Well, it’s not very often that a journo sets a record on the race track.
But that’s what Cinch Motoring & Lifestyle Editor, Sam Sheehan has one behind the wheel of a Radical race car in the UK.
The record was set at Rockingham Speedway in a Radical SR3 XXR, with a time of 1 minute 8.71 seconds, more than 5 seconds clear of the previous lap record held incidentally by the Australia’ Spartan supercar.
It also eclipsed the outright record of 1 minute 14.20 seconds, held by a Palmer Jaguar JP1.
The latest Radical SR3 XXR is the seventh generation SR3 and improves on the legendary SR3 formula with new power and precision, to enable drivers to lap faster, harder and for longer.
It was launched less than 12 months ago with a focus on usability and durability, while retaining the essence of what makes the SR3 the most successful prototype-style sports racing car in the world.
Radical SR3 models currently make up most grids in the 12 Radical Cup championships around the world, with over 1500 sold to date.
Powering the major change is the all-new engine from in-house Radical Performance Engines (RPE).
Delivering 173kW of power from the revised 1.5-litre unit, the lightweight SR3 XXR maintains its impressive power-to-weight ratio exceeding 260kW per tonne.
The new Generation 5 engine is also the first from RPE with the ability to run on biofuel.
Car journalist and racer Sam Sheehan had previously praised the Radical driving experience.
“Unless you’re lucky enough to come from the world of single seater or prototype racing, driving a Radical at speed requires a complete reset,: he said.
“Everything you’ve learned before from road cars is no longer relevant and the laws of physics seem to have been turned on their head, such is the step up in performance.”
There are now 12 single-make Radical Cup championships across four different continents, including the factory-supported Hagerty Radical Cup UK and the Blue Marble Radical Cup North America.
Rockingham Speedway was designed by renowned motorsport architect Hermann Tilke and was opened by the former Queen – Elizabeth II – in 2001.
Over the years the circuit has hosted an impressive array of races, including the British Touring Car Championship, British Superbike Championship, and various endurance races.
Close to Radical Motorsport’s own Peterborough factory, the circuit was the location for the SR3’s maiden victory and gave the second-generation SR3 RS its name in 2009 (Rockingham Speedway).
It was also the chosen location for the unveiling of the second-generation Radical SR1 in 2017.
Radical Motorsport is one of the world’s most prolific sports car manufacturers, with over 2,800 cars produced in the past 25 years.
A combination of lightweight construction, superbike-derived technology and aerodynamic downforce delivers models faster than a supercar, totally driver-focused and rewarding to drive.
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