Conceived by:

Ralph Jess ofBMW specialists Railway Autospares and Railway Motorsport

Concept:

  • A new one make saloon car series, based on the BMW E46 3 Series(all body variants, i.e. Coupe, Saloon, Tourer or Compact)
  • Tightly controlled regulations, allowing only the essential modifications.

Aims and Objectives:

  • provide fast, exciting, close, low budget and fair racing
  • minimise any performance gains or advantage through expenditure / larger budget
  • provide an entry level class for those new to Saloon racing
  • provide a next step for competitors who have competed in a lower powered / speed class
  • provide a potential feeder class into the open or Libre Saloon racing class
  • promote saloon car racing in general and achieve and sustain larger grids

Key Features:

  • Standard E46 330i, 3.0i litre petrol engines
  • All engine ECU’s remapped with an NI BMW 330i Cup set map, at approx. 260 bhp
  • Al cars running with upgraded YellowSpeed suspension as mandatory control kit, which will facilitate a degree of strategic or driver preference set up
  • Mandatory Tyres – Slicks: part worn BTCC, Wets: Yokohama AD08’s
  • Standard Brake disks and callipers, free choice of brake lines, fluid and pads
  • Cars lightened to a min. weight of 1300 kgs incl. driver, so heavier driver not unduly disadvantaged
  • Standard gearbox, but choice of final drive diff ratios – to give potential for preferred performance variations, i.e. acceleration versus top end speed
  • No Limited Slip Differentials! – so throttle control key to avoid wheel (or car!) spinning
  • Top Half reversed grid for second races
  • Points awarded for: Fastest & Second Fastest Qualifying Times, Finishing Positions 1st to 10th and Fastest Laps in both races
  • Contested over 14 rounds, 6 double headers at Kirkistown and one at Bishopscourt

The class is supported by the followingNI BMW 330i CupPartners:

Ralph Jess of Railway Auto Spares, NI’s leading independent BMW specialist for servicing, repairs, spares and salvage parts; and of Railway Motorsport - BMW Race car builds, preparation and development. Based in Ballynahinch, Co. Down, Ralph is an NI BMW 330i Cup car builder and competitor.

Andrew Armstrong ofStreet Racer, Bangor, Co. Down. – performance workshop and service centre, performance wheels, custom exhausts, ECU remapping, car care, all major performance brands. Ww.streetracer.com. Andrew was instrumental in establishing the class and is an NI BMW 330i Cup car builder, parts stockist and competitor.

Paul Haggan ofAwesome Autoworx, Carryduff, Co. Down. – car mapping and service centre. Paul is the appointed NI BMW 330i Cup ECU mapping specialist.

Donal O’Neill & Keith Wray of TrackSkills – car track day organisers at Kirkistown, and Saloon / BMW 330i Cup competitors.

Our grateful thanks to all the Volunteer marshals, rescue & medical teams, organisers & officials and circuit personnel, withoutwhom, none of this would be possible.

RACE MEETING BULLETINS

SAT 25th March 2017

First outing for the class - Five cars have made it to the grid. Jess, Sheridan, Wray & Orr cars built by Railway Autos & Motorsport, White’s car built by Street Racer, with other donor cars bought or in construction - totalling 12 known of to date –more to appear at the next race and later in the season, including guest drivers in Railway Autos & Motorsport and Street Racerhire cars- with several other potential competitors expressing interest and intent to be hopefully adding to the grid. - Very limited testing prior to event - so cars, performance and handlingcharacteristics largely unknown to drivers. - The non LSD driven rear wheels creating a learning curve for all, some more than others!

The NI BMW 330i Cup trophies for the day, sponsored by:

Jane Wray Design Ltd., Interior Design Consultancy,

Luxury interiors for homes, commercial and public buildings. Consultancy & design services, floor and wall coverings, window treatments, furniture, lighting and accessories.

SAT 22nd April 2017

Second outing for the class – Neil White set the standard at the previous meeting, claiming two wins. Paul Sheridan had claimed pole but technical issues ended his day on the start line of race 1. Ralph Jess took two seconds and Roy Orr, two thirds.

The NI BMW 330i Cup trophies for the day, sponsored by:

Railway Auto Spares in conjunction with Railway Motorsport,

NI’s leading independent BMW specialist for servicing, repairs, spares and salvage parts; and of Railway Motorsport - BMW Race car builds, preparation and development. Based in Ballynahinch, Co. Down.

SAT 6th/ SUN 7th May 2017

Third meeting of the year for Rounds 5 and 6. Neil White the dominant leader so far with a clean sweep of 4 wins to date. Paul Sheridan shares equal pace and pushed White hard in both races last time out. White took two victories, Sherdian two seconds and Greer Wray, two thirds. Francey Allen is to make his ‘Cup debut in Ralph Jess’s Railway Auto Spares car. Car development continues together with regulation revisions to help ensure the class builds and succeeds going forward.Roy Orr hopes to add to the mix, with Keith Wray aiming to complete his build and join the class at the next event, where we also hope to see additional guest or hire car drivers.

The NI BMW 330i Cup trophies for the day, provided by:

The Meeting Organisers

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