Keep racing off the streets with the Michelin Cup Challenge
Michelin’s Cup Challenge gives average racing enthusiasts an affordable chance to drive in the fast lane and and an opportunity to test your car’s limits in a safe environment.
The world of motorsport racing has over the years attracted many vehicle modification enthusiasts. The excitement of customising a vehicle fit to perform against some of its toughest competition is incomparable. Drivers thrive on the adrenaline associated with racing fast cars.
In South Africa, street racing started underground across townships and small cities, enticing many speed junkies to participate regardless of it being illegal on public roads. ‘Drag racing’ as it is popularly known has been in the public eye, for many years and mostly, for all the wrong reasons. In a country with a high rate of road accidents, it is no wonder that traffic officers around various metros are cracking down on this unlawful activity. Most arrests are linked to various offences, including racing illegally, obviously, as well as failing to display licence plates and driving without licences.
Car tyre manufacturer, Michelin, is a proud sponsor of the Michelin Cup Challenge that is organised by the Audi and Renault Sport Clubs of South Africa. The Cup Challenge was introduced in 2012 as a safer alternative to the usually disorganised and unauthorised street racing. Open to both male and female drivers, participants can take advantage of the opportunity to push the limits of their cars, challenge each other and see how Michelin tyres can help to enhance their ultimate driving machines.
Preshantan Pillay, Operational Marketing Manager B2C at Michelin South Africa: “The Michelin Cup Challenge is targeted at those avid drivers who are looking for something different when it comes to car racing and that is – a safer thrill. This event takes place several times during the year at different locations which offer racing the strips, the track and even dyno cars. This way, we cater for all car enthusiasts and fanatics of the track. Drivers can expect exhilarating fun at this competitive series of events.”
The Cup Challenge has grown since inception, from 30 to 200 members in June 2016. Frequented by many car brands such as, Audi, BMW, Subaru, Toyota, Honda, VW, Noble, Nissan GTR’s, Porsche, Opel, Renault, and Mazda – participants are encouraged to register their vehicles and pay a joining fee for various classes, but the more the numbers the less the fee. This will ensure that members fully enjoy a safe and legal space to explore and experience the track. It is a seven month campaign with a grand prize giving ceremony at the end of the season. The winners are chosen based on the fastest times completed.
Upcoming events for 2016:
- 16 July – R6 Red Star
- 9 August – R7 Gymkhana Zwartkops
- September – Michelin PS4 launch
- October – Year End Prize Giving
“At Michelin, we are encouraged by the uptake of the Cup Challenge and its growth and success over the years. We have proved our pedigree on professional racing tracks, to the streets and we remain committed to contributing to a safer racing environment. The more drivers we attract to join the Challenge, the more we make the streets a safer place and keep racing off public roads, which ultimately is one of our aims in developing this Cup Challenge,” concludes Pillay.