After listening to our drivers, re-visiting past surveys and keeping abreast of changes in the Sevens racing scene, we are giving advance notice of our 2025 regulations.
Headline changes for 2025
Classes streamlined, then split into two groups.
'Controlled' Group classes for those on Toyo R888R tyres and similar performance.
'Unlimited' Group classes for those running any tyre, including slicks and wets.
2 x 20 minute races, with great value entry fees the same as our other categories.
Continuation of the optional half price Verum Builders Open series races, for those wanting more races, on any list 1A/B/C treaded tyres.
Everyone wants to see a way of returning to the more consistent grid numbers we enjoyed 5 or 6 years ago. The 30 car grid that began the season at Donington was a good start, however, numbers have been inconsistant since then. Regulations need to continue to appeal to a wide range of Sevens at both ends of the grid, with good value entry fees and high driving standards. Nothing stands still for long in racing, with tyre choice and availability still proving to be a challenge.
After talking to many drivers this season, we will be making these changes for 2025, with final regulations and classes published in November/December.
There are no changes planned for the remainder of this season, as drivers have already committed to tyres and the current set of regulations. Classes and Groups The Gold Arts Magnificent Sevens is unique in being a home for all makes, models and power of Seven-type cars. We are proud that at the sharp end we have some of the fastest Sevens currently racing in the UK, if not the world. Drivers need to feel their car stands a chance of being competitive in class, but not so diluted they are the only one in the class. Classes will be reviewed, simplified and then divided between two groups (Controlled and Unlimited tyres), occupying the same grid.
Tyre situation right now These have been a hot and contentious issue for a number of years. Without going over old ground we need to look at where we are right now, before announcing next season's changes. - The Avon ZZR Extreme and ZZS RT-7 has, depending on sizes, none or very limited availability and is of course out of production. News on whether NOVA will begin producing these in 2025 and beyond is not confirmed.
- The majority of Caterham championships are running the Toyo R888R. These are not available in a 13" size wider than 225 and have a limited ability to resist aquaplaning beyond a certain speed and depth of water.
- One Caterham championship runs a slick and wet.
- The CSCC has Sevens ranging in power from 125 to 300+ bhp. We recognise that the tyre preferences and budgets are quite different at both ends of the power range. Very wet weather at Anglesey on Saturday, was a timely reminder that drivers need a tyre they can have confidence in.
Tyres in 2025
Those entered in the 'Controlled Group' classes will have exactly the same range of tyres to choose from, as is currently in the 2024 regulations. Any MSUK list 1A/B/C tyre, with the exception of Avon ZZS RT-7, ZZR Extremes and Kumho V70A Supersoft (K12) and Soft (K22) compounds. Cars will likely display a coloured sticker for identification. This will mean that a championship specification car on Toyo's will be competitive with others in their class and group. Those entered in the 'Unlimited Group' classes may run any tyre they wish, including any list 1A/B/C tyre, the softer models outlawed above, racing slicks, intermediates and wets. A coloured sticker will likely be displayed for identification. Likely to appeal to both those with more powerful cars, but also those on a budget (using used tyres). Allowing any slick or wet gets past the Avon supply issues.
Format in 2025 The default format will change to a 20 minute qualifying session and two, 20 minute races on the same day. Two drivers may still enter, by sharing qualifying and enjoying one race each. On occasion, we may have a 40 minute race, for example at rounds where available time is restricted, or prohibitively expensive for members (one longer race occupies less time including clear up). Sevens drivers may, in addition to the Magnificent Sevens race, enter the Verum Builders Open series races (at half price), where they may use any list 1A/B/C tyre, but not a slick or wet. This is unchanged from 2024.
Q. Surely this will only increase the lap time differential between the cars? A. By halving the race length, to 20 minutes, this will lessen the amount of lapping that takes place. All cars, regardless of power will have the option of racing on any tyre, provided they enter the correct group.
Q. Will this increase costs? A. No, at least it shouldn't do and it may actually save some costs. Many Sevens can run happily on used single-seater slicks and wets that can be found from £10 a corner. Indeed, this was how CSCC Director David Smitheram started racing Caterham's on a budget. Adams & Page have confirmed that they will provide a tyre fitting/swapping service if required. Entry fees will be the same as we charge our other 2 x 20 minute and single 40 minute race series.
Conclusion We expect this to be the last major change to regulations, to get back to some stability. Whether entering single rounds, or the whole series, we hope these proposals strike a chord with a wide cross-section of Sevens drivers.
