It’s an exceptional price ," says Nearn, "and fantastic value for the would-be racer. It’s little wonder that we are now full for 2004 and already have some names down for ’05 ."

An added attraction for would-be Academy entrants is that once they have completed their introductory season they can then move on with their car to one of the many club-level championships organised for the Caterham 7. Many progress further: 2001 Academy champion John Gaw is now a frontrunner in the Powertrain Caterham R400 Challenge, while 1997 Academy winner Richard Hay has gone on to compete in Tuscans, GTs and at Le Mans.

The Caterham Academy attracts an eclectic mix of people and professions: this year’s intake includes a brace of barristers, a blacksmith, a jeweller, several City traders, a scientist, an advertising executive and a music industry exec, as well as two evo journalists. In 2001 the Academy attracted its first vicar, the Rev Bob Mackrill; his son, Robert, plans to follow in his father’s wheeltracks through the Academy next season.

Links : www.caterhammotorsport.com , Caterham Links

[dandarez]

>The Caterham Academy attracts an eclectic mix of people and professions: this year’s intake includes a brace of barristers, a blacksmith, a jeweller, several City traders, a scientist, an advertising executive and a music industry exec, as well as two evo journalists.<

"says it all!!!"

[dino ferrana]

Last year they had a vicar!

[aaandy]

Has anyone on here ever taken part in the acadamy or is currently going through it. Have been thinking about putting my name down for the next available year but would really appreciate some feedback from someone who has actually gone through this already.

Is it worth it? Would you recommend it? What is the true cost?

[Incorrigible]

I too am fishing for these answers

There's a thread on the "caterham forum" and a link to the caterham accademy site (and forums)

Also, a number of us are interested in getting into motorsport for a bit less cash (possibly locost or 750mc caterhams/westfields)

Watch this space (reading the motorsport/trackday pages will help too)

[dino ferrana]

Most people who do it enjoy it. Ask the question on www.blatchat.com (seven owners club forum). Basically it is bloody good value for what you get hence why it is selling so quickly!