The T-Cars philosophy in detail...

The T-Cars programme is open initially to those aged between 14 and 16 and who are more than 4ft 9ins tall and able to drive a manual-transmission car. Younger applicants, or those without the basic skills, can either take advantage of driving courses already offered, such as Brands Hatch Leisure's Earlydrive or join the under 17's Car Club.

Training to ARDS Licence standard will take a modular form, starting with a preliminary assessment by approved instructors of each candidate's basic driving skills clutch control steering ability, acceleration, co-ordination and confidence - while at the wheel of a road car.

The intermediate stage is aimed at bringing students up to a standard where they are considered capable of driving on a circuit, using off-track tuition in standard road cars, theory sessions and basic circuit techniques.

The advanced stage will see sufficiently competent students allowed on to a circuit in a road car, where they will learn the circuit line, use of mirrors, spacial awareness and other racing techniques. On completion, students should be sufficiently experienced to take the ARDS course. This will be run to the exact format used by all ARDS schools with the exception that a T-Car will be used for the track assessment. The pass standard will be the same as that required of adults.

"There is no question of T-Cars being an easy route to the track", says Project Manager Magnus Laird. "Our young graduates will have to meet exactly the same standard as any older driver sitting the ARDS test, and that is why our course is a comprehensive one. Clearly we will see a wide initial variation in skills from candidates, hence the lengthy vetting and assessment programme to ensure that each driver is a safe and sensible proposition for further training."

The cost of attending and completing the initial T-Cars assessment and licensing course will be £500 + VAT inclusive of the ARDS test.

Graduation to the T-Cars race series

ARDS Test graduates will be licensed only to race in T-Cars, and will at this stage have the option of buying into the fall T-Cars programme, which offers a comprehensive racing package.

Included in the £28,000 all-in fee is a race-ready T-Car, complete with five sets of racing tyres, driver and mechanics' overalls, testing fees and all race entry and series registration fees.

For those who wish to build and paint the car themselves, the car will be available as a kit from £l5,500+VAT. All other costs, which amount to approximately £9,000 + VAT may then be spread over the season.

The care and attention offered to young drivers does not end with the purchase of a car and registration for the T-Cars race series. In addition to the planned series of 12 races (three at each of four meetings), competitors will receive five training days featuring circuit hire and driver coach tuition and four general circuit testing days, as well as access to a paddock-based mobile training centre.

Television is a key element to the success of T-Cars. Says Laird: "Satellite coverage is assured and we have already talked with a major terrestrial channel about coverage, and it is keen not only to show race footage but also to become actively involved with the series and its competitors. Further details of the television package will be announced at a later date."

Plans for the future of T-Cars include a senior race series with de-restricted cars for older drivers, and different race formats.

Provisional BRSCC T-Cars Championship : Regulations 2003.
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Further Information
Please contact BRSCC T-Cars Championship Co-ordinator; Ros Jones.
Details on our Contact page