Britcar 24: Mitsubishi announces Lancer Evolution X race-car programme

Mitsubishi Motors UK can confirm that it is developing a race-going version of its new Lancer Evolution X, with which it plans to contest the increasingly popular Britcar Championship.

The project is being run in association with Southampton-based vehicle importation and compliance specialists SVA UK, with the car driven by the company's managing director and former BTCC regular James Kaye. It will run as a Mitsubishi works entry and appear in the official red and chrome Ralliart livery.

"We are pleased to be introducing a race-car programme for the Evo X", said General Manager for Ralliart Paul Brigden. "Mitsubishi UK has not been involved with circuit racing for many years, so this new initiative is a great opportunity for us. Subject to the level of interest from competitors, we are also hoping to announce a one-make race-series for the Evolution X soon."

The new car is being constructed by ADR Motorsport, the team which already builds and runs the two-works Mitsubishis currently competing in the British Rally Championship. However, ADR are no strangers to circuit racing, having been involved with a number of successful campaigns during the 1990s.

The first public appearance of the racing Lancer is scheduled for the weekend of September 20th & 21st , when the car competes for the first time in the Britcar 24-hour race at Silverstone, driven by Kaye and two other drivers who are yet to be named.

"As I'm yet to race this season I'm not only looking forward to getting back behind the wheel, but also driving the new Mitsubishi", said Kaye. "It is anticipated that the engine will develop around 400bhp which, together with the Evo's four-wheel-drive system and inherently good chassis, should make it a highly-competitive package."

Following on from the car's Silverstone debut, Kaye - who lives on the Isle of Wight and has a business based in Southampton - is planning to contest a full season in the 2009 Britcar Championship, plus other selected endurance events.

Mitsubishi UK are keen to point out that its venture into circuit racing will not effect any of its current or forthcoming rally campaigns.

-credit: mitsubishi-cars.co.uk