Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Scholarship

Suzuki Swift Sport Cup Scholarship Set For Third Season

The hunt is on for another promising young driver to campaign the New Zealand Suzuki Swift Sport Cup one make production car series.

For the third successive year, a valuable scholarship is being awarded to the most deserving newcomer to local motor racing.

The winner of the Castrol scholarship will have the opportunity to contest the
Swift Sport Cup Championship during the 2009/2010 summer season.

Applications are being received until July 31, and the short list of 20 candidates are to gather at a local motor racing circuit for final selection mid August.

“The Castrol scholarship provides a golden opportunity for a new driver to take part in a closely fought saloon car championship,” said Paul Burborough, series coordinator for the Swift Sport Cup.

The previous two scholarship winners honoured the endorsements of the judges by performing well in the championship.

Christchurch driver Cody McMaster, who was named inaugural winner of the scholarship in 2007, went on to win the first Swift Sport Cup Championship. Then repeated this performance for the 2008/2009 season.

Ben Dallas, a 17-year-old Aucklander, fulfilled his promise after winning the Castrol scholarship last year, and ended last season’s series a highly creditable third overall.

The Castrol scholarship applicants for next season should be under 21 years of age and must not have competed in a national motor racing championship tier one series. They will be aiming to win a season-long package worth more than $50,000.

The lucky recipient of the scholarship wins the use of a fully prepared Suzuki Swift Sport Cup car for the full season in both North and South Islands.

The Castrol scholarship winner will also receive an in-car camera for all rounds, free entry to the meetings, all registration fees, Suzuki clothing package and Chicane Motor Sport race apparel, including overalls, boots, clothes, helmet and HANS device.

In addition Suzuki New Zealand will provide vehicle transport to all rounds for the winner and technical support at each meeting.

Scholarship applicants are to spend two days at a racing circuit on August 14 and August 15 where they will be judged by a panel in areas of fitness, media and sponsorship presentation and finally timed laps in a Swift Sport.

Judges will make the decision based on driving ability, presentation, professionalism and the ability to learn. Driver training is to be provided prior to the official lap sessions.

After two successful seasons, the Swift Sport Cup series is gaining a reputation for close, evenly matched competition, while also providing a great proving ground for up and coming drivers.

Class rules for the championship are set by Motor Sport New Zealand and the rigidly controlled modifications are designed to ensure even competition.

The 92 kW, 1,586cm3 engined Swifts are based on New Zealand’s top selling supermini, and are fitted with special 17-inch diameter DTM aluminium alloy wheels shod with Dunlop 215/45R tyres.

Suzuki Sport Japan engine and gearbox mounts and suspension bushes are fitted, along with an Extreme clutch and pressure plate, Coby modified exhaust system and a competition steering wheel.

Internally, the racing Swifts are stripped, with a pair of Race Tech competition sets and six-point seat belt harnesses.

Suzuki New Zealand subsidises the cost of preparing the Swift Sport cars to ensure the series is affordable. The series is also supported by Castrol and Winger Suzuki.

Applicants can seek more information relating to the scholarship and the championship by going on line to www.swiftcup.co.nz.

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