Race for the title

So you think you want to race in the Carrera Cup too? Here's what you'll need

Participating drivers must have an authorisation letter and a valid international competition licence issued by his local FIA affiliated ASN (National Sporting Association. In Singapore's case, it's the SMSA). The driver also has to pass a medical examination. Amateur or ‘gentlemen' drivers can register to race in the Class B category of the race series. The reigning Class B champion will not be eligible to compete in the amateur class the following season.

The only cars eligible for the series are model year 2010 Porsche GT3 Cup cars. the cars might be largely based on the 450bhp GT3 RS road car but the minor enhancements have made the Cup car into a true GT racer.

You'd need to get hold of a 2010 MY GT3 Cup car first before you can go racing. Porsche hadn't quote prices for a MY 10 Cup car but a MY'09 Cup car will cost you in excess of 130,000 Euros without freight and duties etc. As only MY 10 cars are eligible, you can't take the used option this year. Tyres and fuel costs are needed to be paid by the entrant, so you'll need to reserve some budget for that. For tyres, the total cost for a season is estimated at 25,000 Euros assuming that you utilise three sets per race weekend. A deposit is also needed for participation. This will be returned at the end of the season if the driver participates in all rounds.

All in all, you'll need another six-figure sum per season for spares, run, maintain, insure and race the car - that is if you've not put the car into a big or serious shunt or other eventualities like a blown engine and so on.

Last but not least, there is additional money needed for your airfares, accommodations and other transport costs to and from the circuits. Thankfully, for those who don't have a habit of traveling in First or Business Class, there are budget carriers nowadays for those who want to save on their airfares!

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai in Sepang Photos by Porsche/PR Plus and Raymond Lai