Lotus to Compete Down Under

[Felix7]

For the Auz guys who visit Elisetalk. Fancy having a go....

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Elise off to race in Oz

LOTUS TO COMPETE DOWN UNDER IN NEW RACE SERIES

Prestige Motors Imports PTY Ltd, the official importer of Lotus Cars in Australia, is eagerly awaiting the first round of the new one-make Elise race series this weekend, complementing the Lotus brand's ever growing presence in Australia.

Prestige Motors Imports recently signed up experienced motorsports promoters, MoPro Australia, to host the new 'Kumho Tyres Lotus Challenge'. Lining up on the grid will be the bespoke race version of the Lotus Elise, prepared with the help of Lotus Sport at the Lotus' headquarters in Hethel, England. Equipped with an adjustable sport suspension package, OZ Racing Superturismo alloy wheels, and a number of other uprated motorsports parts, the 120hp K-series-powered car will be capable of a top speed in excess of 125 mph.

The Kumho Tyres Lotus Challenge draws on the experience of previous high-profile one-make series hosted by MoPro Australia including the MGF Kumho Tyres Trophy. The championship, supporting the V8 Supercars, will attract extensive attention for the Lotus brand in Australia. Over 1,500,000 trackside spectators are anticipated throughout the season, and the series will feature on the popular Network Ten TV programme, and on a range of merchandise.

Both amateur and professional drivers are expected to take part in the championship thanks to MoPro's traditional "arrive & drive" format. The initial cost ranging between 50,000 and 84,000 Australian Dollars will cover the registration fee in addition to maintenance and running costs throughout the duration of the series. This is not the first time that drivers have had the chance to race the Elise in a one-make championship; a Lotus one-make
series supported the BTCC (TOCA) calendar in the UK in 2000 and 2001.

Racing is scheduled to begin at Eastern Creek*, New South Wales on 4th April 2004 in the first of eight race meetings of what is expected to be an action-packed calendar. The series, made up of three rounds per race meeting, will visit various prestigious circuits across Australia and New Zealand.

For further details about the new series, please consult the MoPro Australia
website (www.moproaustralia.com.au) or contact:

Mark Fullalove (top driver and inaugural SELOC Sprint winner in the Lotus class)
International Sales and Marketing
Lotus Cars Ltd.
E-mail: mfullalove@lotuscars.co.uk
Tel: +44 1953 608 921
*The exact calendar for the series remains to be confirmed.

[zvezdah1]

Thanks for the info Pat.!
Chris