Series Elite is a one-make race series just for the over-50s and has now announced the choice of car for its inaugural 2019 season – the 600hp, 200mph Jaguar XE SV Project 8.
The surprise choice of rookie racing car was announced in London. Series founder Graeme Glew says the choice of such a high-profile car will be pivotal in building up interest in the series.
“The opportunity to develop this awesome car into a fully fledged racer was one that I jumped at.
“Not only will our drivers own a fantastic race car, when they finally hang up their race boots, they can if they wish convert their Project 8 back into a road going version.”
An exclusive one at that: Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations has vowed to make no more than a 300 Project 8.
Series Elite is targeting high net worth individuals and says it gives “the unique premise of a racing series for novices who never had the opportunity to get involved in their youth”. Former racers will also be welcomed, adds Glew.
- Jaguar XE SV Project 8 is the fastest saloon car at the Nurburgring
- Jaguar will let you ride its 200hp Project at at the Nurburgring for £175 a lap
The first race will take place in May 2019, with a series of test sessions planned in the build-up. Circuits to be visited include Silverstone, Donington and Brands Hatch – and a flashy international finale is planned at Portimao, Portugal at the end of the season.
Glew adds that this will intentionally be a series for rich racers. Series Elite has “partnered with a number of luxury brand that will be joining us at the event: like-minded businesses who work within the high net worth individual industry and meet their demand for exclusivity and enriching their lives”.
It’ll be a turn-key series too: racers simply turn up and drive, rather than have to worry about transporting their cars to events. All will be prepared at a centralised facility, and relevant training, testing and race experience will be provided for competitors ahead of the first race next May.
The first Series Elite Project 8 racers will be ready for testing in early 2019.