Sunoco Challenge paused for shortened 2020 campaign

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Anglo American Oil Company, the driving force behind the popular Sunoco Whelen Challenge and Sunoco 240 Challenge, has announced the prize drive scheme will be paused for the 2020 racing season.

The prize has sent 20 talented drivers to race in the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona and BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona since 2010, including names such as Felipe Nasr, Jonny Adam, Rick Parfitt Jnr, and current Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award winner Johnathan Hoggard.

However, with a shortened racing season just getting underway and with travel restrictions being implemented as necessary, the difficult decision has been made to halt the programme for this year.

Both the Sunoco Whelen Challenge and Sunoco 240 Challenge are planned to return for the 2021 season, with new rules celebrating what will be the tenth 240 Challenge winner introduced to add an extra element to what is arguably the most valuable prize available in UK motorsport.

The Sunoco Challenge is run thanks to the support of Sonny Whelen of Whelen Engineering Inc, with Anglo American Oil Company donating the entry fee from all Challenge hopefuls, as well as donations from members of the public, to Team Fox, the fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Supporters can still make donations to Team Fox via https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate.

Anders Hildebrand, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd[/caption]

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly but with championships having to compromise to ensure they fit a season of racing in, coupled with intermittent travel restrictions across various nations, we decided it was the right thing to postpone the Sunoco Challenges for this year.

“In 2021 we will crown our tenth Sunoco 240 Challenge winner, so we’ll announce some exciting new rules to make it an even more special occasion! For now however, we hope everyone stays safe and healthy and we look forward to announcing our future plans at a later date.”

To find out more about the Sunoco Challenge please visit: http://www.sunocochallenge.com/

To find out more about Team Fox, is the grassroots community fundraising program of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, please visit: https://www.michaeljfox.org/teamfox


What are the Sunoco Challenges?[/caption]

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Previous Sunoco Whelen Challenge Winners:

2009 – Derek Johnston
2010 – Ross Kaiser
2011 – Filipe Nasr
2012 – Ivan Bellarosa
2013 – Bradley Smith
2014 – Phil Keen
2015 – Jonny Adam
2016 – Seb Morris
2017 – Stuart Middleton
2018 – Linus Lundqvist
2019 – Johnathan Hoggard

Previous Sunoco 240 Challenge Winners:

2011 – Aaron Steele
2012 – Lawrence Davey
2013 – Lewis Plato
2014 – Oskar Krüger
2015 – Paddy McClughan
2016 – Max Bladon
2017 – Rick Parfitt Jnr.
2018 – Kyle Reid
2019 – Robbie Dalgleish

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Sunoco 240 Challenge heads to the wire as five drivers remain in hunt for Daytona drive

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In one of the closest and keenly fought Sunoco 240 Challenge seasons for some time, the prize drive at Daytona could go to one of five drivers racing in four separate championships.

Moving into pole position is Robbie Dalgleish, who has been virtually ever-present in second place over the past few months. The Mini Challenge Cooper Pro driver took pole, a win, and third place at Donington Park last weekend to claim top spot in the standings.

He is closely followed by Toby Goodman, who had two wins and a third place, continuing his fantastic run of form. Both he and Robbie have one last weekend of action at Snetterton where they must continue their front-running performances to have a chance of winning the drive at Daytona.

The dark horse in the battle is British GT Championship GT4 Pro-Am champion Kelvin Fletcher, who’s strong end to the season has put him in third place. If Robbie and Toby stumble, reducing their average score, he could emerge on top.

After holding top spot for much of the season, Cian Carey drops to fourth place after the penultimate weekend of the F3 Cup campaign, despite taking another podium finish in race one at Donington Park.

Also in action at Snetterton later in October is James Gornall, racing in the Mini Challenge JCW category. ‘Jiggy’ sits sixth currently, but with Rob Keogh’s season over, he cannot challenge for the win, so a big finish for Jiggy could push him into first place as well.

Whatever the outcome, it has been another brilliant battle across a number of race championships, proving those at the top of the Sunoco Challenges really do have to earn their success.

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Johnathan Hoggard claims Sunoco Whelen Challenge and drive at Daytona

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After a thrilling season-long battle, Johnathan Hoggard has secured the Sunoco Whelen Challenge and with it a dream drive in the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen Engineering Inc and the Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Consistently quick throughout the year in the competitive BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, Johnathan not only took seven victories – more than anyone else – but also seven pole positions and eight fastest laps, all of which propelled him to Challenge success.

The 18-year old not only follows Linus Lundqvist, who won the Sunoco Whelen Challenge in 2018 after racing in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, but also joins names such as Jonny Adam, Felipe Nasr, Seb Morris, and Phil Keen in a funded seat at the prestigious race.

It will be Johnathan’s first drive in endurance racing, but he will no doubt prove himself quick around the 5.73km sports car configuration of the famous Daytona International Speedway.

The prize drive is courtesy of the generosity of Sonny Whelen, who has helped a number of European racers make a name for themselves in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

While Johnathan becomes the 11th Sunoco Whelen Challenge winner, it is all still to play for in the Sunoco 240 Challenge, where a number of competitors are in contention for a drive in the BMW Endurance Challenge contest, held before the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The Anglo American Oil Company donates the entry fee from all Challenge hopefuls, as well as donations from members of the public, to Team Fox for Parkinson’s Research, a worthy cause.

Final Sunoco Whelen Challenge standings (average points per race):

Johnathan Hoggard: 91.56
Clement Novalak: 79.38
Ayrton Simmonds: 74.06
Jonny Cocker: 71.00
Seb Priaulx: 61.65

Johnathan Hoggard, 2019 Sunoco Whelen Challenge winner

“I’ve watched the Rolex 24 for many years with drivers like Fernando Alonso and Felipe Nasr racing, so to be in it is a great opportunity and I am really thankful for it.

“I enjoy watching endurance racing; it’s a completely different style of competing. It isn’t just about outright speed it’s also about calculations, strategy, and things like that. It’s going to be a great experience.

“I wasn’t expecting to win the Challenge to be honest. Halfway through the season I was fourth or fifth, so those pole positions and fastest laps really can change the whole challenge around.

“It’s great what Whelen Engineering and the Anglo American Oil Company are doing with this drive they give away. I can’t thank them enough. It is great they are donating the prize.”

Anders Hildebrand, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd

“What has been impressive about Johnathan this year is that he is always quick. When he is on song, he gets fastest laps, pole positions, and wins, and that is how the Challenge points system is built; You have to be consistent to win, but you get a boost for the fastest laps and poles.

“If you are going to be a top-notch racer you have to be able to qualify and put in fast laps when needed, so I think he will be a very good ambassador for the Sunoco Whelen Challenge.

“He follows in the footsteps of Felipe Nasr and Linus Lundqvist, who won the prize last year. It is nice to see how a Formula 3 driver can jump into a GT3 or DPi and be on the pace straight away and I think Johnathan will show us what he is made of at Daytona.”

To find out more about Team Fox, is the grassroots community fundraising program of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, please visit: https://www.michaeljfox.org/teamfox

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Thrilling season-long battle for once-in-a-lifetime Daytona drive comes down to Donington Decider

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The Sunoco Whelen Challenge will come down to the wire at Donington Park in two weeks’ time (September 14/15), as a three-way battle to race at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona will finally be settled.

Clement Novalak and Johnathan Hoggard, both front-runners in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, have consistently been at the sharp end of the Challenge standings this season. However, Ayrton Simmons has been within touching distance of the top spot with a consistent run of late, coupled with outstanding weekends at Spa and Silverstone.

The three drivers are separated by just five average points heading into the final two races, so a strong or disappointing weekend could swing things one final time. Currently, with the lead, Hoggard simply has to maximise his performance to remain on top, which is exactly what the teenager will be trying to do as he attempts to overhaul a 52-point gap in the BRDC F3 standings.

Novalak, meanwhile, is in an interesting position. Needing to simply stay in touch with Hoggard to ensure he remains on top of the championship would net him the BRDC F3 title but would not be enough to vault him back into top spot in the Sunoco Whelen Challenge. Therefore, he cannot rest if he wants to compete at the Daytona International Speedway in January.

For Simmons, things are clearer. He needs to top the times in qualifying to tie Hoggard in the Jack Cavill Pole Position cup, and with a 61-point deficit to Novalak in the championship, also needs a strong weekend to cause an upset. If he can achieve this then he could just steal the Challenge title in the process.

Whatever way it pans out at Donington Park in September, it has definitely been another fantastic Sunoco Whelen Challenge with three talented young drivers aiming to emulate 2018 BRDC British Formula 3 Championship victor Linus Lundqvist in appearing in the legendary Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Johnathan Hoggard, first place, 85.36 average points

“The BRDC British Formula 3 Championship is going well and I’m currently leading the Sunoco Whelen Challenge too. I am looking forward to seeing how it is going to pan out. I have been quite good at getting pole positions and points for fastest laps in the races so I’m looking forward to the final rounds of the season at Donington Park.

“Winning would be a good opportunity. Racing at Daytona would be different to driving a single-seater and having never raced in America it would be a great experience and open up a lot of opportunities. I want to win the drive and I’m going to give it my everything.”

Clement Novalak, second place, 82.14 average points

“It would be a cracking experience to drive around Daytona and race for 24 Hours. It would mean a lot, obviously, but we have to finish the work here first. We have been very consistent this season, with a few wins and lots of podiums, so hopefully we can keep doing that.

“Finishing the year on top would make me happy. Winning the Challenge would give you lots of exposure and people look at you as a driver for the future whether in the States or Europe. Winning the championship and the Challenge would help me move forwards to next year. It puts your name on the map wherever you are.”

Ayrton Simmons, third place, 80.36 points

“The step up from Formula 4 has been good. I think I have adapted well to a new car and some new circuits, so I am looking forward to the end of the season.

“The Sunoco Whelen Challenge is something I keep an eye on every weekend because it has an important prize at the end of it. Going to the States and racing there would put your name on the map. I haven’t raced in the US before so it would be cool to see how things work out there. I’m going to be pushing to get that Daytona drive and I’ll be giving it my all.”

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully-funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Summer shake up for Sunoco Challenges as Goodman and Simmons make progress

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Once again, It is all change at the top of the Sunoco Whelen Challenge and Sunoco 240 Challenge standings, with only a few points separating the top of both after an enthralling few weeks of racing.

It is still almost impossible to tell who will come out on top to win those Rolex 24 At Daytona and BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona drives as the thrilling battles to lead the standings continue.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge: Simmons remains in contention

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship drivers continue to remain the focal point of the Sunoco Whelen Challenge. Series leader Clement Novalak returns to the top of the standings thanks to a podium finish in Belgium.

Hot on his heels is rival Ayrton Simmons who had an outstanding weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, taking a win, a podium, and two pole positions, which puts him right back in contention with only one and a half average points separating him and Clement.

A difficult weekend for Johnathan Hoggard has pushed him into third place despite his perfect point-scoring weekend at Donington Park, but a strong trip to Brands Hatch could change that quite quickly. Jonny Cocker, in the British GT Championship, is only two average points behind Johnathan after he finished seventh in GT3 at Spa, with Seb Priaulx fifth after a sixth-place finish in GT4 in the same contest.

Click here for the complete Sunoco Whelen Challenge standings.

Sunoco 240 Challenge: Carey remains on top whilst Goodman jumps to third.

It could not be closer in the Sunoco 240 Challenge where Cian Carey holds onto the lead despite no track action over the last few weeks. However, it remains an extremely tight fight for the top spot as Robbie Dalgleish closed the gap to Cian with only 1.96 average points between the pair after the Mini Challenge Cooper Pro driver stood on each step of the podium in three races at Brands Hatch.

Toby Goodman has vaulted himself into third place after a superb weekend in Kent as well. He took two wins and a third place, as well as a pole position, to move 0.12 average points ahead of Dominik Jackson, who bounced back from a DNF in race one at Oulton Park to take a win and second place in the Radical Challenge Championship, keeping his hopes alive.

Another driver on the move is British GT Championship competitor Kelvin Fletcher. He leaps ahead of Scott McKenna, who has not raced in the previous few weeks. Just five average points cover fifth to 11th in the standings, so a strong weekend for Jerome De Sadeleer, Nathan Harrison, Rob Keogh, James Gornall, or Alastair Barclay will bring them right back into the mix.

Click here for the complete Sunoco 240 Challenge standings.

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Jackson and McKenna climb back into contention while Hoggard reasserts control in Sunoco Challenges

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Last month the Sunoco Whelen Challenge and Sunoco 240 Challenge standings had changed drastically, and things are no different this time out.

At this rate, neither contest will have a clear victor until the very end of the season, when two deserving winners will race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona, respectively.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge: Hoggard leapfrogs into lead

A perfect weekend at Donington Park, from an eligible points-scoring point of view, means Johnathan Hoggard climbs from fourth place to the lead of the Sunoco Whelen Challenge standings. Taking two pole positions and two wins in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, the youngster heads series rival Clement Novalak by almost seven average points.

Meanwhile, another podium finish for Jonny Cocker in GT3 in the British GT Championship keeps him in third place, ensuring that neither Johnathan nor Clement can relax. Just behind him, Seb Priaulx’s GT4 victory keeps the youngster in contention and puts him ahead of Ayrton Simmons, with the leading five starting to pull clear of the rest of the pack.

Click here for the complete Sunoco Whelen Challenge standings

Sunoco 240 Challenge: McKenna races forward while Jackson dominates

With the leading duo of Robbie Dalgleish and Cian Carey not in action over the past few weeks, their close battle atop the Sunoco 240 Challenge standings has not changed, however things are on the move behind.

Dominik Jackson had a fantastic trip to Spa in the Radical Challenge Championship, taking three wins to move up one spot into third place. Scott McKenna, meanwhile, took two victories in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge at Zandvoort to jump from 12th to fourth, narrowly moving ahead of James Gornall, who had a second and fourth in the Mini Challenge UK JCW series at Donington Park.

Click here for the complete Sunoco 240 Challenge standings

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and Silver, and GT4 Pro and Silver

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

All change in Sunoco Challenges as battles heat up into summer stretch

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What a difference one month makes to the top of the standings in the Sunoco Whelen Challenge and Sunoco 240 Challenge. With such variation from week to week it is virtually impossible to tell who might emerge victorious at this stage, but it clearly will be an enthralling battle to the final positions at the end of the year when we’ll find out who wins those coveted drives in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge: Simmons shoots into contention

It is all about the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship drivers at the top of the standings as Ayrton Simmons vaults into second place after taking a win and a third place in the two Sunoco Whelen Challenge eligible races at Silverstone and he closes in on leader Clement Novalak with just eight average points between the pair. The leader in the standings took a win himself, but a sixth-place fin ish has left him vulnerable to his series rival. Jonny Cocker sits in third position after he finished eighth at the challenging three-hour Silverstone 500 during the same weekend, though BRDC F3 driver Johnathan Hoggard is merely fractions of a point behind in fourth.

Click here for the complete Sunoco Whelen Challenge standings.

Clement Novalak takes a win at Silverstone in the BRDC British F3 Championship Jonny Cocker in action in the British GT Championship at Silverstone

Sunoco 240 Challenge: Dalgleish capitalises on Carey’s misfortune

Things could not be closer for the leading drivers in the Sunoco 240 Challenge, where a host of non-finishes has shaken things up a good amount in recent weeks. Toppling then-leader Cian Carey is Robbie Dalgleish who took a win and second place in the Mini Challenge Cooper Pro class at Oulton Park. Carey was in action the same day but a DNF after finishing third in race one has dropped him into second place, albeit with just one point between the pair. Just behind is Alistair Barclay who had a solid weekend at Silverstone with a third and fourth place and keeping a close watch is Jerome De Sadeleer who has not taken to the track since May but will be out at Spa shortly. A good weekend could really put him into contention.

Click here for the complete Sunoco 240 Challenge standings.

Robbie Dalgleish racing in Mini Challenge at Oulton Park Cian Carey races in F3 Cup at Oulton Park

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This year’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded race seat at the 2020 Rolex 24 At Daytona, courtesy of Whelen. Sunoco’s 240 Challenge champion will contest Daytona’s 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-supported GT4 car.

The Sunoco Challenges are organised by Sunoco Racing Fuels’ official European distributor, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd.

Sunoco Whelen Challenge-eligible series:

BRDC British Formula 3 Championship
British GT Championship – GT3 Pro and GT4 Pro

Sunoco 240 Challenge-eligible series:

British GT Championship – GT3 Am and GT4 Am
F3 Cup
GT Cup Championship
Mini Challenge – JCW and Cooper Pro
Radical UK Challenge
Ginetta GT5 Challenge
Ginetta G40 Cup
Touring Car Trophy / TCR UK

Sunoco becomes control fuel supplier to Volkswagen Racing Cup and Touring Car Trophy

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Continuing its association with some of the most successful race series in the United Kingdom, Sunoco is proud to announce that it is to become the official fuel supplier to both the Volkswagen Racing Cup and the Maximum Group Touring Car Trophy.

Drivers from both championships will also be eligible for the Sunoco 240 Challenge, the winner of which will earn a drive at the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge support race to the Rolex 24 At Daytona, in which 2019 Sunoco 240 Challenge winner Kyle Reid made his debut this year.
Launched in 2000, the Volkswagen Racing Cup is one of the most exciting saloon car championships in the UK. For 2019 it will once again be part of the support package for the British GT Championship, for which Sunoco is also the official fuel supplier.
New for 2019, the Maximum Group Touring Car Trophy aims to bridge the gap between one-make racing and the British Touring Car Championship, helping club level teams and drivers to race a wide variety of eligible cars, but without the prohibitive costs of the BTCC.

 

Anders Hildebrand, founder, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd

“It is fantastic that we have been selected by Stewart Lines to provide Sunoco race fuels to both the Volkswagen Racing Cup and the Maximum Group Touring Car Trophy. We are already familiar with the close action in the Volkswagen Racing Cup from its slot in support of the British GT Championship and are delighted to be involved in the inaugural year for the Maximum Group Touring Car Trophy.

“With the 2019 240 Challenge now featuring nine of the toughest championships in the UK and Europe, competition for the drive in the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge race at Daytona International Speedway will be tougher than ever.”

 

Stewart Lines, Managing Director, Maximum Motorsport

“Choosing to run on Sunoco racing fuel is another step in the right direction for the Volkswagen Racing Cup and the Maximum Group Touring Car Trophy. The use of Sunoco fuel helps ensure parity in both of our race series and offers the added incentives for drivers to compete in the demanding Sunoco 240 Challenge so it’s great news for 2019”.

 

Daytona debutants look forward to new Challenge

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2019 Sunoco Challenge winners Linus Lundquist and Kyle Reid are set to make their racing debuts at the world-famous Daytona International Speedway this weekend (January 24-27) for the Rolex 24.

Having taken part in the Roar Before The 24 earlier this month, both have now turned their first laps around the 31-degree banking and challenging infield course, but this weekend will be the first real test, with practice, qualifying, and the races held over three packed days.

Linus Lindqvist battles torrential rain in the #47 Precision Performance Motorsports (PPM) Lamborghini Huracan GT3, GTD at the 2019 Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Linus, making Sunoco Whelen Challenge history as the first winner to climb aboard a car in the competitive GTD class of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, will be carrying the flag for the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship as reigning Champion. He will have just under two hours of practice in which to acclimatise, while sharing his Precision Performance Motorsport Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo with three other teammates, before qualifying takes place on Thursday afternoon.

Kyle Reid takes to the famous 31-degree banking in the #26 Fast Track Racing/Classic BMW M4 GT4 in the 2019 Roar Before the Rolex 24.

Kyle, the latest Sunoco 240 Challenge winner, represents Mini Challenge as the Cooper Pro class Champion, and will be competing aboard a Fast Track Racing/Classic BMW M4 GT4 in the BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona, branded in the classic Sunoco blue colour scheme. Like Linus, Kyle will also have around two hours of track time, shared with his teammates, before qualifying later on Thursday.

The action picks up on Friday, January 25, as the four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona takes place, before the main event, the Rolex 24 At Daytona, on Saturday for 24 gruelling hours of racing. Both drivers’ progress will be covered on Sunoco UK’s social media channels (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Linus Lundqvist, Sunoco Whelen Challenge winner 

“We did a few laps and felt more comfortable in the car during the Roar Before the 24. It was interesting to see our rivals’ speed and compare where we stand. The circuit is not too technical, but it is a learning process with the team and how endurance racing works, so we’ll see how things unfold.

“I’d like to think my experience with aero in BRDC British Formula 3 has helped me with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO. It’s heavy and different to drive, especially with ABS and traction control, but it is fun, and I am looking forward to taking part in the Rolex 24.”

Kyle Reid, Sunoco 240 Challenge winner

“It was an awesome experience at the Roar Before The 24. The guys gave me an opportunity to do a qualifying run in practice so hopefully I get to qualify the car for the race itself. It was a great learning experience with a new team, new track, and new car. I felt I improved every session and the team were happy with me.

“Hopefully we can improve towards the race. The times kept falling and we think the time will come to us before the race and we’ll be right on the pace.”

Sunoco Challenge winners Lundquist and Reid impress on Daytona debuts

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Kyle Reid set some impressive time on his Daytona debut in the Roar before the 24

Kyle Reid set some impressive time on his Daytona debut in the Roar before the 24

2019 Sunoco Challenge winners Linus Lundquist and Kyle Reid made their mark on the historic Daytona International Speedway, taking part in the ‘Roar Before The 24’ ahead of the 2018 Rolex 24 Hours and showing impressive speed, despite neither having visited the circuit before.

Sunoco 240 Challenge winner Kyle was the first to hit the track in a BMW M4 GT4, resplendent in a striking blue chrome with Sunoco yellow colour scheme. The 2018 Mini Challenge Cooper Pro champion got up to speed with the 3.0 litre, 431 BHP machine, methodically working through the team’s schedule, building his confidence each time out. In the final session he completed a qualifying run on low fuel with new tyres and was on race pace, a great way to finish the weekend.

The ‘Roar’ also presented BRDC British Formula 3 Champion Linus with his first opportunity to meet the team and acclimatise to his new car, the awesome Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO. He had his first opportunity to sit in the Precision Performance Motorsport-run car on Thursday, hitting the track for his first laps a day later. He wasted no time and very quickly asserted himself as the fastest driver in the car, utilising the advice of former Sunoco Challenge winner and Lamborghini factory driver Phil Keen, who was also testing at the circuit.

The super Swede had his final run in the car on Saturday during the evening test session, allowing him to experience the 31-degree banking for the first time under floodlights. Having completed several trouble-free runs in the car over the four test sessions Linus can be happy with his performance, setting consistently quick times as he worked with the team and his team-mates to dial the car into the circuit.

The 2019 race is a significant one with many milestones being achieved. IMSA is celebrating 50 years of close racing, Anglo American Oils is 20 years old, and the Sunoco Whelen Challenge programme has clocked up ten years.

The drivers now head to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre where they will be attending Autosport International on Thursday 10th January, participating in a press conference at 11:00 on the Anglo-American Oil stand (number 1230) in Hall One. This will be followed by an appearance on the main stage for the drivers and Managing Director Anders Hildebrand, where they will discuss the ‘Roar’ and ten years of the programme at 14:30.

Linus Lundqvist, 2019 Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion:

“It’s an impressive circuit; your body gets really compressed on the high banks and that was quite an unusual but cool feeling! It was also the first time for me using spotters and, while it took me some time to get used to, in the end you start to realise that it’s actually very useful. It’s been an important test for me, trying out the car and track for the first time. All in all, it’s been a good couple of days, and I’ve enjoyed working with the team. I can’t wait to be back for the race in a few weeks’ time.”

 

Kyle Reid, 2019 Sunoco 240 Challenge Champion:

“It has been an amazing experience. It has been a steep learning curve for me with a new car, new team, and a new circuit, but I’m really happy with the way things have gone. The team couldn’t be nicer and the BMW M4 GT4 is a brilliant car to drive. I did some simulator sessions before we came over so I would know what I was letting myself in for which really helped, but it can’t prepare you for your first visit to Daytona because it is just such a special place. This really has been a once in a lifetime trip and this is only the Roar! I can’t wait for the race.”

 

Anders Hildebrand, Anglo American Oil Company Ltd Managing Director:

“Both drivers have performed extremely well. We know Linus is a top-flight driver, but he had to take a step back because the Lamborghini GT3 EVO GTD is much softer, much heavier, and rolls much more, but I must say he has coped really well. He was very quickly on par with other drivers and I think we’ll see him improving his times even more come the race.

“Kyle did really, really well. I always say, ‘you don’t need to prove you’re fast’. The Roar is so you can learn the track, get yourself happy with the team and car, and for Kyle it was a huge step going from a 130bhp Mini Cooper to over 400bhp, with downforce and rear wheel drive in his BMW. He did a qualifying run and was bang on the pace.”

 

What are the Sunoco Challenges?

The Sunoco Challenges provide an accurate assessment and comparison of performances across multiple championships during any given season. Points are awarded for qualifying and race results, including fastest lap, which are then converted into an individual average score for each competing driver over the course of a full campaign.

That means each race weekend offers drivers an equal chance to climb and drop down their respective Sunoco Challenge table. It also ensures that performances are taken into consideration across an entire season while placing less emphasis on one-off or unfair results.

This season’s Sunoco Whelen Challenge champion will win a fully funded drive aboard a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO in the 2019 Rolex 24 At Daytona. The Sunoco 240 Challenge champion will contest the 240-minute BMW Endurance Challenge At Daytona support race held over the same January weekend at the wheel of a Sunoco-liveried BMW M4 GT4 car.