Is there ever a point in a car enthusiast's life where they stop harbouring ambitions of being a racing driver? Probably not, which is why
'Series Elite'
sounds like great news for aspiring racers mature enough to be Max Verstappen's granddad - because you have to be 50 years old to compete.
Yep, the lower age restriction for this new race series is the same as for Saga insurance. Organisers of the Series Elite, which will field Jaguar F-Type GT4s exclusively, have said that the idea is to offer "the more mature drivers an opportunity to compete on a level playing field." They're aiming for a grid of 20 cars, with amateurs and more experienced competitors invited.
Given Series Elite is aimed explicitly at high net worth individuals, the season package is a comprehensive one. All training, testing and "race experience needed" will be provided, along with vehicle storage and transportation. In addition to that, and uniquely as far as we know of, Series Elite will offer racers events and activities away from the circuit. Apparently these will include "ice driving experiences, attending sporting events, exclusive dinners, selected corporate social responsibility and charity events." How marvellous.
Series Elite is the brainchild of Totally Motorsport Group Holdings; its boss Graeme Glew said the championship caters for older drivers "who want to compete at a high level with like-minded racers". He continued: "With time at a premium it [the series] will allow drivers to fulfil their desire to go racing with minimal effort and fit into their busy lifestyle."
JLR's Director of Vehicle Personalisation Greg Clark added that the championship was "an obvious fit for Jaguar" and that Series Elite was "an appropriate next step" as they aim to expand production of the GT4 F-Type.
There will be an inaugural race weekend for Series Elite this year - at Brands Hatch late in October - ahead of a full six-weekend season in 2019. The plan is for Silverstone, Donington and Rockingham to join Brands in the 2019 calendar, with "an international finale event" for the end of the season. Best get those stamps together for an International licence then...
A price for the championship hasn't yet been announced, though this is hardly going to be grassroots motor racing when you consider it features GT4 cars and such a level of organiser support. Still, it certainly does sound like fun. Any quinquagenarian PHers (that's 50-59 years old, apparently) interested in racing an F-Type? Or indeed older? Probably more entertaining than a four-wheel drive Tesla Model S...
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