Tag: Motorsport News

  • MINI ELECTRIC PACESETTER UNVEILED

    Based on the marque’s first electric car with a strong whiff of JCW, Mini has created the Electric Pacesetter, which will feature as Formula E’s upcoming safety car. Is this a preview for an all-new electric JCW from Mini in the future?

    The track-only Electric Pacesetter special has been created ahead of the 2021 Formula E season. It makes use of the brand’s motorsport expertise from the John Cooper Works division, hence why the car you see here looks familiar thanks to CFRP wheels spats, that rear wing and a bold diffuser.

    Underneath, though, is where things get a bit interesting. While it retains the 181bhp made from the road-going electric Mini, torque has been upped to 206lb ft to help with acceleration. That, combined with the accumulative loss of 130kg over the regular electric Mini means the Pacesetter accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, some 0.6 seconds quicker than the production car.

    Mini Electric Pacesetter

    In place of the standard suspension setup are competition-spec 3-way adjustable coilovers. The track has been increased by 10mm, four-piston brake calipers are nabbed straight from the JCW GP car and new 18-inch forged wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s measuring 245mm wide. Inside, bucket seats replace the regular loungers, complete with six-point harnesses and a roll cage.

    Mini Electric Pacesetter

    The 130kg diet has come about thanks to removing pretty much everything you don’t need for track-driving, think sound deadening, rear seats etc.

    At the moment, the Mini Electric Pacesetter remains a one-off special for safety car duties during the Formula E season, but, rumour has it, a fully-electric JCW is set to arrive before the end of 2021.

    Mini Electric Pacesetter
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  • BRM P15 V16 CONTINUATION DYNO TEST

    Continuation cars aren’t something new, manufacturers have been rushing to reproduce old cars. This, though, is a bit special, as the British Racing Motors team are building three BRM P15 V16 continuation cars to celebrate its 70th anniversary and we can listen to that glorious engine for the first time.

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    What is the BRM P15 V16?

    The BRM P15 V16 raced in Formula One during the early 1950s and featured an unusual 1.5-litre V16 engine, placed at 135-degrees and when treated to a Rolls-Royce supercharger, produced some 600bhp.

    To celebrate it’s 70th anniversary, BRM is build three “new” P15 cars, the first of which will go to John Owen, the son of BRM team principal Sir Alfred Owen.

    The video above demonstrates some of the “new” engine’s testing, with this taking place at none other than Hall and Hall at RAF Folkingham, home of BRM in the 1950s. Screaming all the way to 12,000rpm, it produced a cool 550bhp at 10,000rpm, with just 2.5psi(!) of boost.

    It’s pleasing to know that the engine seen and heard here is one of the originals, which was damaged some 20 years ago at it’s 50th anniversary event by being over-revved.

    With one BRM P15 V16 accounted for, we presume the other two will be sold for a colossal amount but with BRM’s aim to construct the car to comply with FIA standards, it should therefore be eligible for historic racing, allowing us all to continue to hear the glorious V16 engine scream for years to come.

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  • DAN LLOYD JOINS PMR FOR BTCC 2021 SEASON

    Power Maxed Car Care Racing, PMR, has today announced Dan Lloyd as its second driver for the 2021 British Touring Car Season, who will race alongside Jason Plato.

    Dan Lloyd is no stranger to the TOCA paddock, bagging a race win during his part-campaign of the 2018 season, as well as taking the overall title in the 2009 Renault Clio UK Winter Cup. Despite contesting rounds in a number of BTCC seasons, 2021 will be Lloyd’s first full championship assault.

    Lloyd has earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with within the world of touring cars, having taken the TCR-UK title in 2018, winning 8 of 14 races, scoring podiums at all but 2. In 2019 & 20, he took on the European TCR Championship, winning races during both seasons, before making the decision to return to BTCC for the upcoming season.

    Both PMR and Dan Lloyd have voiced their intentions for this to turn into a multi-year deal, and are gearing up to mount a strong championship attack from the off.

    Adam Weaver, PMR Team Principal – “I’m really excited to have Dan joining us for the upcoming season. He’s a driver that’s always been on our radar, and has always impressed when he’s been on the grid in the past. I don’t think anyone can argue that with the right equipment underneath him, he’s a genuine championship contender, and with the championship’s most successful driver ever alongside him, we certainly think we have one of the strongest pairings on the grid this season.”

    Martin Broadhurst, PMR Team Manager – “I have known Dan since his first venture into BTCC in 2010 in the Vectra. From that moment on he has impressed with great results and performances in every touring car championship he’s competed in, including his race win in the BTCC, and I think he’ll be a great asset to the team. With Dan and Jason [Plato] in the cars this year, I believe we have one of the strongest pairings on the grid, and couple with the development work we’ve done over winter, I’m looking forward to this season more than ever!”

    Dan Lloyd joins PMR

    Daniel Lloyd, PMR Driver – “I’m mega excited to be racing back in the UK, and this will be the first time I’ll be heading into the championship with some pre season testing under my belt. I’ve always been thrown in at the deep end a little bit, so I can’t wait to get stuck in to the programme. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and really looking forward to not only working with the team, but also learning from Jason [Plato] and his vast experience. I’m really looking to build on this a long term partnership, and launch a multi-year attack at the championship heavyweights.”

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