14 January 2001

The new V-Sports race car proved to be a winner at the Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham. With at least five new V8 chassis having been built and sold in readiness for the 2001 season, there are some exciting races in prospect.

Whilst the show puts a great deal of emphasis on new paint jobs there is very little chance for potential drivers or spectators to see what lies underneath some of the very special machinery on show. Whilst there was a great deal of excitement generated by the first public showing of Kevin Clarke's new Mercedes bodied V8, Team Brask took the opportunity to enlighten the public to what the cars are really all about with an unclothed version.

Whilst new cars and returning drivers auger well for the V8's it is anticipated that the V6 class which was very much resurgent in 2000 will continue to be a feeder for big guns. Excitement for the 2001 season has been heightened with the introduction of a Coupe class for the V6 racers - Jonathan Hoggarth's car also being on display at the show.