Category: Radical Cup

With the first round of the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America program done and dusted more than one month ago, teams and competitors are set to go again this weekend in Leeds, Alabama. Ready to tackle the 2.38-mile, 16-turn Barber Motorsports Park, early season winners and class points leaders Jon Field, Danny Dyszelski, and Seth Bacon will look to continue their success while drivers who faltered in New Orleans will look to battle back at Barber.

“It is our first event of four alongside the NTT IndyCar Series and in doing so, our competitors will be on display for big crowds and high-profile team owners,” said Radical Global Motorsport Director Tom Drewer. “With 27 cars on the entry list this weekend, we have seen an influx of fresh and young blood into the series, but as always the more experienced drivers – some of whom have raced Radicals at country clubs for years – will be tough to beat.”

That includes former title winners Alan Miller (ONE Motorsports), who hails from Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, and Louis Schriber (RYNO Racing) from Autobahn Country Club. Both are eager to eat into the Platinum class points lead of former American Le Mans Series champ Jon Field, who was just a mandatory pitstop misstep away from a clean sweep at NOLA. However, reigning class champion Steve Jenks (Group-A Racing) returns this weekend and should immediately fight for victories, while Alain Derzie (ONE Motorsports) and ESSES Racing teammates Scott Wagner and Wayne Williams can’t be ruled out either. All seven Platinum drivers will be piloting Radical’s 425bhp turbocharged SR10  cars, with Schriber in the latest XXR variant.

PRO 1500 will have the largest class on the grid. One Motorsport’s Gregg Gorski has over twice the life experience of his main championship rivals, and after scoring three podiums at NOLA, he is determined to knock triple race winner Danny Dyszelski (WISKO Racing) off the top step of the podium. The task will be made even harder given a host of young guns are looking to do the same thing, including F3 rising star Nick Persing (Cameron Racing), Radical Brand Ambassador Aurora Straus (ONE Motorsports), and 2022 Pro 1340 National Champion Austin Riley (Racing With Autism) who scored a victory last year at Barber Motorsports Park. Fellow Canadian Robert Soroka (RySpec) is another to keep an eye on, as is 2021 Pro 1340 champ and perennial front-runner Mike Anzaldi, while Nick Pearson returns to the series to attempt a PRO 1500 podium in what could be his final race before he embarks on his college football career.

Group-A Racing will again field Jack Yang and Reid Stewart, while David Alban and Richard Durocher will join Dyszelski in the WISKO Racing stable, and Arul Venkatesh will make his 2023 debut with Radical Northwest/Cameron Racing. Of the 13 drivers in the Pro 1500 ranks, two – Anzaldi and Persing – will pilot the new SR3 XXR models.

The PRO 1340 division has also seen a major jump in entries. Bijoy Garg (Team Stradale) adds Radical Cup to his 2023 outings in Asian Le Mans, USF Pro 2000, and the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge while reigning Canadian F1600 Champion Jake Cowden (RySpec Racing) makes his series debut this weekend and is confirmed for the rest of the season. Huw Leahy (TWOth Autosport) and Ben Blander (Team Stradale) are another two additions for Barber. However, all will have their work cut out with father and son Seth and Jace Bacon (CROWN with Apex), and Ken Savage (G-Tech Motorsport) each having taken a win during the first round.

Blue Marble Radical Cup competitors will hit the track Thursday for a pair of extended practice sessions before qualifying and three wheel-to-wheel races that will take place Friday and Saturday.

Barber Motorsports Park
Weekend Schedule – All times CDT
Thursday, April 27
Practice 1 – 12:10 to 12:50pm
Practice 2 – 3:40 to 4:20pm

Friday, April 28
Qualifying – 9:35 to 10:05am
Race – 12:40 to 1:25pm

Saturday, April 29
Race – 9:00 to 9:45am
Race – 3:35 to 4:20pm

Be sure to stay tuned to the Blue Marble Radical Cup social media pages for news, information, photos, and results from the event weekend.

2023 Blue Marble Radical Cup North America Schedule
R1 Mar 9-12 NOLA Trans Am
R2 Apr 28-30 Barber IndyCar
R3 June 15-18 Road America IndyCar
R4 July 14-16 Toronto IndyCar
R5 Aug 25-27 COTA USAC
R6 Sept 8-10 Laguna Seca IndyCar
WF TBD TBD TBD World Finals

The Blue Marble Radical Cup has been attracting new and younger prospects in the past few years and as the season grows, another future star is set to make their series debut this weekend. Joining the already long list of young guns competing this season, Canadian driver Jake Cowden is set to run his first career Blue Marble Radical Cup North American event at the upcoming Barber Motorsports Park with RySpec Racing.

Racing alongside the NTT IndyCar Series, Cowden is piggybacking off his championship win in the 2022 Toyo Tires F1600 class, racing in the No.66 Mygale with Britain West and producing some incredible statistics with 100% of his finishes over the 2022 season on the podium. Additionally, Cowden competed in the 2022 Team Canada Scholarship shootout and was selected to compete for Team Canada in England in the Formula Ford Festival and the Walter Hayes Trophy race.

Cowden, an 18-year-old who started in karting at the age of 10, is focused on achieving his goal of becoming an IndyCar driver and hopes joining the Blue Marble Radical Cup will catapult him in the right direction.

“I am very excited to be competing in the Blue Marble Radical Cup weekend at Barber Motorsports Park,” said Jake Cowden. “This will be my first taste of wheel-to-wheel Radical racing, and I couldn’t be more excited. Seat time is so important before I compete for the FEL ERCC championship back home in Canada, and the Blue Marble Radical Cup is the best possible way to prepare. Additionally, it gives me a chance to experience the intensity of an Indy environment before both series come together at the Honda Indy Toronto in July.”

Young guns looking to advance their careers and hone in on their skills find the Radical Cup North America a good development series, as the competition provided by the other young competitors, as well as the ‘gentlemen drivers’ is high. Conversely, the drivers who started with the Radical Cup program a little later on in life have taken well to the added challenge of competing against the younger generation of racers.

“This year we’re seeing participation grow by Canadian racers in the U.S. series following last year’s success of Racing With Autism’s Austin Riley,” said Tom Drewer. “He won the outright championship, as well as the Pro 1340 title after a hard-fought battle with veteran Mike Anzaldi all year. Also, Riley has taken a step up to the Pro 1500 class this year, battling amongst other young guns such as 15-year-old Danny Dyzelski and series stalwart Gregg Gorski, who proves you don’t have to be in your teens, 20s, 30s or 40s to reach the Radical Cup podium.”

Cowden is set to take part in the remainder of the Blue Marble Radical Cup North American 2023 schedule with RySpec Racing and gets to compete in his home country again in mid-July when the Radical Cup program journeys north of the border to compete on the Street of Toronto for the first time. Additionally, four of the remaining five event weekends share the track with the NTT IndyCar Series.

Be sure to stay tuned to the Blue Marble Radical Cup social media pages for news, information, photos, and results from the 2023 season.

Radical Motorsport – the UK’s largest race car manufacturer – has announced the appointment of Graham Rahal Performance as its new official dealer in Indianapolis, USA.

Owned by NTT IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal, Radical USA Indianapolis will operate out of Graham Rahal Performance’s facility in Brownsburg, on the outskirts of Indianapolis. First opened in 2017 on the foundations of Graham Rahal’s passion and love for vehicles of all kinds, the facility now offers a variety of services for any vehicle across Indiana and Ohio.

Radical USA Indianapolis will provide an elevated experience for customers of the Radical racing program, motorsport enthusiasts wanting to take the next step in their racing career or those wanting to indulge in their track day hobby. In conjunction with both Graham Rahal Performance and Rahal Paint Protection, Radical USA Indianapolis is now available for prospective and current Radical owners for spare parts, transport, maintenance, wrapping, performance, and sales enquiries across both Ohio and Indiana.

GRP owner Graham Rahal said: “Radical is a highly regarded global motorsport brand, and through our partnership, Radical Indianapolis will be able to provide customers with the best performance for their dollar. Through each stage of our services, the highly skilled team at Radical Indianapolis and Graham Rahal Performance will ensure the race cars are at peak performance when taken to the track, and that the customers have an elevated experience during their time with us. We are excited to add this venture to our growing portfolio.”

With the launch of the latest updates to their most popular models, the SR3 XXR and SR10 XXR, Radical has quickly become the race car of choice for motorsport and car club members wanting faster, more competitive cars. Since its inception, Radical Motorsport has sold close to 3,000 cars, with roughly two-thirds of cars being exported to North America.

The appointment of Radical Indianapolis complements the existing Radical dealer network, and is the 10th dealer in North America. The last few years have also seen the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America race series gain popularity, and this season it supports four IndyCar rounds, including one on the streets of Toronto.

“I have worked with Graham Rahal since his early days in Formula Atlantic, and I’ve watched both Graham and his brands grow to become a staple in motorsports in North America,” Radical Motorsport Business Development Manager Jeff Barrow said.

“With GRP being based in Indianapolis, the center of speed, and Graham’s strong family heritage in Ohio, it made perfect sense to bring his group into the Radical family of dealers. We look forward to working with him and his wider team to solidify Radical as the brand of choice for motor enthusiasts across the States.”

Radical Indianapolis is the latest in a series of new Radical dealer appointments across the globe, with other recent appointments including Germany North, Germany South and Spain.

Radical Motorsport, the UK’s largest race car manufacturer, has today announced the opening of a new customer-facing facility within Britain’s oldest motor racing circuit, Donington Park.

Located at the main entrance to Donington Park, near the circuit’s Melbourne Hairpin entry, the facility will be known as Radical Motorsport’s corporate headquarters. The move into the former Formula E headquarters comes after Radical Motorsport’s most successful year in its 25-year history, and marks a historic moment for the company, moving the customer-facing sales and marketing teams away from its factory in Peterborough for the first time since its incorporation.

Radical Motorsport’s manufacturing and production base will remain at the Peterborough factory, with customer-facing and commercial departments expanding to the new Donington Park facility. The factory in Peterborough has been home to Radical Motorsport since it was founded 26 years ago in 1997, and the company remains fully committed to its roots in Cambridgeshire.

The new Radical Motorsport corporate HQ is set to become a destination for owners and fans alike, a venue for automotive events and a unique meeting space for business partners and corporate reservations. Open to the public throughout the year Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and on selected race weekends, Radical Motorsport will open its doors to welcome all visitors to Donington Park.

Behind the scenes, in addition to the office space for its sales, marketing, and motorsport staff, the premises will be able to provide the expanding Radical Motorsport dealer network with dedicated training opportunities to be able to better serve its growing customer base across the world.

“We looked at a number of non-circuit-based locations in the UK to host our expanding commercial team,” said Joe Anwyll, Radical Motorsport CEO. “However, with British motorsport tracks widely known as being some of the best in the world, we had to take this opportunity, as a British motorsport manufacturer, to be right on the doorstep of the action.

“As well as our expanding team and record production numbers this year, this move to Donington Park will allow us to pursue ventures we’ve been unable to from our factory. Our cars belong on track, so it’s only fitting we be present there too.”

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of circuit operator MotorSport Vision, said: “I’m delighted that Radical Motorsport has decided to move its corporate headquarters to Donington Park. Since MSV took over the running of the venue in 2018, it’s been our ambition not just to create an improved competitor and spectator experience, which we’ve already achieved through numerous venue improvements, but also to elevate the circuit’s standing as a major national hub of motorsport businesses.

“Radical Motorsport is a much-admired and globally recognised manufacturer of sports racing cars, and I’m delighted it’s recognised the significant benefits of being based at one of the UK’s leading race circuits. With the addition of Radical Motorsport alongside a growing portfolio of businesses, and further developments planned at the estate, including the renovation of Donington Hall as an incredible mansion house hotel, the future for the site is looking very bright indeed.

“I extend a very warm welcome to Joe Anwyll and his team and look forward to seeing the completed facility soon.”

Plans are afoot for the new facility to complete and open to the public Spring 2023, and more information will be published at radicalmotorsport.com or on Radical Motorsport’s social media channels.

Teams and competitors of the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America program returned to the track at NOLA Motorsports Park Sunday for the third and final race of the weekend. With Jon Field and Danny Dyszelski looking to sweep the on-track action in their respective classes, several other competitors were aiming to close the weekend on top and build momentum for the second event weekend later in April.

Race three also featured a mandatory pit stop for all competitors that would bring an element of strategy into play. A timed pit stop caught a few drivers out and ruined the chance at a weekend sweep for Platinum driver Jon Field (ONE Motorsports) and PRO 1500 front-runner Austin Riley (Racing With Autism) as both drivers were forced to serve late race penalties while in the lead.

When the green flag flew, it was another clean start for Radical competitors as Field was able to maintain the lead as he continued to be the class of the Platinum field. Behind him, Al Miller (ONE Motorsports), Louis Schriber (RYNO Racing), and Wayne Williams (ESSES Racing) were engaged in an epic battle but five laps in, Schriber spun giving the potential podium positions to Miller and Williams. Williams and Alain Derzie (ONE Motorsports) also had in-race spins that took away potential podium results helping Field to eventually recover to a podium finish. Danny Dyszelski and WISKO Racing were out front in the PRO 1500 class as Austin Riley was able to move into second early on as he looked for his first podium of the new race season. While all the action was going in the faster class up front, Seth Bacon took the lead in the PRO 1340 ranks.

As drivers continued to maintain their speed on track, pit stops began around mid-race distance that shuffled the order. With traffic coming into play as drivers exited the pits, Jon Field extended his lead in the Platinum class while Riley jumped to the point in PRO 1500. Looking good for the wins in their respective classes, both drivers incurred stop-and-go penalties for pit stops being too fast which ruined both of their chances at victory.

When Field ducked to the pits to serve his penalty, “Indy Al” Miller inherited the lead as he and Schriber battled tooth and nail for the win over the final few circuits. Miller managed to keep his long-time rival behind him to take his first win of the season with Schriber coming home second, 0.407s in arrears. Race one and two winner Field was able to recover to stand on the podium in third.

In the PRO 1500 ranks, Dyszelski was able to retake the lead after Riley’s penalty to go on and sweep the weekend. With a pole position and three race wins, Dyszelski leaves NOLA Motorsports Park as the driver to beat in 1500. Behind the WISKO Racing driver, Nick Persing finished second claiming his third podium result of the weekend in the Cameron Racing machine and just ahead of a charging Gregg Gorski who crossed the line third. Female competitor Aurora Straus was able to take advantage of Austin Riley’s penalty to move to fourth as Riley was able to recover to finish fifth.

It was a Bacon one–two finish in PRO 1340 as the father and son duo battled hard all race long. Taking advantage of late-race traffic to put a car between him and his dad, Jace Bacon (Crown with Apex) was able to drive to the win by 3.41s over Seth (Crown with Apex). Kevin Poitras added a solid third-place result to celebrate on the podium once again as he finished just ahead of the fourth-place finisher of Ken Savage.

With the first event weekend now done and in the books, Radical Cup teams and competitors will shift their focus to races four, five, and six at the famed Barber Motorsports Park alongside the NTT IndyCar Series.

Stay tuned to the Blue Marble Radical Cup social media pages for news, information, photos, and results from the 2023 season.

Blue Marble Radical Cup events are open to all local and regional Radical racers with eligible cars to participate. More information, including links to register for events and obtain licensing, can be found at www.radicalmotorsport.com. Please stay tuned to the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America social media pages for news and updates from the 2023 season.

Female American racer Aurora Straus, 24, has been named an official ambassador for global racing car manufacturer Radical Motorsport. The news coincides with confirmation of her return to the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America for the 2023 season. After becoming the first woman to enter the series — and win a race — in 2022, Straus will be driving the No. 17 Richard Mille Radical SR3 in the Pro 1500 class.

After scoring three podiums including two second-place finishes in her debut at Watkins Glen, Straus went on to finish third at the Circuit of The Americas before adding a pair of race wins and a third-place finish in last year’s Sonoma Raceway season finale. Her results propelled Group-A Racing to the team championship title in the Pro 1500 ranks in 2022.

“We are thrilled to have Aurora back in the Blue Marble Radical Cup as a competitor and an ambassador for Radical Motorsport,” said Tom Drewer, Global Motorsport Director. “Aurora is a proven talent, recently taking a top 6 finish at Daytona. We look forward to seeing her push the Radical brand to a higher level.”

Graduating from Harvard and an experienced sports car racer, Straus started her racing career in spec Mazda MX-5 cars in 2015 and then progressed into the 2016 Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge. Moving to the Pirelli World Challenge SprintX series in 2018, in a BMW M4 GT4 operated by ST Racing Aurora claimed two victories and four podiums.

In 2021, Straus was part of an all-female Richard Mille-backed operation in GT4 America, where she teamed up with two-time IMSA GTD champion Christina Nielsen at the wheel of a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. Competing in several Radical Cup North America events in 2022, Straus earned two wins and five total podiums. Earlier this year, Straus was back at Daytona International Speedway for the first round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, where she drove from 44th on the grid to a sixth-place finish.

A Richard Mille ambassador, Straus announced her plans for the rest of the season, which will see the American return to the prototypes of Radical Cup, for a six-calendar event starting this weekend at NOLA Motorsports Park with Trans Am and SpeedTour.

The Blue Marble Radical Cup North America series will race alongside IndyCar in four rounds — Barber Motorsports Park, Road America, Toronto, and Laguna Seca — plus a round on the USAC schedule at Circuit of The Americas.

Radical Cup North America competitors will hit the track tomorrow for the first official day of the 2023 season. Follow along via live timing HERE. Qualifying and races will be live streamed HERE.

Blue Marble Radical Cup events are open to all local and regional Radical racers with eligible cars to participate. More information, including links to register for events and obtain licensing, can be found at www.radicalmotorsport.com.