Toyo Tires R888 on new BMW-based Z Cars Series

Always at the front of British club motorsport, Toyo Tires is set to supply its much vaunted Proxes R888R tyre as the control rubber for the all-new Z Cars Racing Series in 2017. The deal sees the busy grid of BMW Z3 and Z4 cars identically shod in what promises to be one of the most level playing fields in amateur racing.

The Z Cars Racing Series is the brainchild of successful club outfit and championship winners Gary Feakins Racing (GFR), who have partnered with MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) to create what they hope will be an accessible, yet aspirational series to provide both a quality grid that the average enthusiast can afford, as well as a stepping stone to higher formulae, such as GT racing. From the outset, the ethos will be on tightly controlled regulations, high driving standards and well-policed monitoring to create a field of near-identical machines, putting the emphasis firmly back where it should be – on driving talent and miniscule tweaks! Catering for the BMW Z3 (1.9 litre) and Z4 (3.0 litre) models, this fresh initiative will offer two key opportunities – firstly, a highly cost-effective avenue for newcomers to the sport with the Z3, and secondly a new challenge for drivers who have gained some experience and are looking to move up to the next level with the more powerful Z4. Both cars promise fabulous driving dynamics – especially when shod with the R888R, of course.

Although the series is clearly going to be attractive to those climbing up the motorsport ladder, the costs involved will not prohibit those just starting out in the sport. A suitable Z3 base car can be purchased for as little as £1500, and even in racing trim, can be put on the grid from as little as £10,000 – in something that’s going to be competitive from the second the lights go out. Even in the headier, faster world of the Z4 class, competitive cars can be built from around £18,000, making this a truly achievable ambition for those looking to get seat-time and valuable experience in a quick, well-balanced RWD machine. Thanks to BMW’s ingenious body system on both cars where almost every panel simply bolts on and off, repairs and bodywork bills should also be on the right side of sensible.

GFR is a well-respected race preparation outfit with championship winning BMW experience, along with success in historic touring cars and GTs. Having already signed off on both a Z3 and Z4 race package – and built cars to suit, confidence is high that this series will deliver real excitement and safe, close racing. Working closely with great names like Custom Cages – who have designed a bespoke MSA approved cage for both platforms, the team has already seen a significant number of cars in build for the inaugural season, promising some epic battles ahead.

MSVR will organise a six weekend calendar, taking in the very best UK circuits including Brands Hatch GP and Silverstone, with each round including a qualifying session and two races. Where possible, these will be held on one day to help further reduce costs.

Commenting on the deal, Technical and Motorsport Director for Toyo UK, Alan Meaker, said: “It’s great to see a series that puts so much emphasis on technical parity and sensible costs, balanced with such dynamic cars and close racing. It’s the perfect playground for the Proxes R888R – and based on some of the test data we’ve seen so far, it’s going to be a very exciting grid!”

Gary Feakins was also similarly ebullient, he said: “It may be a cliché but this is a series created by GFR based on the best bits we’ve learned during our time in club racing, and making sure that nobody can buy their way to the front of the grid. The regs are tight, engines and gearboxes will be sealed, driving standards and regulations will be tightly monitored to make sure we can all concentrate on what’s important; having fun, racing safely and letting talent and bravery put drivers on the podium. The Z Cars are immensely fun to drive in race trim, and we really feel that the Z4s in particular will offer a cost effective alternative, or stepping stone, to the world of GT Racing.”

Z Cars Racing – Provisional 2017 Calendar

1 May – Brands Hatch GP
14 May – Snetterton 200
25 June – Rockingham ISSC
19/20 August – Brands Hatch Indy
30 September – Cadwell Park
28 October – Oulton Park International