As we wait for an announcement expected to confirm a curtailed programme for the Toyota factory team, with sources suggesting that the remainder of the WEC might see just one TS030 competing everywhere other than Fuji, there is at least some good news from the men from Cologne as their new for 2013 TMG GT86 Cup, run within the super competitive VLN, is confirmed for at least a further two years.
The competition, exclusively for TMG built GT86 CS-V3 race cars mixes the race prepped coupes with professional on- and off-track support, a prize package and special offers on replacement parts.
Support infrastructure at the track, including a full spare parts service, dedicated tyre support and Cup organisation office, will continue to ensure competitors have every chance to get the most out of their GT86 CS-V3 car.
On-track the GT86 CS-V3 has already proved its performance and reliability around the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife during the first half of the 2013 season.
While the Toyota Swiss Racing car retained its V3 class title in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, TMG GT86 Cup participants have also beaten the 10-minute barrier for a lap around the complete Nordschleife with the cars also enjoying an unblemished reliability record in the 2013 VLN so far and at the ‘Ring 24.
The Nürburgring 24 Hours is not part of the Cup calendar, but the support infrastructure will nevertheless again be provided in 2014 and 2015 in order to give participants a chance to fight for V3 class glory in one of Europe’s biggest endurance races.
Orders for the 2014-specification GT86 CS-V3, the only car eligible to compete in the TMG GT86 Cup car, are already being taken. More information can be found – here.
Nico Ehlert, Principle Engineer Customer Motorsport: “I am delighted to provide our participants with the assurance that they can plan ahead for at least the next two years within the TMG GT86 Cup. This year has been a successful start with some close competition but, now it is established as a cost-effective and competitive racing series, we expect to see the Cup expand over the next two years. The next stage for us will be to finalise a 2014 upgrade pack for the GT86 CS-V3 and we expect to provide full details in the next few weeks. It is an exciting time to be involved and we are looking forward to welcoming new teams and drivers to the TMG GT86 Cup.”
About the TMG GT86 CS-V3:
Toyota’s stunning GT86 is now available for racing after (TMG) launched the cost-effective TMG GT86 CS-V3 for private participants. The exciting rear-wheel-drive, 200hp car has been developed specifically for the V3 class of the Nürburgring-based VLN series and homologation from the Deutsche Motor Sport Bund provides a licence to thrill in this and many other production-based championships. A race-ready TMG GT86 CS-V3 is instantly competitive in a production-based class and represents impressive value for money at €38,500 excluding tax or €45,815 including German VAT.
