2018 Alfa Romeo Twin Spark Cup - Victoria

[Evan Bottcher]

We're excited to announce a new fun but low-cost category for Alfa Romeo club motorsport in 2018.  Our cousins in AROCA NSW have introduced a set of regulations for limited modification race cars built on the Alfa 147/156/GTV 2-litre twin spark cars.  The philosophy is 'Equal and Economic', the regulations have been crafted to promote low-cost modifications that make a car reliable and fun to drive while creating the opportunity for some great racing through a level playing field.

For 2018 the Victorian club will introduce a Twin Spark Cup category within our supersprints as well as Alfa Racing at Winton.  Cars built to Twin Spark Cup regulations will also be able to race in Victoria and interstate as part of the national category.

A pathway from supersprints to circuit racing

We see that Twin Spark Cup can be an affordable pathway for competitors, starting in supersprints and developing the car to be able to compete in circuit racing.

Stage 1: Buy a reasonably priced 147/156/GTV, keep it road registered - bolt in an extinguisher, some good brake pads and fluid, and do some supersprints.

Stage 2: Modified but still able to be driven to the track - upgrade springs and shocks, strip out the interior, bolt in a race seat and harness.  Do some more supersprints, and compete in the Alfa Club 12-hour relay at Winton.

Stage 3: Foray into racing - bolt in a roll cage, fit some racing essentials e.g. cut-off switch, window net and go circuit racing with AROCA and VRA.

The regulations

The regulations are closely based on the highly successful Twin Spark Cup series' running in the UK and in Europe.  They allow for NO modifications to the engine or drivetrain, and cars will run standard sized wheels and a control tyre.  Interiors can be stripped, but a minimum weight will be applied and enforced.  Springs and dampers can be upgraded but adjustable coil-overs are not allowed.  The idea here is that over time most cars will run very similar configuration at a reasonable cost.

The final regulations will be published at: http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au/motor-sport-motoring/race/, look out for announcements on the club forum.

Want to know more?

If you're interested to know more, contact Evan Bottcher (evan@bottch.com, 0400 013 175) or Neil Choi (compsec@alfaclubvic.org.au).

[Colin Edwards]

This is a great way to be involved in affordable and sustainable club-level motorsport.

A quick glance on the net reveals a number of 147's and 156's suitable for sprinting.  Fill out and submit your entry, drive to the track, empty the car, get it scrutineered, attend drivers briefing and your in for a great days sprinting.  As the intention is to put together your own best lap, your not required to spend the full session on the track.  However after a while you wont want it to end!  Your best time determines the finishing order - its not a race!  Then drive home and begin looking forward the next event. 

For minimal $ and time investment, a twin spark equipped 147, 156 or GTV can be made very road and track worthy.  In addition to the usual work, a bit of additional investment in brakes and tyres and your ready to go.  As we are all going to be in similar cars their wont be a shortage of relevant guidance and advice.  You certainly never on your own at an AROCA sprint.  What's stopping you?!?

[Craig_m67]

4cyl JTD eligible?
(Or are we banned due to our massive torques )

[Citroënbender]

Provided you run the homologated fuel, I don't see why you couldn't compete. 

[Colin Edwards]

4cyl JTD eligible?
(Or are we banned due to our massive torques )

Hi Craig,
Pretty straight forward to determine if a turbo has been "tweaked" so no problem there!

Best to run the JTD option past Evan and Neil. 

Given the intention is to get people out from in front of a computer and into a real car............................................!

[Evan Bottcher]

The category regulations are being finalised by members of AROCA NSW - the intention is to have a single set of regulations so that cars can be developed in multiple states and then come together to race in a single series.

Contact details for the organisers are here: http://www.alfaclubnsw.org.au/motor-sport-motoring/race/ - this is also where the final regulations will be published.

No JTS and no JTD allowed in the current regulations.  Should be published soon I believe.

[Neil Choi]

8 Twin Spark Cup entrants entered for Broadford, woohoo.

[Neil Choi]

Wow.
Had 11 Twin Spark Cup competitors at one stage but due to an issue, lost two (147's)

So we have 9 entrants in Alfa 156's, 147's and GTV's. 

Twin Spark Cup Windscreen banners being made up to promote this tremendous afford motorsport series within the Alfa club.

Excited to see the launch of this series with great parity.

If a good thing comes through, we will have 10.  Wait for it.  And working on another, so could be 11, again.  This is huge.

[Neil Choi]

Another.

[Neil Choi]

With the inaugural Twin Spark Cup series (Victoria) kicking off within the first round of the 2018 AROCA (Vic) Sprint Series on 21 January, a good number of AROCA members are busily preparing their Twin Spark Cup cars, ready for Broadford.

Lots of work happening in the background to make this all work, be successful, economical, enjoyable and most of all even competition.

Championing the cause with the production of a set of regulations are:
Richard McKee with assistance from Brian Wilson, Alfio Musumeci, Peter Jakrot, Evan Bottcher and Neil Choi.  Several others also gave advice in the background.

Worthy mentions leading to a competitive TS Cup field are:

Hugh Harrison, leading the charge, with a very fine example of a competitive TS Cup spec'ed Alfa GTV TS.  He has campaigned such car for the last couple of years in Alfa Racing and Sprints, usually double entered.  With some affordable developments, he is the one to talk to able developing cars for the TS Cup.

The Choi family B.O.G. Alfa 156, absolutely standard 156 TS with worn everything including squeaky A-arms, campaigned as is in the last 3 years in the AROCA 12 hr relay and sprint series.  Usually double and sometimes triple shared at sprints, doing 1-2 hours stints in the 12 hr then driven back home and continue with daily work commute duties.  It has been known to shed weight while on track.

Evan Bottcher's newly acquitted and TS Cup prepared Alfa 156 TS, gotten for a song and being prepared to be competitive.  Meticulously prepared and within the specification of the regulations, it will be fast and legal.

Bruno Colautti, another one of those hardcore racers who is in the know and preparing an Alfa 147 TS.  Very standard but will be prepared to be within the regulations.  The 147 will be at the pointy end of the grid.

Tom Taylor, campaigner of a red Alfa GTV TS which has competed regularly in the Alfa Sprints and also a few times in the Alfa 12 hr Relay, double entered mostly.  Young and experienced driver, this will be something to watch over time.

Anthony Novak running an Alfa 147 TS, seasoned campaigner in standard class, now stepping up to the TS Cup and being welcomed back to the sprint series.  Standard 147, so can not be faulted and will keep on running and finish strong and there at the end of the day.

Current list of TS Cup pilots for this round are:

Evan BOTTCHER
Cailum CHOI
Damon CHOI
Neil CHOI
Ed GENIS
Hugh HARRISON
Sheldon McINTOSH
Anthony E NOVAK
Jim TAYLOR
Tom TAYLOR

There are several others, cars being prepared.  They will be mentioned at the next competition round introduction.

So what are you doing with your TS?  Come and compete.  It is economical and equal.

[Evan Bottcher]

For those following along, here is the most recent draft of the technical regulations for Twin Spark Cup.  Feedback has been provided on this initial draft and we're awaiting an updated draft.  Please recognise that these regulations are still draft and subject to change (although very close) so don't go buying bits and pieces yet.

If you're interested, start scouring for a reasonably priced 147/156/GTV and get it trackworthy for a supersprint - then when the regulations are finalised you'll be ready to build it into a cheap* race car.

* relatively cheap.

[Neil Choi]

Alfa Spider TS is eligible, YES?  I think YES.

[alanm]

SENSATIONAL!! 
Can't wait so see TS Cup cars and drivers in action!
This is a fantastic initiative by the Club.
It's time for this generation of Alfas to shine - the Choi family's car is proof of how robust and capable these cars are. Callum and Damon are of course gentle on the 156 

Al

[John Burkhart]

Just a heads-up that if you're about to buy shocks and springs for the TS Cup, you may want to just hold off a bit longer. My understanding is there is continued discussion about whether a control suspension setup will be mandated. I strongly suggest holding off on big purchases until the regulations are finally released.

I can't wait!

JohnB (Canberra)

[310]

put me down for sandown just got a 147 today for racing cant wait to join field.