Huge hope for 2019...
Together, We Progress Racing. The name of the Wrexham Glyndwr University based team is becoming rather well known across the paddock and 2018 cemented that name firmly in the results. But veiled within the name is a recurring ethos: Together, We Progress.
Through a supportive University and management structure, the students' own energy, enthusiasm and hunger for success, via the drivers feedback and through a ridiculously supportive and wide-reaching sponsor and partner network, TWP have indeed progressed. Together.
Firstly, a congratulations: to us! Actually to our Mk1 MX-5 drivers Graeme McMurchie and Nick Dougill who, along with the support of the team, secured a Championship 3rd in Class finish in 2018, on points 5th overall out of 81 teams. A truly remarkable feat. That the team's second car was 6th overall in the points further proves that we are punching well above our weight!
So, to quote that famous motorsport saying; 'moving forward'...
There has been a vast amount of work over the winter months to ensure that the team didn't stand still. The very sad sale of the team's Mk1 MX-5 was required to free up funds for a new purchase but the new owner Steve was so impressed that TWP will be running the car - and managing his races - this season as well as the team's own two cars!
Of those two cars, the MX5 Parts MRF Tyres Mk3 MX-5 has undergone a weight loss and power gain exercise over the winter with a focus on improving the aerodynamics of the car. And our new car, the Monition Nankang Tyres Lotus Elise S2 sees TWP step up a gear in terms of both technological ability and performance potential.
Alongside the above TWP Racing is very excited to have the continued sponsorship of some old friends, not least FUCHS Lubricants who have supported the team with advice, oils, lubricants & cleaning products and all-important sample testing for two years now.
On top of all that, a new support vehicle / race weekend home and a new direction for the team...more of that later...
Mazda Mk3 MX-5 - Car 73:
Its not just a new livery for 2019. Improved aero, lightweight composite body panels and an increase in power have all been the pre-season focus of the MX5 Parts MRF Tyres Mk3 MX-5, putting the car at the very top of the power:weight limit for its Class.
With the continued backing of long-term sponsors MX5 Parts married to the grip of the MRF track compound tyre, the team have high hopes for the car in what is expected to be the most highly contested Class in the 2019 Championship.
The combined experience of Max5 Champion John Munro and vast tyre development knowledge of Nick Dougill - both of whom have signed up for the full season - means the team could not be better placed.
Lotus Elise S2 - Car 72:
Purchased over the winter and built to the highest possible standard, the team have spent the last few months developing the Monition Nankang Tyres S2 Elise with the kind assistance, advice and support of some well-respected Lotus specialists.
With half an eye to the future, the car has been developed to be big on aero, low on weight and with power pared back for reliability. All-new components have been used throughout: from a bespoke engine build to hand-welded wishbones and CNC'd suspension parts. The car will run on the race-proven and very capable AR-1 from our friends at Nankang UK.
Pip Hammond joined the Team at Rockingham for a guest round in 2018. For 2019 he brings his team mate Gavin Johnson on board too and the pair - both Porsche 924 Champions in their own right - have worked hard over the Winter to bring quality sponsors along with them. To that end we welcome MonitionReliability and Condition Monitoring Services on board as the car's title sponsor; they will work closely with the Team developing the car and its' on-board monitoring systems as well as sampling lubricating fluids throughout the season. With a history of leading the way in piston compressor technology, ABAC in association with piped compressed air solution AIRnet will be very prominent in the TWP garage, not to mention support vehicle! Finally, recruitment experts Morson are involved in 2 out of every 3 vehicles built in the UK everyday, only fitting we find ourselves - and our students - working alongside them.
A new venture; hospitality:
TWP Racing has enjoyed a healthy relationship with the 750 Motor Club for many years now and the two organisations started chatting last Summer about a potential joint venture for 2019.
Fast forward a few months, a little investment, a lot of homework and a huge amount of support from our friends at The Awning Company we are very proud to announce that the 750 Motor Club Club Enduro Drivers Lounge will be open for business from the first Championship round over the Easter weekend!
Following the team's ethos of inclusion, hospitality will be open to Club Endurodrivers, pit-crews and of course their families. The lounge will offer entertainment, live-streamed races via ALPHA Live and serve complimentary cold and hot drinks (provided by the amazing folk at Caber Coffee, themselves valued, long-term partners of TWP Racing). For the Spa Francorchamps rounds the team will provide full professional catering for the long-weekend including a bar, Friday night hog-roast and party!
Hospitality will be managed by Clare Gaffoor, an events management student at Loughborough University and a very well-known face in the MX-5 community, already working in a similar role with the Max5 Championship. Welcome to the Team Clare!
Summary
So, an amazing 2018. An incredibly busy off-season. A ridiculously exciting 2019.
The team has been virtually active as well as in the real world! A shiny new TWP Racing website, designed by one of our own students and counting as credits towards her own degree.
With an eye to the future TWP Racing plan to join the BRITCAR Dunlop Endurance Championship for a round later in the year. This is with a view to committing to the series next year whilst also expanding the TWP fleet within the Club Enduro paddock...
What is not to like?!
2019 Race Calendar:
750 Motor Club TEGIWA Club Enduro Championship
22 April Donington 2hr 02 June Croft 2hr 22 June Silverstone National 2hr (Venue/Date TBC) 12/13 July Spa Francorchamps 2 x 100min 11 August Silverstone International 2hr 14 September Oulton Park 2hr 13 October Snetterton 300 2hr
BARC / BRITCAR
26 October Oulton Park 2 x 60min
BARC / Mission Motorsport Race of Remembrance
09/10 November Anglesey 12hr (including night race)
That's nearly 30 hours of racing!!!
TWP: Together, We Progress. In partnership with Wrexham Glyndwr University.