Whilst all has been quiet on the public front, plans are progressing for Creventic’s proposed Prototype Challenge Series, starting with a trio of three hour races in support of the Dubai 24 Hours in January.
The initial announcement of the planned Series, for a wide range of smaller prototypes including Ginetta G57 P2s, P3 and CN spec cars plus Radicals and others, got a frosty response from the ACO with Creventic then seeking a dialogue to bottom out any issues.
The full list of eligible machinery is published here
Recent weeks have seen a senior ACO figure that the two parties “are talking” but as yet there is no confirmation of any agreement yet being in place.
Creventic sources meanwhile say that they are still seeking a mutually acceptable solution with the ACO but in the meantime must progress with plans for the Dubai event to ensure that it takes place. The provisional entry is understood to sit at around 20 cars with more in prospect.
“We have teams that are very actively wishing to plan their itinerary. Not one of them has even mentioned that this would be a standalone programme,” said a Creventic spokesman. “Most are very positive about having additional opportunities to run their cars, and to bring on drivers that perhaps are not yet ready for the ACO level of competition.”
The Dubai event is seen as being a starting point for another part of the Creventic family of Series which currently accommodates GTs and Touring cars in long distance events across Europe, plus the Dubai 24 Hours and, for the first time in 2017, a 12 Hour race at CoTA in Texas USA.
At present the Dubai event for the Proto Series has been joined on the calendar by an announced 12 Hour race at Magny Cours on 22-24 April.
“We would like to work with the ACO to improve even further the business case for these excellent cars and their teams. We are no threat whatsoever to the ACO Series and would happily work hand in glove to ensure no clashes with their calendars.
“Looking further ahead there is a clear opportunity to help provide a regular flow of teams from our events that might be tempted into small prototypes buy the additional opportunities with us, then in later years, as they develop their teams and customers, to aspire to join the ACO events.”
