MG Cup
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RACE REPORT SILVERSTONE 4/4/26
Stunning Season Start for Equipe Classic Racing at Silverstone. The large Equipe MG Cup field started the day’s, and the season’s, race action and it was Rhys Higginbotham on pole in his newly built up ZR190 but a slow getaway saw him just sixth at the end of the opening lap, the MGF Cup of Mark Wright leading from Peter Bramble’s fast starting MGB. Higginbotham was on a charge though, up to third after two laps with a gap to close to the lead pair.
He passed Bramble on lap four and two laps later was with Wright, and in the lead by lap seven. Higginbotham stayed clear to take the win and class D, Wight in second and Bramble rounding out the podium. Ales Fletcher was fourth and first in class C, having battled class B pace setter Dan Ludlow in the middle part of the race. Archie Styant claimed class A in his newly restored Rover 216 GTi, James Brown second in class.
“I was caught out at the start as only one red light came on then went out!” said Higginbotham. “I was still sat here as everyone else set off, good to get back through, this is a new car so still working on the set-up.”
In race two on Saturday afternoon again Higginbotham was slow away, Wright once more taking the early lead but Higginbotham moved ahead into Stowe on lap four and started to pen a gap. A slow lap from Higginbotham with three to go saw Wright move closer, but the leader held on to start his season with two wins.
Stuart Tranter took third in his Rover 220 Tomcat after a battle with Bramble and Fletcher, the three finishing in that order. Ludlow claimed his second class B win of the day with sixth overall while in class A this time round Brown got the better of Styant.
“Lots of wheelspin off the line,” explained Higginbotham. “I settled down a bit in the middle of the race but maybe a bit too much as I could see Mark’s MGF coming back at me!”
joinus@mgcup.com
SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL
🏁 Silverstone International – Race Day Results Recap
A brilliant day of racing for the MG Cup community at Silverstone International. Competitive grids, tight battles, and standout drives across every class made it a memorable event.
Race 1 – Class Results
Standard Class A
- 1st – Archie Styant – Rover 216 GTi
- 2nd – James Brown – MGF VVC
- 3rd – Greame Williams – MGZR160
Modified Class B
- 1st – Dan Ludlow – MGZR170
- 2nd – Gav Mills – MGZR170
- 3rd – John Donnelly – MGZR170
Race Class C
- 1st – Alex Fletcher – MGZS180
- 2nd – Robert Holley – MGZS180
- 3rd – Peter Burchill – MGZS180
Slicks Class D
- 1st – Rhys Higginbotham – MGZR190
- 2nd – Mark Wright – MGF Cup
- 3rd – Peter Bramble – MGB
Invitation Class I
- 1st – Stuart Tranter – Rover Tomcat Turbo
Race 2 – Class Results
Standard Class A
- 1st – James Brown – MGF VVC
- 2nd – Archie Styant – Rover 216 GTi
- 3rd – Greame Williams – MGZR160
Modified Class B
- 1st – Dan Ludlow – MGZR170
- 2nd – James Moreton – MGZS180
- 3rd – Nick Ashman – MGZR170
Race Class C
- 1st – Alex Fletcher – MGZS180
- 2nd – Phil Walker – MGZR190
- 3rd – Peter Burchill – MGZS180
Slicks Class D
- 1st – Rhys Higginbotham – MGZR190
- 2nd – Mark Wright – MGF Cup
- 3rd – Peter Bramble – MGB
Invitation Class I
- 1st – Stuart Tranter – Rover Tomcat Turbo
The season has kicked off with a fantastic start, and thanks to all the drivers who make the Cup what it is.
RACE WEEK – 3 SLEEPS TO GO…
We can’t wait to get back on track for the start of the 2026 season. We’d like to thank Howden for their ongoing support of Equipe and the MG Cup.
To find out more, visit Classic Car Insurance from your local insurance broker | Howden Insurance
ENTRIES FOR SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL 4TH APRIL 2026
🔥 MG Cup – Silverstone International 26 drivers. One iconic circuit. The 2026 season bursts into life with a grid packed full of returning favourites, upgraded machinery, and a wave of new talent eager to make their mark. Both novice and experienced drivers will be getting their first taste of the Equipe Classic Racing paddock this year, and they’re in for something special.
💥 Class D on slicks is shaping up to be the showdown of the weekend — MGB vs Rover Tomcat vs MGF Cup vs MG ZR190. Four very different machines, four very different philosophies, all fighting for the same piece of tarmac. It’s going to be unmissable.
The atmosphere is building, the cars are prepped, and the season is ready to roar into action.
See you trackside…
CLASS C REGISTERED
Terry returns but to class C this year, it should be fun….
Our grid’s diversity ensures competitive racing under fair regulations and clean racing.
• Class A: Road-going cars with minimal modifications on Toyo R888R
• Class B: Modified class on Toyo R888R
• Class C: Race class on Toyo R888R
• Class D: Race class on Slicks
• Invitation: Cars outside our regulations but aligned with Equipe MG Cup’s spirit
To find out more email joinus@mgcup.com
SOME OF OUR CARS
Our varied grid provides a highly competitive, regulated, close racing with high driving standards.
- Class A: Road vehicles with minor modifications, equipped with Toyo R888R tyres
- Class B: Modified vehicles on Toyo R888R tyres
- Class C: Race cars fitted with Toyo R888R tyres
- Class D: Race cars using slick tyres
- Invitation: Vehicles outside of standard regulations, but embodying the spirit of the Equipe MG Cup
2026 MG Cup Event Schedule
- April 4th – Silverstone International: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- May 2nd – Silverstone Grand Prix: 20-minute qualifying and a 40-minute pit stop race (rolling start, one or two drivers)
- June 6th & 7th – Snetterton 300: Two 20-minute qualifying sessions and two 20-minute races
- July 4th – Donington Park National: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- August 1st – Cadwell Park: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- September 5th & 6th – Brands Hatch Indy: Two 20-minute qualifying sessions and two 20-minute races
- October 3rd – Supersprint 2026: The award-winning race format, not to be missed
All events include full hospitality; each driver receives two lunch tickets, with complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks available throughout the day. Experience club racing as it should be, the Equipe way.
SOME OF OUR CARS
Equipe MG Cup
Our grid’s diversity is what makes the Equipe MG Cup so special. With fair regulations and a commitment to clean, competitive racing, we welcome drivers across a wide range of machinery:
- Class A – Road‑going cars with minimal modifications on Toyo R888R
- Class B – Modified class on Toyo R888R
- Class C – Race class on Toyo R888R
- Class D – Race class on slicks
- Invitation Class – For cars outside our regulations but aligned with the spirit of the Equipe MG Cup
If you’d like to get involved or learn more, drop us a message at peter@equipeclassicracing.com
ONE MONTH TO GO
What are your objectives for the upcoming year? Our varied grid provides a highly competitive, regulated, close racing with high driving standards.
- Class A: Road vehicles with minor modifications, equipped with Toyo R888R tyres
- Class B: Modified vehicles on Toyo R888R tyres
- Class C: Race cars fitted with Toyo R888R tyres
- Class D: Race cars using slick tyres
- Invitation: Vehicles outside of standard regulations, but embodying the spirit of the Equipe MG Cup
2026 MG Cup Event Schedule
- April 4th – Silverstone International: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- May 2nd – Silverstone Grand Prix: 20-minute qualifying and a 40-minute pit stop race (rolling start, one or two drivers)
- June 6th & 7th – Snetterton 300: Two 20-minute qualifying sessions and two 20-minute races
- July 4th – Donington Park National: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- August 1st – Cadwell Park: 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races
- September 5th & 6th – Brands Hatch Indy: Two 20-minute qualifying sessions and two 20-minute races
- October 3rd – Supersprint 2026: The award-winning race format, not to be missed
All events include full hospitality; each driver receives two lunch tickets, with complimentary tea, coffee, and soft drinks available throughout the day. Experience club racing as it should be, the Equipe way.
NOT LONG NOW
We’re excited to share the 2026 MG Cup format, which is shaping up to be another brilliant year. The calendar offers a fantastic mix of circuits and race styles, along with our usual hospitality that makes each weekend special.
- April 4th – Silverstone International
20‑minute qualifying + 2 × 20‑minute races - May 2nd – Silverstone Grand Prix
20‑minute qualifying + 40‑minute pit‑stop race (rolling start, 1 or 2 drivers) - June 6th & 7th – Snetterton 300
2 × 20‑minute qualifying + 2 × 20‑minute races - July 4th – Donington Park National
20‑minute qualifying + 2 × 20‑minute races - August 1st – Cadwell Park
20‑minute qualifying + 2 × 20‑minute races - September 5th & 6th – Brands Hatch Indy
2 × 20‑minute qualifying + 2 × 20‑minute races - Equipe Classic Racing & October 3rd Supersprint 2026
Our award‑winning format — not to be missed!
As always, full hospitality is included for each driver:
2 lunch tickets, plus free tea, coffee, and soft drinks all day.
It’s a great way to enjoy competitive, regulated, close racing with high driving standards.
Welcome to the Equipe way of racing.
EQUIPE TAKE ON DAYTONA….
🎙️ “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Daytona Milton Keynes… where the roar of ambition is about to meet the grind of pure racing grit!”
Forty‑four Equipe drivers roll into the arena, helmets down, eyes sharp, ready to put their handling skills to the ultimate pre‑season test. The award‑winning Super Sprint format is back fast, fierce, and unforgiving. Pace decides your destiny. The karts are ballasted, the playing field is level, and there’s nowhere to hide.
And remember… anyone caught sandbagging in qualifying will take the legendary Walk. Of. Shame. No mercy. No excuses. Just racing.
At 2pm, the lights go out. Afterwards? Victory tastes like pizza.
And this is only the warm‑up. The real season fires into life on 10 March at Brands Hatch for the Equipe Classic Racing Test & Media Day.
So strap in, settle down, and feel that heartbeat sync with the engines.
🏁 Drivers… start. Your. Engines.
MG Cup 