As a bona fide car enthusiast, wrestling with the difficulty of blending pulse-racing excitement and practicality in motorsports is something we’ve grappled with.
Mirroring this sentiment, Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott manifested Radical Sportscars 25 years ago. They aim to thread accessibility and thrilling speed on the race track without surrendering a smidgeon of fun factor. This article takes us down memory lane, charting Radical Sportscars’ exciting journey – from humble origins to its current reputation as purveyors of nine diverse models catered exclusively for your on or off-track enjoyment.
Strap yourself in for an exhilarating ride into the world of top-tier sports cars!
Radical Sportscars was founded in 1997 by Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott to create accessible, thrilling sports cars for both amateur drivers and racing enthusiasts. Their models include the SR1, SR3, SR8, SR10, RXC V6, RXC Spyder, and RXC V8 – each designed for high performance on the track but also suitable for road use. Radical Sportscars has a rich history in motorsports, participating in one-make series races and prestigious events like Le Mans and British Formula Ford.
History of Radical Sportscars
Radical Sportscars was founded by Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott, who set out to develop and produce open-cockpit sportscars to provide an adrenaline-fueled driving experience for amateur and racing enthusiasts.
Founding of the company by Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott
Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott are the true heroes of our story. As amateur drivers and engineers, they built Radical Sportscars from the ground up in January 1997. Their goal was to make exciting, Kawasaki-powered sports cars like no other.
On January 28th of that same year, they made it official. The papers were signed, and Radical Sportscars became a real company. Now, it’s been 25 years since those first days. With two strong leaders behind the wheel, Radical Sportscars is still thoroughly ahead.
Development and production of open cockpit sportscars
Radical Sportscars loves making fast and fun open-cockpit cars. They started this journey with their first model, the 1100 Clubsport. It has a small, open-top body frame that shows off its power-packed 1100cc engine.
Their love for speed is evident in this car.
They pushed the speed limits further, building more race cars and road-legal sports cars. Each car had the same goal – to be quick and to break lap records. This is why Radical Sportscars is known all over the world today.
Current Models of Radical Sportscars
The current range of Radical Sportscars includes the SR1, SR3, SR8, SR10, RXC V6, RXC Spyder, and RXC V8. These high-performance vehicles are designed for track use but can also be modified for road use.
SR1
The SR1 is a thrill on the track. Made by Radical Sportscars, it’s for folks who love the rush of circuit driving. It has the chops of a severe racing car but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
At about £45,000 ($64,000), you get your SR1 and can join in on race season fun. And don’t think you’re getting second-rate because it’s cheaper – no way. The SR1 XXR version has a slick new look, better aerodynamics for zooming round bends faster, and a rugged new engine for racing.
This car lives up to its sportscar name with quick acceleration and fast top speeds. With cool extras like advanced aerodynamics, this baby hugs every bend and eats up straights at a cracking pace – all in one sleek package.
SR3
The SR3 is not your everyday car. Radical Sportscars started making it in 2002. It has two engine options: a 1340cc or a larger, handbuilt 1500cc by RPE Racing. This model can run in significant events like the FIA’s C3 class race.
The special SR3 XXR has an even better feature – A generation 5 engine. Plus, it’s ready-to-use biofuel, which gives out a power of 232 bhp. So, this sportscar doesn’t just look good; it also cares for our planet.
SR8
The SR8 is a high-class sports car from Radical Sportscars. This car has power that fires up speed lovers. Its motor gives 425 horsepower with 380 lb-ft of torque. Over the years, the SR8’s power output has increased to more than 380 bhp.
In a thrilling race event in 2015, Dominic Dobson drove an SR8 to victory at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The same model made headlines at Nurburgring, too. It clocked a record-breaking lap time of just under seven minutes. You can’t help but be amased by this British-made sports car and its stunning pace on the track.
SR10
The SR10 is not just any car. It’s a beast on the track. Built by Radical Sportscars, it’s loved by race car fans worldwide. This high-performance machine was made for speed and thrill.
It’s become the top-selling model in Radical’s history. The 2022 update includes new perks, such as solid cast uprights to ensure it lasts longer. But don’t worry, they didn’t mess with success – they’re still using the steel space-frame chassis that everyone loves. And yes, this monster has an incredible 425 horsepower under its hood. So get ready, racers – if you crave exciting track driving experiences – SR10 is your ride.
RXC V6
The RXC V6 is a beast in the world of high-performance sportscars. It’s part of the current models made by Radical Sportscars. This car roars with an EcoBoost V6 engine, making it RPE’s largest and most powerful standard engine line.
The power output? More than 654hp. That’s huge for track-ready vehicles like this one. It also has a vital spot in race car design, sitting neatly between SR3 and SR8 models. And guess what? The RXC V6 also stars in the race-winning Radical RXC GT3.
RXC Spyder
The RXC Spyder is a track-only race car and street-legal road car. It’s powered by a high-revving 3.0-litre V8 engine that produces 440bhp at 10,500rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 7500rpm.
It’s Radical’s flagship racing car for the gentleman driver. The RXC Spyder offers speeds similar to the SR8 but with a more extensive and customiseable cockpit. It has more horsepower than any other Radical vehicle.
RXC V8
The RXC V8 is an excellent car in the Radical Sportscars lineup. It was launched in 2013 and is produced by Radical Sportscars. What’s interesting about the RXC V8 is that it has a modified V6 engine, which gives it some serious power.
When you drive this car, you’ll get an experience similar to being on the track at Le Mans. It’s like driving a Le Mans Prototype competition car on the road. So, if you’re looking for a thrilling ride, the RXC V8 should be on your radar.
Involvement in Motorsport
Radical Sportscars has a rich history in motorsport, with their cars being used in one-make series, Le Mans races, and even British Formula Ford. Read on to discover more about their exciting involvement in the racing world.
One-make series
Radical Sportscars created a particular racing series called the “one-make series” in 1999. It was based on their famous 1100 Clubsport model. The British Racing and Sports Car Club supported this exciting new racing championship.
The decision to start the one-make series arose because many bought the 1100 Clubsports cars. This made it perfect for creating a championship where everyone could race in the same kind of car.
It’s an excellent way for people who love cars and racing to compete against each other on equal terms. If you love motorsport, this is something you’d enjoy!
Le Mans
Le Mans is a fantastic racing event that takes place in France. It’s called the 24 Hours of Le Mans because it lasts a whole day and night. This endurance-focused sports car race has a long history and is loved by motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
The competition at Le Mans is unique, with cars of different speeds challenging each other on the track. It’s considered one of the greatest sports car races in the world, known for its high speeds and intense competition.
British Formula Ford
The British Formula Ford Championship is an excellent entry-level racing category for single-seater cars. These cars look different because they don’t have wings that create extra downforce like other race cars.
That means there’s a lot of exciting overtaking action on the track. The Formula Ford EcoBoost follows the FIA Formula 4 championship rules, which is pretty awesome. Fun fact: Ayrton Senna, a famous Formula One driver, actually raced in this championship in Great Britain. If you’re into single-seater racing, the National Formula Ford Championship is something to watch out for – it’s the highest level of competitive Formula Ford racing in the UK.
Highlights and Recent News & Activity of Radical Sportscars
Radical Sportscars continues to make waves in motorsports with its continuous product development and participation in racing events. From improving their existing models to introducing innovations, Radical is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance and providing adrenaline-fueled fun for car enthusiasts.
Whether it’s dominating one-make series or competing at prestigious races like Le Mans, Radical Sportscars proves time and time again why they are a force to be reckoned with in the racing world.
Continuous product development
At Radical Sportscars, they are constantly improving and enhancing their products to meet the needs of car enthusiasts like you. Their focus is on continuous product development, so they always continue working to improve our sportscars.
They strive for evolutionary advancements, progressive innovation, and constant optimisation. With ongoing performance enhancement and iterative refinement, they ensure their cars deliver exhilarating experiences on the track.
So whether it’s sustained growth or persistent updates, you can count on us to provide top-notch quality and an exciting driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.
Participation in racing events
Radical Sportscars has a long history of participating in thrilling racing events worldwide. They have competed in various racing competitions, including track and high-speed automobile races.
Our sports cars are designed to excel on the racing circuits, making them a favourite among enthusiasts and professionals. As a result, they have formed partnerships with top racing teams and have been involved in prestigious championships like Le Mans and British Formula Ford.
One recent highlight was our participation in Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7, showcasing our skills alongside other renowned motorsports brands. They constantly push boundaries and strive for excellence in motorsports through continuous product development and our active presence in exciting racing events worldwide.
Updates and achievements
I am thrilled to share the latest updates and achievements from Radical Sportscars, a company that continues to push boundaries in the world of sportscars. First and foremost, Radical Motorsport has recently unveiled the newest evolution of its entry-level prototype sportscar, the Radical SR1 XXR.
This milestone showcases their commitment to continuous product development and innovation.
In addition to this exciting announcement, Radical Sportscars is celebrating a significant accomplishment – their 25th year in business. This remarkable longevity speaks volumes about their success and impact in the industry.
As part of their growth and expansion plans, they have appointed 12 new dealers worldwide, allowing them to reach even more car enthusiasts globally.
Radical Sportscars has also reached an impressive production milestone by building their 3000th car. This achievement is a testament to their dedication to producing high-quality sports racing cars that captivate drivers worldwide.
With nine models on offer, including iconic ones like the SR3 and RXC V8, they continue to provide customers with diverse options tailored for exhilarating driving experiences.
Conclusion
Radical Sportscars has revolutionised the racing world with their adrenaline-fueled, high-performance vehicles. Founded by amateur racers Mick Hyde and Phil Abbott, the company’s vision was to make motorsports more accessible and fun for everyone.
With a range of open-cockpit sports cars designed for road use and track modification, Radical Sportscars continues pushing the boundaries of performance and speed. Whether you’re a professional racer or an enthusiast looking for an exhilarating track day experience, Radical Sportscars has something to offer.
So buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!
