Focussing on drivers from the ages of 16 – 19, the Dunlop InterSteps Championship sets itself as a link between karting and the smaller single-seater categories, such as Formula Ford or Formula Renault UK.
With the involvement of the Racing Steps Foundation, the InterSteps Championship feature seven events – six of which are to be split into three races, while this months opening weekend at Silverstone will only comprise of two stints.
Starting tomorrow at Rockingham Motor Speedway, two pre-season test sessions will run, with a third test taking place three weeks after the opening round. While six weekends will be spent supporting other national Championships, the fourth round at Donington will be a support for the WTCC.
As with many formulae of this nature, it exists as a spec-run series, with every competitor running BMW engines, as well as identical tyres, electronics and transmission units. It is hoped that the series may fall into a television package alongside other national racing events; however news regarding a package deal has not yet been announced.
While it is good that another avenue is opening for young drivers to get involved in motorsport, it does appear to be yet another rung on an already cluttered ladder system.
There is potential too. With more affordable routes opening up (if one were to take into account the likes of Formula 2 and Formula Renault UK), the paths for future stars becomes clearer; however the sport needs to ensure that too many junior categories don’t dilute the competition too much.
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2011 Dunlop InterSteps Championship Calendar
- Rockingham – 8th / 9th March (Test)
- Silverstone – 14th / 15th March (Test)
- Silverstone – 26th March
- Snetterton – 19th / 20th April (Test)
- Snetterton – 7th / 8th May
- Rockingham – 2nd / 3rd July
- Donington Park – 16th / 17th July
- Thruxton – 13th / 14th August
- Brands Hatch – 28th / 29th August
- Croft – 24th / 25th September
