OPC Challenge 2018: Back to the Adam
OPC CHALLENGE 2018 The OPC Challenge 2017 came to an end on Saturday with the closing ceremony and the honoring of the champions. At the same time, it marked the start of the 2018 season, which will be contested with the Opel Adam S. For a long time there was great uncertainty about the continuation of the OPC Challenge. Does it, like many other things, fall to the change of Opel/GM [...]
For a long time there was great uncertainty about the continuation of the OPC Challenge. Will it, like many other things, fall victim to the change from Opel/GM to the PSA Group and the cost-cutting measures?
All the more reason to feel relief when Christian Mettler, President of the Sports Commission of the GM Dealers Association, announced the program for 2018. "Group CEO Carlos Tavares is not only a tough CEO, but also has something that we also have - namely gasoline in our blood. He wants Opel Switzerland to continue supporting our motorsport," the Thurgau native let it be known.
Because the Opel Corsa OPC is only available for purchase until the end of March, it will be replaced as the competition car - by the Adam S. The small, agile 150-hp runabout is familiar to many participants and spectators from the 2015 season.
Thanks to a special support by Opel Switzerland in the amount of 2000 and the flex premium of 1500 francs, the Opel Adam S now only comes to 19900 francs. Tired with the Advan Neova AD08R from series partner Yokohama Switzerland (unit price 130 francs), Opel sports enthusiasts thus already have a race-ready vehicle.
There are only minor changes to the regulations compared to 2017. Instead of a Junior Cup, there is now a women's classification - with the hope that this will encourage more women to take part.
There will be new OPC champions in 2018
The championship with nine runs includes the slaloms of Frauenfeld, Interlaken (double run), Chamblon, Anneau du Rhin (double run), Drognens and Ambri (double run).
The OPC Challenge 2017 was won for the first time by Thierry Kilchenmann ahead of Fabio Gubitosi in the individual classification and, as in the previous year, by the Flammer Speed Team in the Team Cup.
Since neither Kilchenmann (getting married in April) nor Gubitosi (only three races left in the Team Cup) and Garage Karl Flammer from Glarus are defending their titles, there will certainly be new champions. This provides additional excitement.
