Geshev Returns to GRC

The next driver to take to the grid for the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup is Alim Geshev.

Alim made his debut into the world of Motorsport last year in the Gulf Radical Cup. After having spent the first half of the season testing, getting up to speed, he got started at Yas Round 5, and incredibly placed on the podium by the end of the season.

He commented:

“I am truly honoured to have my first full racing season and to be able to compete with experienced and truly agile racers in the Gulf Radical Cup. It is a huge challenge for me but at the same time it’s a stepping stone towards unlocking a new potential and skillset of mine. This summer I had my UK Radical Cup event at Silverstone, and I got a lot of positive emotions, along with a very insightful experience. I hope in this coming season all the standings will demonstrate an exciting and fair racing and we will give our fans and supporters a great show. “If in doubt, flat out”!”

Alim will be taking to the track in the next week to start his testing program, giving him the best chance of keeping his toe on the podium, we expect to see him there on a regular basis.

Monie Enters GRC

The next entry we welcome to the Gulf Radical Cup grid is French driver; Julien Monie. This will be Juliens third season racing, but this time will be behind the wheel on the ex Alex Khateeb SR3 XX.

Julien said:

“Im very happy to back racing in the Gulf Radical Cup, I’ve tested the XX that ill be racing this summer at Donnington Park, so I hope to get behind the wheel of it ASAP in the UAE and start getting dialled in for the season ahead.”

With more entries coming and an imminent announcements regarding the new control tyre for the coming season stay tuned…

The early entry offer is now closed, but you can still make a saving on entry fee’s by completing your season entry before the season starts.

Feyzulin back on the grid!

With the list growing, the next driver to confirm their entry into the 2022/23 Gulf Radical Cup is Amir Feyzulin.

Amir is the longest running driver racing in the GRC, closing last season with a fantastic win ahead of current champion Bukhantsov, taking third over all in the series. Taking delivery of his new SR3 XX last season, Amir really found his feet and was regularly at the top on the time sheets and getting on the podium - certainly a serious contender this season.

Amir Commented:

“I am very excited to make another season entry into the Gulf Radical Cup. Every year I come back for more, it’s a very competitive grid of drivers, but you get a lot of track time, so it’s really possible to improve. I hope to build on the success of last season and take more race wins!”

Amir has been keeping his racing eye in, he took part in the UK Radical Cup UK last weekend at Silverstone, with fellow GRC competitor Alim Geshev. Both performed amazingly, and even got the chance to explore the amazing GP circuit in the wet.

Holme signs up for GRC

The next driver to confirm their entry into the Gulf Radical Cup is newcomer to the series, and from the UK, Mark Holme.

Mark has raced various series in the UK, but this will be his first venture into the world of Radical Racing.

The ‘Viking Self Storage’ sponsored car will certainly stand out in its yellow and black Livery, and Mark plans to start testing in October.

Mark commented:

“After a number of years competing in the UK/European FunCup Endurance championships as well as competing in many historic events I must say I am very much looking forward to my first season in a Radical SR3 and the learning curve that wings and slicks demand – also looking forward to some sun !! – can’t wait “

Mark has been doing his homework with some UK testing before coming to the UAE in October, where official testing kicks off at Yas Marina Circuit.

We welcome Mark to the Gulf Radical Cup.

The ‘Early Entry Offer’ ends on the 31st of July, so make sure you get your entry in and do not miss.

Bukhantsov Signs for GRC

The next driver to confirm their entry to the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup is the reigning champion - Alex Bukhantsov.

Running the coveted number ‘1’ plate, he will be working hard to defend his title, but with other drivers also spending time testing and racing in the summer season, Alex will have to keep his level high.

Alex commented:

"Im excited to come and race another season in the Gulf Radical Cup. It was a close battle to take the title last year, so I’m looking forward to running the number 1 plate. Its great training for my LMP racing, so works well for me. Looking forward to the season ahead."

It’s exciting to see drivers of Alex’s caliber use the GRC as a winter training ground. Only two years ago, Alex start his racing endeavours in the GRC, but has progressed fast to stand on the podium in multiple LMP3 races in Europe.

Stay tuned for more driver announcements coming over the next few weeks.

First Driver Confirmed

Entries were opened just over a week ago for the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup, and drivers are already taking advantage of the Early Entry Offer. The first 5 places that secure a free set of tyres have already been taken, so over the coming weeks details of each driver signed up will be announced.

First out of the blocks for this season is GRC regular, Johnny Khazzoum. Its very exciting to have Johnny racing again in the GRC, and more exciting this season as we will see him out in his new 2023 SR3 XXR, currently in transit from the UK, Johnny will be using his new Fusion5 sponsored XXR to hopefully make his way to the top of the podium this season.

Johnny commented:

"I am excited to announce my participation in the upcoming Gulf Radical Cup this year. Having witnessed the greatness of the championship in the previous years, I am eager to embrace the challenges and competition that lie ahead. The growing commitment from fellow racers has elevated the championship's intensity, with everyone displaying unwavering focus, dedication, and attention. As I prepare for this year's race, I am determined to engage in a fair fight, giving my all to contend for the title. Let the race begin!"

For more details on the season or to enter - Click Here

2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup Entries Open

Competitors are now able to submit their entries for the 2023/24 Gulf Radical Cup

As in previous years, organiser GulfSport Racing (Radical UAE) are offering an Early Entry Offer, this ultimately saves just over 20% on race fees compared to entering on a race by race basis. In addition to this the first 5 confirmed entries will also be rewarded with a free set of tyres to be used at the first event.

GRC Series Co-ordinator Fred Jacobs - “We had another great season last year, and this one is approaching fast. Racing was very competitive and we are pleased to see some drivers move onwards and upwards in the motorsport ladder. But, I’m really looking forward to welcoming back our regular drivers and some new faces to the grid.”

Dan Redpath - Radical Motorsport UK Chief Commercial Officer said:

“It is great to see the Gulf Radical Cup flourishing in its 18th year and testament to GulfSport Racing’s dedication and hard work.  GulfSport Racing were awarded our Dealer of the Year title in 2022 and are a privilege to have as part of the official Radical Motorsport dealer network.  It’s also great to see a number of GulfSport customers ordering the new SR3 XXR and I will be personally attending the first round at Yas Marina and look forward to watching some close and exciting racing.”

One by one, until the season commences new driver announcements will be made, so keep a close eye on the official Gulf Radical Cup Instagram page @gulfradicalcup.

We hope to see four of the new Radical SR3 XXR’s out at the start of the season, for more information of the latest evolution of the SR3 get in touch.

Entries can be completed by clicking the below link and filing out the form.

2023/24 Race Dates Announced

Year after year, the Gulf Radical Cup keeps attracting the worlds best Gentlemen (and women) drivers, from not only the UAE, but the rest of the world. Last year there were 12 different nationalities represented on the grid, very typical of the UAE. This season will be no different, with roughly 60% of the grid based in the UAE and the rest flying in for the events.

The UAE has become a big focus for International motorsport, with the GRC being used as a spring board for drivers to step up to the likes of the Asian LeMans Series. Last year when ALMS came to the UAE shores no less than 6 drivers were either competing in GRC at the time, or had done so in previous years. This shows the high standard of the GRC, but, by complete contrast, in the 2022/23 season 4 drivers took their first step into the world of motorsport by completing their first ever circuit race in the Gulf Radical Cup!

Released over the winter was the impressive SR3 XXR, with one already here, and three in build at the Radical factory in Peterborough, we look forward to seeing them on the grid for the first race this year.

So, about that, the first race. This season the Gulf Radical Cup will kick off at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, one of the highlights for GRC drivers racing under the lights, rushing past the Yas Hotel (and waving at their mates in the bar).

The season will close at the Dubai Autodrome in March.

This season will see two designated Pre Season tests, one at Yas Marina Circuit on the 10th of October, then the following week at the Dubai Autodrome on the 19th October.

Entries for the season will open before the 22nd end of June, with an early offer closing by the end of July.

Round 7 - Race Report

Round 7, the Final Round of the Gulf Radical Cup took place at the Dubai Autodrome. Alex Bukhantsov was now ahead in the points table, but, with double points for all three races at this last race, anything could happen.

Timo Recker was also racing in the Gulf ProCar series, so his focus could be shared, but with the likes of Ian Loggie out on track there was plenty of competition for the two series leaders to think about.

So the final Sprint Race Qualifying session of the season got underway, and in usual style it was Alex Bukh who posted a pole time, ahead of Mazza and Loggie.

At the race start Bukh took the lead from Mazza, but it was rookie Alim Geshev who slotted into third, followed by Loggie and Amir Feyzulin. But after his initial bad start, Loggie got up to speed, posting fastest lap of the race. He was able to get the better of Geshev, but the two leaders were too far away and he had to settle for third. Bukh taking the win from Mazza.

This was a perfect start so far for Bukh, however for Sprint Race two Mazza got a flying start and took the lead. The pair were nose tail pretty much for the whole 12 laps race, with Mazza crossing the line first, from Bukh. However, during the race a note from the stewards had stated that Mazza was under investigation for “excessive weaving” while trying to stay ahead. As the race came to a close this investigation turned into a 10 second penalty, putting Mazza back to second.

So after day one the title was looking good for Alex Bukh, but it was still all to play for with the final Endurance race of the season to come.

Out for qualifying, and again Bukh posted a pole time, with Mazza second. However the very experienced Amir Feyzulin had posted a time only 0.199s behind, for third.

Bukh took the lead and showed the rest of the field the way around up to the pitstops. Mazza and Feyzulin staying in close contention. Non of the top three had any pit penalty from the last race at Yas, so it was going to be down to the drivers and their teams to get them back out as quick as possible, but within the constraints of the pit stop regulations. Remarkably Amir Feyzulin was showing P1, and was fast! Mazza had been given another penalty for speeding in the pitlane, but Bukh was in second and chasing down Feyzulin for the win.

As the race got towards the 45 minute mark it became clear that Bukh did not have the pace to get on to Feyzulin and make a pass, meaning that he took his first victory in the Gulf Radical Cup (a very popular win amongst the paddock!). Alex Bukhantsov crossed the line just behind in second to take the Gulf Radical Cup title, with Mazza in third to take the Vice Champion spot in the series. There was a notable 4th place for season newcomer Igor Sorokin who had stayed out of trouble and driven a very consistent race.

Feyzulin’s win, also elevated him to 3rd overall in the series standings.

Later that night Alex Bukhantsov was crowned as the Gulf Radical Cup Champion at the end of season awards. He was also handed the prize of a funded drive in the UK Radical Cup driving the latest SR3 XXR.

Round 6 - Race Report

Round 6 of the Gulf Radical Cup took place back at the Yas Marina Circuit.

With Alex Bukhantsov and Jacopo Mazza still pretty much neck and neck for the series lead, every step taken from this moment would be crucial to getting that title.

On the short North circuit loop, it would certainly make for some intensive racing, with lap times around the minute mark it would be a great work out for the GRC drivers!

It was Alex Bukhantsov taking pole, ahead of Timo Recker and Jacopo Mazza.

Sprint Race 1 would see Bukh convert that pole to a win ahead of Mazza in second, with Recker in third.

Sprint Race 2 again had Bukh on Pole with recker next to him. As the field got away Bukh was able to take the lead with Al Khazami making a great start making it up to second out of turn one. Recker was in third, with Mazza trying to go the long way around the outside of turn three, as a result the pair made contact spinning both cars out, and taking them out of the race. Safety car was deployed while the stricken SR3 XX of Recker was recovered, Mazza was able to limp back to the pits.

After 4 laps of safety car the field was racing again, Bukh resumed the lead with Al Khazami in second and Alim Geshev in third. Bukh was able to pull a comfortable 10 second gap by the end of the race over the Kuwaiti driver in second, with Geshev only 2 seconds behind. This was the first podium for Russian driver Geshev. Following the race, Recker was given a grid penalty for the the Enduro race, after having being deemed responsible for the collision between him and Mazza at turn 1.

The following day was Enduro race day, and started with the 15 minute qualifying session. It was a carbon copy of the previous day with Bukh on pole, with Recker in second and Mazza in third. However Recker would have to give that place back before the race even started with his penalty.

As the race started it was Recker who got a great start and took the lead from Bukh, with Mazza struggling, eventually pulling out on lap 3. As the pit stops came around the cars dived in and Bukh, who had no success penalty from the last race was able to jump into the lead, with Recker coming out behind him. Recker who appeared to have the pace this race was then left to hunt Bukh down and maybe take his first race win. As the two came onto turn 5, small contact was made and they both raced off side by side down the long back straight of Yas Marina Circuit. Recker was on the inside and late on the brakes, taking the lead.

Alex worked to stay in contention, but after a few laps it appeared he had a mechanical issue slowing him down, allowing Geshev to get past him and into second. As the chequered flag came out it was Recker across the line first with a 25 second lead over Geshev, and Buhk just hanging onto third! However it was not all done….

Geshev was given a 10 second penalty for undercutting his mandatory pit stop time, resulting in him being pushed to 4th and off the podium - gutted. Johnny Khazzoum was promoted to third. Recker was also back in the stewards room and was awarded a 20 second penalty for the contact with Bukh while racing for the lead. However he had built up a large enough lead for him to be able to hang onto his maiden victory.

With only a couple of days to gather the thoughts of Yas, as it was off the following weekend to Dubai for the final round of the Gulf Radical Cup.