EFDA Nations Cup
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The EFDA Nations Cup, was a Country vs Country competition for Formula Opel cars between 1990 and 1998. It had always been Dan Partel's dream to stage a race that pitted drivers in equal cars racing for their country. The Formula Opel/Vauxhall one make racing series offered the best opportunity for such an event. That dream became a reality when the first Nations Cup race was held at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium, on July 19th and 20th, 1990 and organised by the European Formula Drevers Association (EFDA) Subsequently, most attempts to organize such competitions had been half-hearted efforts, or attempted and discontinued. With this idea in mind, EFDA's founder, Dan Partel conceived the NATIONS CUP, a competition for national teams. EFDA had invested ten years in developing the concept. Partel describes the evolution of the concept; "A number of factors had to come together at the same time before it was possible to stage such an event. First, we needed a class of racing in which all cars are equal. The GM Lotus Formula with its one-make chassis, engine, and tire combination, proved ideal. In fact, the NATIONS CUP was part of my original thinking when first proposing the Formula to General Motors." In 1990, drivers representing 25 countries were already actively participating in the various Formula Vauxhall/Opel Lotus Series. The NATIONS CUP format called for two-car national teams. The Formula Vauxhall/Opel Lotus racing series was the only series that could muster twenty legitimate two-car national equipes from its active list of competitors. The format of the event was to remain the same for the next eight years. That is, two drivers from each country racing in virtually identical Formula Opel/Vauxhall racing cars painted in their national colors. EFDA selected the site for the first NATIONS CUP with great care. The famed Spa-Francorchamps circuit is licensed to start 46 cars or 23 two-car teams. It would be an Olympic-style event. Beside winning the coveted NATIONS CUP, the top three teams would be awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The event preceded the 24 hours of Spa. The weekend event occurred in the middle of the racing season. Traditionally, 85.000 spectators attend the 24-hour race while millions more around the globe would see the race on TV. The Nations Cup was a precursor to A1 Grand Prix of Nations. [edit] Champions
[edit] ReferencesFastlines International [1] |
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