Currently reading: Ssangyong Korando Sports pick-up to go racing in Britain in 2017

One-make series based around the Korando Sports is being established to provide affordable motorsport for amateurs and newcomers

The Ssangyong Korando Sports pick-up will form the basis of a new one-make racing series in Britain next season.

The Ssangyong Racing Challenge has been developed to be an affordable route into circuit competition and is being set up with the blessing of SsangYong’s UK importer. A demonstrator vehicle, developed by ABG Motorsport, was unveiled at the Silverstone Classic this weekend.

Vehicles used in the new series will be subjected to tightly controlled technical regulations to keep budgets affordable and to ensure close racing.

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The amount of funds needed to buy a competition-prepared vehicle and compete in the SsangYong Racing Challenge hasn’t yet been finalised because series chiefs are still fine-tuning the package, which is expected to include race suits, technical support and on-event driver coaching.  

The racing truck will use a six-speed manual gearbox and be built to full Motor Sports Association safety regulations. Power will come from a 2.2-litre diesel engine generating around 200bhp that will be sealed by series technical chiefs to ensure no performance upgrades can be made.

Drivers aged 14 and upward will be eligible to take part, with the emphasis on amateur competitors and aspiring professional drivers making their first steps from go-karting to full circuit racing.

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Six events will be organised at circuits around Britain and three 15-minute races will take place at each meeting.

Ssangyong dealers will be encouraged to participate and there will be a separate competition within the main series for dealer-supported entries.

Two experienced racers, Glynn Geddie and Marcus Clutton, have been appointed as development drivers. A series of taster sessions will take place between now and the start of the inaugural series to allow prospective customers to sample the race-bred Korando Sports.

A similar series, the Ssangyong Actyon Ute Racing Series, exists in New Zealand and attracts about 30 entrants. 

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