RACING BUSINESS (ESSEX, UK.) - NEW SINGLE-SEATER & ONE-MAKE SERIES TO BE LAUNCHED

Essex-based specialist race car preparators Graham Hathaway Racing (GHR) will launch the new Speads RM08 single-seater race car at the Autosport International show at NEC Birmingham in January (on stand CP7 in Hall 10).

The RM08 will be the first car launched at the show when it opens at 09.00 on Thursday 10 January.

The distinctively-styled Speads RM08 will be the car of choice for a new BARC-supported one-make single-seater series called Formula Triple S, which will run a selected programme of meetings throughout 2008, before expanding to a full season in 2009.

The RM08 is also suitable for Monoposto, SEMSEC, sprints, hillclimbs and other open-wheel events.

The 2008 Formula Triple S calendar includes events at Pembrey, Mallory Park, Anglesey and Lydden. The track activity schedule will be one 20-minute qualifying session, followed by one 20-minute race each day during a two-day meeting, while there will be a single 20-minute qualifying session followed by two 20-minute races during one-day events.

GHR - the exclusive UK distributor for South African-based Speads Formula Cars - will supply the Speads RM08 as standard, with the popular 1300cc Hayabusa engine (the regulation engine for Formula Triple S), although a 1200cc ZX12 power unit will be available for those who purchase the car for use in Monoposto.

The RM08 is the result of six years of development carried out in its native South Africa. The RM08's handling characteristics are defined largely by its full aerodynamic package - including adjustable front and rear wings, bargeboards, flat floor and rear diffuser - and from the Dunlop full slick (or wet) tyres to be used on the UK version of the car. These elements combine to create substantial grip when the car is on track. With the RM08 track being 60 inches (1524mm) both front and rear and the wheelbase running to 130.5 inches (3315mm), its physical size, coupled with the grip levels, creates nimble, responsive handling.

"Formula Triple S and the Speads RM08 are a perfect match, particularly for younger drivers coming out of karting, as they will be able to learn at an early stage about proper, fully-equipped single-seaters, which can only help them progress up the single-seater ladder," comments Graham Hathaway.

"The RM08 is a very impressive car and brings a refreshingly modern design to the UK racing scene. One of the main advantages of the RM08 is the cost compared to equivalent cars in terms of the overall price of the car, its maintenance and the running costs.

"The performance level of the car is also very impressive, so there is going to be a big adrenaline rush for anyone who drives it, which makes it ideal for club racers," concludes Hathaway.

The car will sell for £29,995.00+VAT for the fully-built, 1300cc Hayabusa powered version, with other prices relating to different specifications. GHR can also supply the RM08 in kit form.

Racers who would like more information about the Speads RM08 and Formula Triple S are advised to contact Graham Hathaway Racing, either at Autosport International direct or by calling them on (01621) 856956.