The Equipe MG Cup field had the first race of the weekend and they didn’t disappoint with a close lead battle in the early laps and action all the way down the field. Rhys Higginbotham had his ZR190 on pole but it was Dan Ludlow who led across the line at the end of lap one, Higginbotham right with him.

The lead pair eased away and stayed close, Higginbotham looking inside at Paddock Hill Bend going into lap six but having to settle for second, while Ludlow was on the grass at Clearways later in the lap, Higginbotham going ahead. The front two finished in that order with James Blake coming through from sixth early on to claim third in an exciting race that pleasingly featured several drivers making their competition debuts.

“It’s my first race in a ZR190 and we weren’t expecting much but the car was spot on,” said Higginbotham. “We just came here and did the best we can and it paid off.”

Sunday’s race saw Higginbotham and Ludlow trading paces for the lead on the opening lap, Higginbotham leading until pulling off on his sixth lap. This put Ludlow ahead from the rapid MGB of Peter Bramble, but again Blake was on a charge in his ZR190, into third by seven which became second when Ludlow spun at Surtees.

Blake closed on Bramble, who went wide at Paddock allowing Blake past down the inside into Druids and into a lead he held until the end. The recovering Ludlow got past Bramble at Paddock right at the end for second, while a fine drive from Archie Styant saw him claim fourth and Class B.

Ludlow & Higginbotham

Styant, Blake, Woodward, Lowery

Bramble

Pictures courtesy of Peter French, 20 cars on the grids made for some good sport with all classes well presented, Rover 216GTi, Rover 220Turbo, MG Montego Estate, MGB, MGF Cup, MGZR160, MGZR170, MGZR190, MGZS180 in 5 classes.

The first rounds on the MG Cup ae over, what a weekend and great racing was had by all in brilliant sunshine. Race report and pictures to follow.

Race 1 Saturday

1^st Place Rhys Higginbotham Class D MGZR190

2^nd Place Dan Ludlow Class I MGZR190

3^rd Place James Blake Class I MGZR190

Class D

2 in class Peter Bramble MGB Roadster

Class C

1^st in class Ashley Woodward MGZS180

2^nd in class Simon Lowery MGZS180

3^rd in class Neil Boswell ROVER 220 TURBO

Class B

1^st in class Archie Styant MGZR170

2^nd in class Stuart Emmet MGZR170

3^rd in class Terry Loxton MG MONTEGO ESTATE

Class A

1^st in class George Streather MGZR160

2^nd in class Freddie Ugo ROVER 216GTi

3^rd in class Andy Butcher MGZR120

Invitation

1^st in class Dan Ludlow MGZR190

2^nd in class James Blake MGZR190

3^rd in class Dean Brownlow MGZR170

Race 2 Sunday

1^st Place James Blake Class I MGZR190

2^nd Place Dan Ludlow Class I MGZR190

3^rd Place Peter Bramble Class D MGB Roadster

Class C

1^st in class Ashley Woodward MGZS180

2^nd in class Neil Boswell ROVER 220 TURBO

3^rd in class Simon Lowery MGZS180

Class B

1^st in class Archie Styant MGZR170

2^nd in class Stuart Emmet MGZR170

3^rd in class Terry Loxton MG MONTEGO ESTATE

Class A

1^st in class George Streather MGZR160

2^nd in class Freddie Ugo ROVER 216GTi

3^rd in class Andy Butcher MGZR120

Invitation

1^st in class James Blake MGZR190    

2^nd in class Dan Ludlow MGZR190

3^rd in class Dean Brownlow MGZR170

The season commences this weekend at Brands Hatch Indy circuit with an impressive double header event. We are pleased to introduce seven new drivers to the 2025 grid, highlighting our commitment to fostering new talent in motorsport. This year marks the 37th anniversary of our series, firmly establishing us within the Equipe Family.

We have a diverse array of 20 cars participating in the season opener, ranging from MGB models to MGZR120/160/170/190, MGZS180’s and including single-make race cars such as Rover 216Gti, Rover Coupe Turbos, and MGF Cup cars, complemented by an elegant Montego. As the year progresses, we anticipate the grids expanding, with 43 racers registered to participate throughout the season.

Our series prides itself on offering premier circuits, full hospitality for drivers and one guest, enforced regulations, high driving standards, and an exceptional paddock atmosphere.

For further information or to join us, please contact joinus@mgcup.com

Join the seven competitors in Class A with an MGF VVC or TF160. The series features clear regulations, monitored driving standards, and an engaging paddock, at UK premier circuits. Contact us at Joinus@mgcup.com

Race an MGF/TF? Join Class A in the MG Cup for up to 160 hp on Toyo control tires. Compete with 6 other cars. For more info, email joinus@mgcup.com.

Anthony Geogre join us in Dunlop Rover Sport Rover 220 Turbo, we look forward to seeing the car out with us. We have a class for original spec cars to race in, and more modified car are welcome in our invitation class to discuss spec of car joinus@mgcup.com

Freddie joins us and has entered Brands in his emulate Rover 216 Gti challenge car. We look for the his progression this season. If you own one of these cars get in touch as we have regulations for all Rover Sport cars and well as MG’s.

You can now enter Cadwell Park for two 20-minute practice sessions that are free of charge. This totals 40 minutes of track time, plus a 20-minute qualifying session and two 20-minute races for £495, amounting to 100 minutes of track time. Entries are now live and open to showcase Equipe Classic Racing. There are 60 places available, so it is your responsibility to enter. Please note the closing date is two weeks prior, after which a £50 late entry fee applies.

This year’s Zandvoort Summer Trophy is bigger and better than ever before! Eight different racing classes from all over Europe are gearing up for a race weekend to remember. Besides on-track racing, there will be several activities on the circuit for true car enthusiasts. In short, a weekend full of adrenaline, spectacle and racing spirit.

A grid to never forget

On 12-14 July, enjoy racing classes you won’t often see on the track. Classes such as Formula 4, ADAC Prototypes, Equipe Classic Racing, GB3 and many more.

The Equipe MG Cup are there with a choice of one or two races based on 40 minute for 1 or 2 drivers.