Full Throttle

Race fans at Zolder will get their first chance to see see a Superleague Formula machine this weekend when the former home of the Belgian Grand Prix celebrates its 45th anniversary.

The Circuit Zolder hosted the Belgian Grand Prix on 10 occasions in the 1970s and 80s and is set to become a popular location for football fans for round three of the inaugural Superleague Formula championship on October 4-5.

Three Superleague Formula clubs are located within 200 km of the circuit - RSC Anderlecht in Brussels, PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund.

Despite the fact that RSC Anderlecht and Zolder are both Belgian - Netherlands neighbours PSV Eindhoven is actually the nearest club, located only 60km from the circuit.

The PSV showcar will be on site at Zolder this weekend at the 45th Anniversary event.

“We’re very happy to have Superleague Formula with us in October. In our 45th year of existence, it is great to have this brand new championship on our track,” Zolder Marketing Manger, Walter Goosens said.

“The new approach of racing and football is quite teasing, and promises a thrilling event. Since Anderlecht will be our ‘home club’, we’re looking forward to seeing their team perform, but we’re close to Eindhoven as well, so their fans are more than welcome.

“We can even expect Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Galatasaray fans in October. Dortmund is only 2 hours drive, and there are huge Italian and Turkish communities living in our province.”

About SuperLeague Formula:

Superleague Formula will feature 20 cars competing against one another, with each one carrying the colours and livery of major football clubs from Europe and around the world.

The Car:
With its excellent facilities, specialist manufacturing experience and delivery record, Élan Motorsport Technologies from Atlanta, Georgia USA will be responsible for the development of the Superleague Formula car design and chassis.

As a multi-car manufacturer in the single-seater and sports car world, Élan currently manufactures cars for Indianapolis, Indy Racing League and Champcar, as well as other domestic and international championships.

Primarily designed to provide real spectacle, the Superleague Formula high-performance chassis is built on a two-metre wide track, with under-body aerodynamics to create increased overtaking opportunities.

The Engine:
The 750bhp engine is brand new and unique to Superleague Formula and comes in a V12 configuration with a 4.2 litre capacity. Based in Oxfordshire, England, Menard Competition Technologies is responsible for the manufacture and supply of engines.

SuperLeague Formula Schedule:
Superleague Formula’s inaugural race season will visit the following six major circuits across Europe, from August – November 2008:

Race 1: Donington, United Kingdom – August 30/31, 2008
Race 2: Nürburgring, Germany – September 20/21, 2008
Race 3: Zolder, Belgium – October 4/5, 2008
Race 4: Estoril, Portugal – October 18/19, 2008
Race 5: Vallelunga, Italy – November 1/2, 2008
Race 6: Jerez, Spain – November 22/23, 2008

A series of YouTube videos covering the new racing formula are available here

Technorati Tags: Belgian Grand Prix, SuperLeague Formula, Formula One, Motorsport, Sports, Indy Racing League, F1 Rage!