Sports 2000

andy97 · 24 Jan 2011, 12:02 (Ref:2819827)

Following on from the recent discussion in the historic section of 10-tenths about “Sports 2000” I thought I d’ bring things up to date in this section, perhaps some regulars here are not too familiar with this excellent series. First of all excuse me for some history…..

The Sports 2000 category was started in 1977 by John Webb as a club series with cars that aped the look of the popular Group 6 2 litre “2 seater” Sports racers of the time. Sports 2000s often used the technology of the equally popular F Ford 2000, including the 2 litre Pinto engine, clothed in very pretty Le Mans style bodywork. Manufacturers such as Lola, Tiga, Royale, March, Chevron all produced cars.

The series was very successful for many years with well known names such as Frank Sytner, Ian Flux, Ian Taylor, Davina Galica & Mike Wilds all appearing amongst big grids. Sadly, the series declined for a while in the early 1990s but has seen a resurgence in the last 10 years or so. Many early cars are now seen out in “Historic Sports 2000” (See Historic forum section) but the newer Pinto engined cars also have their own series as well as a much newer classes for Duratec engined cars – Class A with modern aerodynamics and sequential gearboxes from manufacturers such as MCR, Cabir, Gunn etc and Class B Duratecs which are usually converted cars with H pattern boxes & therefore very cost effective.

The styling of Sports 2000 cars has always mirrored the Le Mans type cars of the day. Thus the newer cars look like LMP 1 or 2 sports prototypes but cost a fraction of those things!

For 2011 the series has announced a change to radial tyres which should lower lap times a fair bit & the calendar includes races at Spa, the opportunity to enter a couple of 1 hour races for one or two drivers & an invite to a 750 mile race at the Nurburgring GP circuit. There are usually 2 x 20 minute Sports 2000 races at each meeting; one for the Duratecs & one for the Pintos (although Pinto cars can also race with the modern cars if they wish, at a significant discount.

For the future, there are already plans for a new endurance series in 2012 and the club has already forward booked European races for 2012 (Dijon) and 2013 (Le Mans).

With the demise of the SPEED (nee V de V UK series) in the UK, Sports 2000 offers one of the fastest sports prototype series in the UK at very cost effective rates. The cars are quick, very attractive & Autosport has recognised one of the manufacturers, Gunn, as one of its top 10 cars of the year in 2009 (TS6) & 2010 (TS11). Grid sizes are good & driving standards high. If you want to consider racing Sports Prototypes – whether modern or historic – have a look at the Sports 2000 website.

PS. As some of you may recognise, I am a CSCC chap, so have no vested interest here, I just love these cars!

matlockscot · 24 Jan 2011, 14:09 (Ref:2819895)

As someone who does have a vested interest in the Sports 2000 series, I'd just like to echo Andy's comments. I returned to racing this year after an 18 year break and the thought of tangling wheels in a single seater (against people much younger and braver than me!) didn't fill me with joy. As part of a trio, I have a part share in a Sports 2000 Pinto which I have thoroughly enojoyed racing this year (and with costs shared amongst 3). So much so, I have acquired a Duratec car for next year to allow me to compete in both series. We get a great calendar (Silverstone GP, Donington, long & short, Spa and the Snetterton 300 amongst others) and plenty track time (just a small correction, we get a 25 minute race in Pintos and 30 minutes in Duratec) and as already mentioned, the pinto cars normally get a chance for extra track time at a discount by joining the Duratec race at a discount in an invitation class. This combined with the durability of the engines (Duratecs require no annual rebuild, just an oil & filter change and our Pinto is finally having a refresh after 3 seasons), and the enforced driving standards make it a great series. All that and some of the quickest sports cars around.

Visit the Sports 2000 website on www.sports2000-srcc.com for more details, or in a bout of shameless self-publicity my own website at www.asgmotorsport.com .

lola9090 · 24 Jan 2011, 21:51 (Ref:2820125)

All I can add is that we welcome noivce drivers as about 40% of our Pinto drivers had never raced before and some made it all the way to VdeV and winning races on the way!!
If in doubt..jump as you wont look back!!

robonions · 30 Jan 2011, 11:53 (Ref:2822656)

Again, I have a vested interest but not to sell cars, just to have some great racing. Here's a thought, last year the fastest lap during the Speed Race at Snetterton was 1:06.3. The fastest lap in the Sports 2000 Duratec race was 1:08.7. Given the fact that this year with the new radial tyres, lap times are expected to fall by around a second a lap, then factor in the cost of running a Sports 2000 vs a Speed car, and suddenly the demise of the Speed championship looks like a huge oppertunity for Sports 2000. For really fast, close competitive sports car racing, look no further.visit Sports 2000 website.
Oldershaw Motorsport

chris bailey · 31 Jan 2011, 18:29 (Ref:2823379)

Looking on the Sports 2000 website, there's a fairly current Duratec for @ £25k and a converted pinto car for well under £20k. How's that for an affordable way into the series?

andy97 · 19 Jul 2011, 09:01 (Ref:2928458)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris bailey

Looking on the Sports 2000 website, there's a fairly current Duratec for @ £25k and a converted pinto car for well under £20k. How's that for an affordable way into the series?

The running costs are also supposed to be fairly affordable (particularly for the Duratecs) & there is also several Pinto engined cars on the website at £11500-14000, so not toooooo expensive at all.

Plus the new endurance series for 2012 should give the opportunity for good track time for the money & to share costs with another driver.

andy97 · 3 Feb 2011, 11:59 (Ref:2825015)

Positive comments about Sports 2000 in the National section editorial in this weeks Autosport.

AliG · 8 Feb 2011, 09:53 (Ref:2827628)

As a new comer to S2000 last year, I can only concur with all the positive comments above. Excellent value, good atmosphere, superb calender (inc Spa) and wonderful cars.

Adding to the shameless self promotion of MatlockScott above, you could also have a look at www.alaricgordonracing.co.uk

matlockscot · 25 Feb 2011, 21:02 (Ref:2836926)

matlockscot · 19 Apr 2011, 18:36 (Ref:2866578)

Just a heads up for anyone thinking about the Sports 2000 Championship. First round is Easter weekend on the new Snetterton 300 circuit. Free practice on Sunday afternoon with qualifying and race on the Monday. Testing times in the 1:55's last week and I hear quicker than that in earlier testing.

More info at the Sports 2000 website www.sports2000-srcc.com or more blatant self-publicity on how preparations are going at www.asgmotorsport.com

chris bailey · 26 Apr 2011, 13:16 (Ref:2869995)

For anyone who wasn't there, the Easter Monday Sports 2000 Duratec race at Snetterton was an absolute blinder. Mike Jenvey started at the back of the grid after an alternator failure in qualifying. By the end of the 30 minute race he finished a close second to Robert Oldershaw. The winning margin was 0.009 seconds. That, in anyone's language is super-close!!

In the Pinto race, young David Pittard, in his first ever Sports 2000 race, put his Swift DB2 on pole by nearly a second, and ran away in the race, winning by 38 seconds. He also got fastest lap by nearly 3 seconds! Some debut!!

A great start to what will certainly be a cracking season. Come and see for yourselves, or better still, get hold of a car and join in. Next round is at Cadwell Park (long circuit) on May 7th.

brakedisc · 8 May 2011, 19:57 (Ref:2877021)

Well done Matlockscot, a 5th in the Duratec and a 6th in the pinto and your first pole position. Busy weekend.

matlockscot · 8 May 2011, 20:53 (Ref:2877056)

Thanks! Pole translated into 19th at the first corner after 1st gear self-destructed at the start. Not ideal! Good race throughout the field though.

Are we going to see the Rotor out this year?

brakedisc · 9 May 2011, 06:55 (Ref:2877217)

Unlikely. Other motorsport boxes still to be ticked and I am working on them at the moment.

brakedisc · 14 Jun 2011, 09:14 (Ref:2898643)

Looks like the Spa race was more "international" than usual.

Craig Mitchell looks like he is getting up to speed, two good results, and so close to his first win.

It is only a matter of time before S2000 can be seen as a stepping stone to a career in sports cars.

matlockscot · 17 Jun 2011, 06:36 (Ref:2900731)

Craig will be winning before the year is out. From what I heard (I was busy working my way up from 24th), he led most of the race. Definitely one to watch....

andy97 · 8 Mar 2012, 16:02 (Ref:3037083)

Just found this 10-Tenths thread on some of the early Sports 2000 history. helps add a little colour to the background: http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...ghlight=Shrike

matlockscot · 8 Oct 2012, 19:14 (Ref:3148411)

Resurrecting an old thread!

For anyone considering what to race next year, another plug for the Sports 2000 series. Fast cars (46 seconds round Brands), low running costs and great circuits with low entry fees - this year we've been on the Silverstone GP circuit twice, Brands GP, Snetterton 300, Thruxton and Spa Francorchamps.

Next year sees the introduction of a Class B for older Duratec cars.

A couple of great cars on the market at the end of this year;

Harry Champman's Duratec Lola 0490 - a front-running car with a great spares package

Mike Jenvey's championship-winning Jenvey-Gunn (this year and 2009). Was voted national race car of the year on 2009 and it's been even quicker this year!

There's a new website on the way, but the cars are listed on the forum (and at racecarsdirect.com - just search for Sports 2000 cars)

andy97 · 8 Oct 2012, 19:38 (Ref:3148424)

and don't forget that the early Sports 2000 Pintos are eligible as a class for the HSCC 2 litre "Group 6" series. Get some very nice invites. Must be one of the cheapest ways in to historic motorsport events.

matlockscot · 8 Oct 2012, 19:43 (Ref:3148430)

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy97

and don't forget that the early Sports 2000 Pintos are eligible as a class for the HSCC 2 litre "Group 6" series. Get some very nice invites. Must be one of the cheapest ways in to historic motorsport events.

I knew I could rely on you for some additional publicity! And yes, it's true, the Historic Pintos (pre 1982) have been invited to join the HSCC for their blue riband events this year (Gold Cup, Martini Trophy). Next year we're hoping to align calendars with the HSCC.

andy97 · 8 Oct 2012, 20:11 (Ref:3148452)

Quote:

Originally Posted by matlockscot

I knew I could rely on you for some additional publicity! And yes, it's true, the Historic Pintos (pre 1982) have been invited to join the HSCC for their blue riband events this year (Gold Cup, Martini Trophy). Next year we're hoping to align calendars with the HSCC.

I'll take a shared drive as payment for my PR services, Lol!

brakedisc · 15 Jul 2013, 19:46 (Ref:3278073)

Good to meet you Mark

Tough weekend for us. Car was playing up (split throttle cable ) and it threw me off a couple of times when it partly jammed in the sleeve. I could not understand at first what was going on but when it finally jammed fully open I headed for the pits. Was too old and fat to race in the heat so tried to have fun while I kept out of every ones way. Glad to say I managed it. Tons to do before the next Pinto race but already looking forward to it.

Thanks to all who made it happen.

grantp · 16 Jul 2013, 10:17 (Ref:3278316)

Quote:

Originally Posted by brakedisc

Good to meet you Mark

Tough weekend for us. Car was playing up (split throttle cable ) and it threw me off a couple of times when it partly jammed in the sleeve. I could not understand at first what was going on but when it finally jammed fully open I headed for the pits. Was too old and fat to race in the heat so tried to have fun while I kept out of every ones way. Glad to say I managed it. Tons to do before the next Pinto race but already looking forward to it.

Thanks to all who made it happen.

Ah! So that explains the curious looking event in Craner Curves during qualifying?

You left a nice signature on the track.

brakedisc · 16 Jul 2013, 16:49 (Ref:3278432)

You left a nice signature on the track.

Looked like the Senna sign if I am not mistaken.

Hope to get some ability back soon.

grantp · 16 Jul 2013, 17:10 (Ref:3278442)

Quote:

Originally Posted by brakedisc

You left a nice signature on the track.

Looked like the Senna sign if I am not mistaken.

Hope to get some ability back soon.

Extreme Live Grafitti activity I thought at the time - probably a wager of some sort.

Either that or putting down some rubber to provide extra grip later.

(I may have taken photos but would be quite happy not to publish on consideration of a sma.., er, a substantial fee ...

)

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