Caterham Graduates Racing Club
Encyclopedia
Caterham Graduates Racing Club is a British
motor-racing
club for privateer
racing drivers
in Caterham Seven
type cars.
(subsequently Caterham Academy
). For the first year it was called the Graduate 797 series (the first "7" for Caterham Seven, and "97" from the year that most drivers started competing). In its first two years, it was a multi-discipline series, with the rounds being made up of sprints (single car on track, against the clock), hillclimbs
, and circuit races
, similar to the Caterham Scholarship
format. The emphasis moved more and more towards circuit races, and from 2000-on the series has comprised solely of circuit races.
In 2001, following the Caterham Academy's change to Rover
-engined cars, the championship launched a second class named Super Graduates, based upon an uprated K-Series Academy car.
In 2003, the Super Graduates class was further upgraded and renamed the Mega Graduates. A replacement Super Graduates class was created to accommodate standard ex-Academy cars with Rover K-series engines.
In 2007, the "Graduates" class was rebranded "Classic Graduates".
In 2010, Ford Sigma-engined cars
were introduced as a sub-class of Super Graduates. For 2011, the Sigma cars will be a separate, 4th championship class.
The series is one of the largest in the UK, if not the largest, with well over 100 registered competitors. The competitors come from a variety of backgrounds - a number have "graduated" from the novice Caterham Scholarship and Academy series, whilst many others have made it their first foray into motorsport.
, where all classes start together on a 65-car grid. The events are typified by close wheel to wheel racing, often having several lead changes on the same lap.
In Super Graduates and Mega Graduates, points are awarded thus: 40 for a win, 39 for 2nd place, 38 for 3rd place, right down to 2 points for finishing 39th or lower. It is 30 points for a win in Classic Graduates and Sigma Graduates, as they generally have slightly smaller grids. And even a driver who fails to finish will still earn one point. At the end of the season, drivers drop their lowest three scores, to allow for missing a race or two, or a "DNF" (did not finish).
In addition to the standard MSA
motorsport rules, the club operates a Driving Standards function which ensures that the close racing is fair and safe for all.
The club's racing is organised through the BARC
.
Current classes are:
engined Caterham Sevens with a live axle
, from the Caterham Scholarship or Academy 1995 - 2000. These cars are fully road legal and produce around 100 bhp.
from the 2008 Caterham Academy
onwards or 2009/10 Roadsport B. The only significant permitted changes are a swap to stickier Yokohama A048R tyres and an optional rear anti-roll bar. The cars have independent DeDion
rear suspension, produce around 120 bhp and are fully road-legal.
K-series
Caterham Sevens with DeDion
rear suspension from the Caterham Academy 2001 - 2007 or Roadsport B up to 2008. A current "Roadsport A" spec car can be converted into a Super Graduate relatively easily and at low cost. These cars are fully road legal and produce around 125 bhp.
All classes run on Yokohama road legal tyres. Classic Graduates race on MSA
list 1A A539s, whilst Sigmas, Supers and Megas use the stickier list 1B A048R (medium compound)
.
Other ways the club promotes affordability include limiting the amount of tyres the drivers can use through the season, providing race-day catering
as part of the drivers' membership fees, and encouraging drivers either to stay on-site at the circuits or in budget hotels locally.
The lower race numbers represent a driver's performance in the previous season, as the first ten numbers in each class are reserved for those finishing in the previous year's top ten. For instance, Graeme Smith's number 71 indicates that he came 1st in Classic Graduates in 2010. Higher numbers go to those who are new to the championship or class.
Relatively few of the drivers have individual sponsors, although this is permitted.
It also has its own fan page on Facebook
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
motor-racing
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
club for privateer
Privateer (motorsport)
In motor sport, a privateer is usually an entrant into a racing event that is not directly supported by an automobile manufacturer. Privateers teams are often found competing in rally and circuit racing events, and often include competitors who build and maintain their own vehicles...
racing drivers
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
in Caterham Seven
Caterham Seven
The Caterham Seven is a super-lightweight sports car produced by Caterham Cars in the United Kingdom. It is based on the Lotus Seven, a lightweight sports car sold in kit and factory-built form by Lotus Cars, from the late 1950s to the early 1970s...
type cars.
History
The Caterham Graduates Championship was started in 1998 by competitors from the 1997 Caterham ScholarshipCaterham Academy
The Caterham Academy is a motor-racing championship exclusively open to novices, as their first foray into motorsport.- Scholarship years - 1995-1999 :...
(subsequently Caterham Academy
Caterham Academy
The Caterham Academy is a motor-racing championship exclusively open to novices, as their first foray into motorsport.- Scholarship years - 1995-1999 :...
). For the first year it was called the Graduate 797 series (the first "7" for Caterham Seven, and "97" from the year that most drivers started competing). In its first two years, it was a multi-discipline series, with the rounds being made up of sprints (single car on track, against the clock), hillclimbs
Hillclimbing
Hillclimbing is a branch of motorsport in which drivers compete against the clock to complete an uphill course....
, and circuit races
Race track
A race track is a purpose-built facility for racing of animals , automobiles, motorcycles or athletes. A race track may also feature grandstands or concourses. Some motorsport tracks are called speedways.A racetrack is a permanent facility or building...
, similar to the Caterham Scholarship
Caterham Academy
The Caterham Academy is a motor-racing championship exclusively open to novices, as their first foray into motorsport.- Scholarship years - 1995-1999 :...
format. The emphasis moved more and more towards circuit races, and from 2000-on the series has comprised solely of circuit races.
In 2001, following the Caterham Academy's change to Rover
Rover
-Leyland companies:* Rover Company , a British motorcycle and car manufacturing company, absorbed into Leyland Motor Corporation in 1967* Austin Rover Group , a mass-market car manufacturing subsidiary of Leyland...
-engined cars, the championship launched a second class named Super Graduates, based upon an uprated K-Series Academy car.
In 2003, the Super Graduates class was further upgraded and renamed the Mega Graduates. A replacement Super Graduates class was created to accommodate standard ex-Academy cars with Rover K-series engines.
In 2007, the "Graduates" class was rebranded "Classic Graduates".
In 2010, Ford Sigma-engined cars
Ford Sigma engine
The Ford Sigma is a small straight-4 automobile engine sold by Ford Motor Company. First evolution of engines were sold as the "Zetec-SE" . After the upgrade Ford renamed Sigma to Duratec. Last upgrade of engine is named Duratec Ti-VCT...
were introduced as a sub-class of Super Graduates. For 2011, the Sigma cars will be a separate, 4th championship class.
The series is one of the largest in the UK, if not the largest, with well over 100 registered competitors. The competitors come from a variety of backgrounds - a number have "graduated" from the novice Caterham Scholarship and Academy series, whilst many others have made it their first foray into motorsport.
Racing
The Caterham Graduates race series takes place over a number of races meeting each year at UK and European motor racing circuits. The races are usually run over 20–30 minutes and the leading car across the line after the time has expired is the winner. Each class generally races on a separate grid, the exception being races held at Spa-FrancorchampsCircuit de Spa-Francorchamps
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is also home to the all Volkswagen club event, 25 Hours of Spa, run by the Uniroyal Fun Cup. It is one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its...
, where all classes start together on a 65-car grid. The events are typified by close wheel to wheel racing, often having several lead changes on the same lap.
In Super Graduates and Mega Graduates, points are awarded thus: 40 for a win, 39 for 2nd place, 38 for 3rd place, right down to 2 points for finishing 39th or lower. It is 30 points for a win in Classic Graduates and Sigma Graduates, as they generally have slightly smaller grids. And even a driver who fails to finish will still earn one point. At the end of the season, drivers drop their lowest three scores, to allow for missing a race or two, or a "DNF" (did not finish).
In addition to the standard MSA
Motor Sports Association
The Motor Sports Association , is the official governing body of motorsport in the United Kingdom.-Responsibilities:...
motorsport rules, the club operates a Driving Standards function which ensures that the close racing is fair and safe for all.
The club's racing is organised through the BARC
British Automobile Racing Club
The British Automobile Racing Club is one of biggest organising clubs for auto racing in the United Kingdom.-History:The Cyclecar Club was formed in 1912, running races for the small and light motorbike powered vehicles at Brooklands as well as rallies and sporting trials. Among the founder...
.
Car Specifications
The cars in the series are genuinely road-going, although Mega Graduates spec is moving away from this with the deletion of lights, and indeed a few are driven to and (hopefully) from races. Many are used by drivers mid-week for transport to work and for shopping, needing no more than the covering up of competition numbers to make them road-legal. No changes from the standard specification are allowed, putting the emphasis firmly on driving ability rather than car development and set-up. Along with low consumable costs, this keeps the costs of running a car very much under control, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to go racing. The large grid sizes are a testament to this low-cost formula.Current classes are:
Classic Graduate
1600cc Ford or VauxhallVauxhall
-Demography:Many Vauxhall residents live in social housing. There are several gentrified areas, and areas of terraced townhouses on streets such as Fentiman Road and Heyford Avenue have higher property values in the private market, however by far the most common type of housing stock within...
engined Caterham Sevens with a live axle
Live axle
A live axle, sometimes called a solid axle, is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit....
, from the Caterham Scholarship or Academy 1995 - 2000. These cars are fully road legal and produce around 100 bhp.
Sigma Graduate
1600cc Ford Sigma-engined carsFord Sigma engine
The Ford Sigma is a small straight-4 automobile engine sold by Ford Motor Company. First evolution of engines were sold as the "Zetec-SE" . After the upgrade Ford renamed Sigma to Duratec. Last upgrade of engine is named Duratec Ti-VCT...
from the 2008 Caterham Academy
Caterham Academy
The Caterham Academy is a motor-racing championship exclusively open to novices, as their first foray into motorsport.- Scholarship years - 1995-1999 :...
onwards or 2009/10 Roadsport B. The only significant permitted changes are a swap to stickier Yokohama A048R tyres and an optional rear anti-roll bar. The cars have independent DeDion
De Dion tube
A de Dion tube is an automobile suspension technology. It is a sophisticated form of non-independent suspension and is a considerable improvement over the alternative swing axle and Hotchkiss drive types. A de Dion suspension uses universal joints at both the wheel hubs and differential, and uses a...
rear suspension, produce around 120 bhp and are fully road-legal.
Super Graduate
1600cc RoverRover
-Leyland companies:* Rover Company , a British motorcycle and car manufacturing company, absorbed into Leyland Motor Corporation in 1967* Austin Rover Group , a mass-market car manufacturing subsidiary of Leyland...
K-series
Rover K engine
The K-Series engine is a series of engines built by Powertrain Ltd, a sister company of MG Rover. The engine was built in two forms: a straight-four cylinder, available with SOHC and DOHC, ranging from 1.1 L to 1.8 L; and the KV6 V6 variation....
Caterham Sevens with DeDion
De Dion tube
A de Dion tube is an automobile suspension technology. It is a sophisticated form of non-independent suspension and is a considerable improvement over the alternative swing axle and Hotchkiss drive types. A de Dion suspension uses universal joints at both the wheel hubs and differential, and uses a...
rear suspension from the Caterham Academy 2001 - 2007 or Roadsport B up to 2008. A current "Roadsport A" spec car can be converted into a Super Graduate relatively easily and at low cost. These cars are fully road legal and produce around 125 bhp.
Mega Graduate
Uprated 1600cc Rover K-series Caterham Sevens with independent (DeDion) rear suspension from the Caterham Academy 2001 - 2008. These cars are semi-road legal (no lights or windscreen) and with controlled modifications produce around 140 bhp.All classes run on Yokohama road legal tyres. Classic Graduates race on MSA
Motor Sports Association
The Motor Sports Association , is the official governing body of motorsport in the United Kingdom.-Responsibilities:...
list 1A A539s, whilst Sigmas, Supers and Megas use the stickier list 1B A048R (medium compound)
Affordability and Technical Support
Affordability is a key ingredient to Caterham Graduates racing. Expensive team support is excluded, and technical support is available to all the drivers on race and test days as part of their membership subscription fees - parts and expertise are provided by McMillan Motorsport. Strict regulations allow only limited modifications and work on the sealed engines is limited to nominated engine builders - McMillan Motorsport, Minister Power and - for Sigmas only - Caterham CarsCaterham Cars
Caterham Cars is a manufacturer of specialist lightweight sports cars based in Caterham, Surrey, England and part of the British motor industry. Their only current model, the Caterham 7 , is a direct evolution of the Series 3 Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman and originally launched in 1968. A...
.
Other ways the club promotes affordability include limiting the amount of tyres the drivers can use through the season, providing race-day catering
Catering
Catering is the business of providing foodservice at a remote site or a site such as a hotel, public house , or other location.-Mobile catering:A mobile caterer serves food directly from a vehicle or cart that is designed for the purpose...
as part of the drivers' membership fees, and encouraging drivers either to stay on-site at the circuits or in budget hotels locally.
Race Numbers
Race numbers 1 - 69 go to Mega Graduates, 71 - 99 to Classic Graduates, 101 - 169 to Super Graduates and 171-199 to Sigma Graduate cars.The lower race numbers represent a driver's performance in the previous season, as the first ten numbers in each class are reserved for those finishing in the previous year's top ten. For instance, Graeme Smith's number 71 indicates that he came 1st in Classic Graduates in 2010. Higher numbers go to those who are new to the championship or class.
2011 Racing Calendar
- 1: Sat 2 April SilverstoneSilverstone CircuitSilverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
- 2: Sun 3 April SilverstoneSilverstone CircuitSilverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
- 3: Sat 16 April Snetterton
- 4: Sun 17 April Snetterton
- 5: Sat 14 May Brands HatchBrands HatchBrands Hatch is a motor racing circuit near West Kingsdown in Kent, England. First used as a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, it hosted 12 runnings of the British Grand Prix between 1964 and 1986 and currently holds many British and international racing events...
- 6: Sun 15 May Brands HatchBrands HatchBrands Hatch is a motor racing circuit near West Kingsdown in Kent, England. First used as a dirt track motorcycle circuit on farmland, it hosted 12 runnings of the British Grand Prix between 1964 and 1986 and currently holds many British and international racing events...
- NC: Mon 30 May (Bank Holiday) Mallory ParkMallory ParkMallory Park is a motor racing circuit situated in the village of Kirkby Mallory, just off the A47, between Leicester and Hinckley. With the full car circuit measuring only 1.35 miles it is amongst the shortest permanent race circuits in the UK...
(non-champ TV round) - 7: Sat 18/Sun 19 June Donington ParkDonington ParkDonington Park is a motorsport circuit near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, England.Originally part of the Donington Hall estate, it was created as a racing circuit during the pre-war period when the German Silver Arrows were battling for the European Championship...
- 8: Sat 9 July ZandvoortCircuit Park ZandvoortCircuit Park Zandvoort is a motorsport race track located in Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108, 2041 KP in the dunes north of the town of Zandvoort, in the Netherlands, near the North Sea coast line.- History :...
- 9: Sun 10 July ZandvoortCircuit Park ZandvoortCircuit Park Zandvoort is a motorsport race track located in Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108, 2041 KP in the dunes north of the town of Zandvoort, in the Netherlands, near the North Sea coast line.- History :...
- 10: Sat 13/Sun 14 August Castle CombeCastle Combe CircuitCastle Combe Circuit is a motor racing circuit in Wiltshire, England, approximately from Bristol. The circuit used to be the perimeter track of a World War II airfield, and opened to racing in 1950.- History :...
- 11: Sat 10 September PembreyPembrey CircuitPembrey Circuit is a racing circuit outside Pembrey village, south Wales. It is deemed to be the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks...
- 12: Sun 11 September PembreyPembrey CircuitPembrey Circuit is a racing circuit outside Pembrey village, south Wales. It is deemed to be the home of Welsh motorsport, providing racing for cars, motorcycles, karts and trucks...
- 13: Sat 1 October RockinghamRockingham Motor SpeedwayRockingham is the UK's most modern motorsport venue and Europe's fastest racing circuit, hosting corporate driving days, driver training, conferencing & exhibitions, vehicle manufacturing events, track days, testing, driving experiences and motorsport...
- 14: Sun 2 October RockinghamRockingham Motor SpeedwayRockingham is the UK's most modern motorsport venue and Europe's fastest racing circuit, hosting corporate driving days, driver training, conferencing & exhibitions, vehicle manufacturing events, track days, testing, driving experiences and motorsport...
Champions
2010 Mega Graduate Champion was Paul Turley. The Super Graduates Championship was won by James Sibbet, with an impressive 8 consecutive wins in the final 8 races of the season. Sigma Graduates was won by Reece Somerfield, and Classic Graduates Champion was once again Graeme Smith, his 4th Classics title.| Year | Class | Champion | Runner-up | Third |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Mega Graduates |  Paul Turley |
Myles Packman |
David Shaw |
| Super Graduates | James Sibbet |
Jamie Waring |
Daniel Malkin |
|
| Sigma Graduates | Reece Somerfield |
John Gil |
Ian Dyble |
|
| Classic Graduates | Graeme Smith |
Charles Fitzhugh |
John Parker |
|
| 2009 | Mega Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
James Barlow |
Adrian Russell |
| Super Graduates | Trevor Newman |
David Pearce |
Mick Whitehead |
|
| Classic Graduates | Flick Haigh |
Graeme Smith |
Adam Bettinson |
|
| 2008 | Mega Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
Andrew Ennis |
 George Longmuir |
| Super Graduates | Trevor Newman |
Edward Benson |
James Sibbet |
|
| Classic Graduates | Graeme Smith |
Adam Bettinson |
Charles Fitzhugh |
|
| 2007 | Mega Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
Oliver Jackson |
Mike Welburn |
| Super Graduates | Andrew Vickers |
Andrew Ennis |
James Sibbet |
|
| Classic Graduates | Graeme Smith |
Trevor Newman |
 Jonathan Vamplew |
|
| 2006 | Mega Graduates | Guy Halley |
Martin Amison |
 Paul Hudson |
| Super Graduates | Charlie Hunt |
Trevor Newman |
Andrew Ennis |
|
| Graduates | Graeme Smith |
Andrew Smith |
Andy Coombs |
|
| 2005 | Mega Graduates | Matthew Burrows |
Martin Amison |
George Longmuir |
| Super Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
Rory Young |
Paul Manyweathers |
|
| Graduates | Martin Oxborough |
Graeme Smith |
Rob Draper |
|
| 2004 | Mega Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
Chris Batten |
Guy Halley |
| Super Graduates | Malcolm Barnett |
Nick Haryett |
Matthew Gillbanks |
|
| Graduates | Andy Adshead |
Toby Briant |
Garry Kennedy |
|
| 2003 | Super Graduates A (Mega Graduates) | Simon Lambert |
Jamie Ellwood |
Steve Knox |
| Super Graduates B (Super Graduates) | Andy Baylie |
Russell Veitch |
Alan Williamson |
|
| Graduates | Charlie Hunt |
Edward Chinn |
 James Campbell |
|
| 2002 | Super Graduates | Simon Lambert |
Jon Barnes |
 Mac Apostolides |
| Graduates | Rachel Green |
Steve Knox |
George Longmuir |
|
| 2001 | Super Graduates | Nelson Rowe |
Rupert Whyte |
Steve Ruston |
| Graduates | Jamie Ellwood |
Paul Manyweathers |
Timothy Evans |
|
| 2000 | Graduates | David Williams |
Rupert Whyte |
Steve Ruston |
| 1999 | Graduates | David Williams |
Christian Marryat |
Roger Wilkin |
| 1998 | Graduates | David Williams |
Nick Haryett |
Nick Frost |
Notable Past Champions
- 2001 Super Graduate champion Nelson Rowe, who went on to win Caterham Roadsports A in 2002 and won the 2007 UK Historic Formula Ford Championship.
- 2002 Super Graduate runner-up Jon Barnes, winner of the 2004 Caterham Eurocup series, the 2005 Caterham Masters championship, the 2006 Formula Palmer AudiFormula Palmer AudiFormula Palmer Audi, officially abbreviated to FPA, and sometimes informally abbreviated to Palmer Audi, was a one-make class of open wheel Formula racing founded in 1998 by former Formula One driver, Jonathan Palmer. It was based in the United Kingdom , and was organised and operated by MotorSport...
championship and the 2008 British GT ChampionshipBritish GT ChampionshipThe Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years. The series was created by the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1993 and for its first two seasons was called the...
. - 2002 Graduates Champion Rachel Green - the first woman to win a one-make Caterham championship, and twice winner of the Lord Wakefield trophy. The award is given for "outstanding achievement by a woman in motorsport worldwide."
- 2006 Mega Graduate champion Guy Halley, who competed in the SEAT Cupra ChampionshipSEAT Cupra ChampionshipThe SEAT Cupra Championship was a one make series that ran for six years between 2003 and 2008, the last five of which ran as a support package to the British Touring Car Championship. The series will not continue for 2009, due to SEAT UK ending its racing activities...
, a support championship to the British Touring Car ChampionshipBritish Touring Car ChampionshipThe British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s...
. - 2007 Mega Graduate runner-up Ollie Jackson, who won the 2010 Pro-Am category of the Porsche Carrera CupPorsche Carrera Cup Great BritainPorsche Carrera Cup Great Britain is a one make racing series that takes place in the United Kingdom for the Porsche 911. It is currently one of the support series for the British Touring Car Championship...
, drove the Lotus Evora GT4 in the 2011 British GT ChampionshipBritish GT ChampionshipThe Avon Tyres British GT Championship is a sports car racing series currently based in the United Kingdom, although they have had select races outside of Britain in the past few years. The series was created by the British Racing Drivers' Club in 1993 and for its first two seasons was called the...
, and the Triple Eight Vauxhall Vectra in the 2011 British Touring Car ChampionshipBritish Touring Car ChampionshipThe British Touring Car Championship is a touring car racing series held each year in the United Kingdom. The Championship was established in 1958 as the British Saloon Car Championship and has run to various rules over the years – "production cars", then FIA Group 1 or 2 in the late 1960s... - Multiple Classic, Super and Mega Graduate champion Jamie Ellwood, now a race-winner in the Caterham Superlight R300 championship. Jamie has won a total of 6 Caterham Championships, and the only person to have won all of the Graduates Club classes in which he competed. He is quoted by Caterham Cars as "the most successful Caterham racer ever".
- 2009 Classic Graduate Champion Flick Haigh, who won the championship in an exciting final round decider at a very wet Spa Francorchamps. Flick is the second female champion in the club's history, following Rachel Green's triumph in 2002, and now races in the Caterham R300 championship.
Sponsors
The series is run in association with McMillan Motorsport. About a dozen or so other companies have their branding across each of the 100-plus racecars, and on the club's website www.graduates.org.uk.Relatively few of the drivers have individual sponsors, although this is permitted.
Website and Facebook fan page
The club has a very comprehensive website, www.graduates.org.uk, with race results, championship tables, lap records, new joiner information, merchandise, sponsorship information, and a discussion forum.It also has its own fan page on Facebook