Superstars Series

Last updated
Superstars Series
Superstars World logo.jpeg
Category Touring cars
CountryInternational
Inaugural season2004
Folded2013
Drivers28 (2014)
Teams10 (2013)
Tyre suppliers Hankook
Last Drivers' champion Flag of Italy.svg Francesco Sini
Last Teams' champion Flag of Italy.svg Audi Sport Italia
Official website www.superstarsworld.com

The Superstars International Series was a production-based touring car racing championship held between 2004 and 2013. It was managed by the "Superstars World of Racing SpA", SWR, a company of FG GROUP with headquarters in Rome [1] and sanctioned by the Automobile Club d'Italia (ACI) and the Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana (CSAI). [2] FG GROUP, led by Maurizio Flammini, is famous for having promoted the FIM World Superbike Championship from its beginnings in 1988 until its sale to Infront Sports & Media in 2007. [3]

Contents

Superstars Series logo used from 2010 to 2011 Superstars Series logo.jpg
Superstars Series logo used from 2010 to 2011

After the shutdown of the promoter SWR in late 2013, the competition has been re-branded as EuroV8 Series and organized by FG Group and ATT (Associazione Team Top cars). SuperTouringSeries is going to be performed by Pan Asia Racing Enterprise Ltd. (PARE Ltd) in 2015. [4] However, it has been cancelled.

The new championship’s identity, partners, teams, sporting regulations and calendar was unveiled at the Autosport International show in January 2014. [5]

History

The series began in 2004 as Trofeo Nazionale Superstars (Superstars National Trophy) with a six race schedule, all the events held at Italian tracks. The initial field was made of BMW M5 and Jaguar S-Type models, entered by five teams.

From 2005 the series became the Campionato Italiano Superstars (Italian Superstars Championship), and soon became the main tin-top auto racing series of the country, replacing the Italian Superturismo Championship (folded in 2007).

BMW racing in the Superstars Series Thomas-biagi.JPG
BMW racing in the Superstars Series

In 2007 the series started to visit circuits in other European countries as the FIA approved International Superstars Series. Since then every season awards two different drivers' titles, one for the International Series and one for the Italian Championship. Points are gained for the Italian Championship at each Italian and one European race meeting.

With the 2010 season a new series was added, the International GTSprint Series allowing GT2, GT3 and nationally-homologated GTs. Uniquely, however, it has two 25 minute sprint events per weekend rather than the usual two-driver, long-distance runs that are the norm in GT competition.

The 2012 season saw the growth of the series in terms of media and spectators - attracting 33,000 fans to its race at Vallelunga in Rome on October 7, 2012. [6] Johan Kristoffersson won the championship in his KMS Audi RS5 after a season long battle with Vitantonio Liuzzi and his CAAL Racing Mercedes AMG C63. Kristoffersson's success in Superstars proved a strong element in advancing his career. [7]

The 2013 calendar contains eight races in 6 countries. The series promoters have given the series an umbrella name "The Superstars World of Racing" that reflects its international growth and refers to the entire weekend of events which includes The Superstars International Series, the GT Sprint International Series, local support races and entertainment events. [8]

Format and philosophy

Audi RS4 of the Superstars Series Steven goldstein audi rs4 pilot colombia.jpg
Audi RS4 of the Superstars Series

Since 2009 the Series has run a two sprint race format. Race 1 to take place Sunday morning and Race 2 to take place Sunday afternoon.

The technical regulations are designed to bring the largest touring cars together in a balanced competition that limits costs, maximizes spectacle and limits driver assistance. A total of 10 brands will be represented in the 2013 edition: Audi RS5, BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V, Chevrolet Lumina and Camaro, Chrysler 300C SRT8, Jaguar XF, Lexus ISF, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes C63AMG, Porsche Panamera. [9] [ needs update ]

Technical regulations

Final season

The 2013 Superstars championships are reserved for production-based saloon cars with the following basic characteristics:

Each homologated car must comply with a technical sheet issued by the Permanent Bureau, which contains the technical description of all the car's components, both originals and belonging to technical kits.


Eligible cars

HomologationMakeModelEngineOptional engine(s)
STS-0001/06 Audi RS4 (B7) Audi BNS (4.2 litre V8)
STS-0004/06 BMW 550i (E60) BMW N62B48 (4.8 litre V8)
STS-0005/08 Cadillac CTS-V GM LS2 (6.0 litre V8) GM LS3 (6.2 litre V8), GM LS7 (7.0 litre V8)
STS-0006/08 BMW M3 (E90) BMW S65B40 (4.0 litre V8)
STS-0007/08 Chrysler 300C SRT8 Chrysler Hemi ESF (6.1 litre V8)Mopar 426 Hemi (7.0 litre V8)
STS-0008/08 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204) Mercedes-AMG M156 (6.2 litre V8)
STS-0009/08 Chevrolet Lumina CR8 GM LS3 (6.2 litre V8)
STS-0010/09 BMW M3 Coupé (E92) BMW S65B40 (4.0 litre V8)
STS-0011/09 Maserati Quattroporte Ferrari F136U (4.2 litre V8) Ferrari F136Y (4.7 litre V8)
STS-0012/10 Jaguar XFR Jaguar AJ-133 (5.0 litre V8 S/C)
STS-0013/10 Audi RS5 (B8) Audi CFS (4.2 litre V8)
STS-0014/10 Porsche Panamera S Porsche M48/20 (4.8 litre V8)
STS-0016/10 Lexus IS-F Toyota 2UR-GSE (5.0 litre V8)
STS-0017/12 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé (C204) Mercedes-AMG M156 (6.2 litre V8)
STS-0018/13 Chevrolet Camaro SS GM LS3 (6.2 litre V8)

Note: Chevrolet Lumina CR8 is a badge engineering of HSV Clubsport R8.

Expired homologations

Cars no longer eligible:

HomologationMakeModelEngineOptional engine(s)Last season
Audi RS6 (C5) Audi BCY (4.2 litre V8 twin-turbo)2006
STS-0002/04 BMW M5 (E39) BMW S62B50 (4.9 litre V8)2011
STS-0003/04 Jaguar S-Type R Jaguar AJ-34S (4.2 litre V8 S/C)2011
STS-0015/10 Jaguar XF SV8 Jaguar AJ-34S (4.2 litre V8 S/C)Jaguar AJ-133 (5.0 litre V8 S/C)2011

Sporting regulations

Scoring system

The scoring system has been revised for 2009 season.

Position1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10thPoleFastest Lap
Points2015121086432111

Since 2012 an additional point is awarded to every driver in the starting grid of each race.

Champions

Superstars Series
SeasonCampionato Italiano SuperstarsInternational Superstars Series
Driver ChampionTeam ChampionDriver ChampionTeam Champion
2004 Flag of Italy.svg Francesco Ascani (BMW M5 (E39)) Flag of Italy.svg CAAL Racing
not held
2005 Flag of Italy.svg Tobia Masini (Audi RS6 (C5)) Flag of Italy.svg CAAL Racing
2006 Flag of Italy.svg Max Pigoli (Jaguar S-Type R) Flag of Italy.svg Audi Sport Italia
2007 Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (Audi RS4 (B7))not awarded Flag of Italy.svg Giuliano Alessi (BMW 550i) Flag of Italy.svg CAAL Racing
2008 Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (Audi RS4 (B7)) Flag of Italy.svg Stefano Gabellini (BMW 550i) Flag of Italy.svg CAAL Racing
2009 Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (BMW M3 (E90)) Flag of Italy.svg CAAL Racing Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (BMW M3 (E90))not awarded
2010 Flag of Italy.svg Thomas Biagi (BMW M3 (E92))not awarded Flag of Italy.svg Thomas Biagi (BMW M3 (E92)) Flag of Italy.svg Team BMW Italia
2011 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Cerqui (BMW M3 (E92)) Flag of Italy.svg Andrea Bertolini (Maserati Quattroporte) Flag of Italy.svg Team BMW Italia
2012 Flag of Sweden.svg Johan Kristoffersson (Audi RS5) Flag of Sweden.svg Johan Kristoffersson (Audi RS5) Flag of Italy.svg Dinamic
2013 Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (Audi RS5) Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Morbidelli (Audi RS5) Flag of Italy.svg Audi Sport Italia
EuroV8 Series
SeasonDriver ChampionTeam Champion
2014 Flag of Italy.svg Francesco Sini (Chevrolet Camaro SS) Flag of Italy.svg Audi Sport Italia

Trophies

Superstars Series
SeasonRookie TrophySenior Car TrophyStars Drivers Trophy
2009 Flag of Italy.svg Pierluigi Martini (Chrysler 300C SRT-8) Flag of Italy.svg Mauro Cesari (BMW M5 (E39))not awarded
2010 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Cola (Audi RS4 (B7)) Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Cola (Audi RS4 (B7))
2011 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Cerqui (BMW M3 (E92))not awarded Flag of Italy.svg Francesco Ascani (BMW M3 (E90))
2012 Flag of Sweden.svg Johan Kristoffersson (Audi RS5) Flag of Italy.svg Nico Caldarola (Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG)
2013 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Laurens Vanthoor (Audi RS5) Flag of Italy.svg Gianni Giudici (BMW M3 (E92))

Media coverage

Television coverage

In 2012 the Superstars Series received live and as-live broadcast in 103 countries with total distribution reaching 195 territories. The 2012 TV media value, as per data from wige and sport+Markt, was €56 million. [10]

Video games

In 2009, the championship made its video game debut Superstars V8 Racing which features the 2008 championship. A sequel named Superstars V8 Next Challenge was released in February 2010, featuring the 2009 season.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touring car racing</span> Motorsport road racing competition

Touring car racing is a motorsport road racing competition that uses race prepared touring cars. It has both similarities to and significant differences from stock car racing, which is popular in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fabrizio Giovanardi</span> Italian racing driver (born 1966)

Fabrizio Giovanardi is an Italian racing driver. During his career he has won ten touring car titles, including European and British crowns making him the most successful touring car driver worldwide. He has spent the majority of his career racing for Alfa Romeo and Vauxhall.

The European Touring Car Championship was an international touring car racing series organised by the FIA. It had two incarnations, the first one between 1963 and 1988, and the second between 2000 and 2004. In 2005 it was superseded by the World Touring Car Championship, and replaced by the European Touring Car Cup between 2005 and 2017 when became also defunct.

The International GT Open is a grand tourer-style sports car racing series founded in 2006 by the Spanish GT Sport Organización. It was a spin-off of the now-defunct Spanish GT Championship, but is now a distinct series featuring FIA GT3-spec cars modified from production road cars.

The 2011 Superstars Series season was the eighth year of the Superstars Series, an Italian-based touring car racing series, featuring the eighth edition of the Campionato Italiano Superstars and the fifth year of the International Superstars Series. The season began at Monza on April 10, and finished at Vallelunga on October 10, after nine rounds. Eight of the nine rounds counted towards the International title, won by Andrea Bertolini driving for Maserati, with six rounds counting towards the Italian title, won by Alberto Cerqui driving for BMW.

The 2012 Superstars Series season was the ninth year of the Superstars Series, an Italian-based touring car racing series, featuring the ninth edition of the Campionato Italiano Superstars and the sixth year of the International Superstars Series. The season began at Monza on April 1 and finished at Pergusa on October 28, after eighth round. A ninth round was planned at Sentul but it was cancelled.

Maurizio Flammini is an Italian former racing driver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johan Kristoffersson</span> Swedish racing driver

Johan David Kristoffersson is a Swedish racecar driver. He is a five time World Champion having won the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022. In 2018 he won a record breaking 11 out of 12 events in the championship. He is the son of former racing driver and Kristoffersson Motorsport (KMS) team owner Tommy Kristoffersson. He also won the Superstars Series championship in 2012, the same year in which he claimed the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship and Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia titles.

The 2013 Superstars Series was the tenth year and final season of the Superstars Series, an Italian-based touring car racing series, featuring the tenth edition of the Campionato Italiano Superstars and the seventh and final season year of the International Superstars Series. The season began at Monza on 7 April and finished at the ACI Vallelunga Circuit on 13 October, after eight rounds. Audi Sport Italia driver Gianni Morbidelli won both the Italian and International championships, with Mercedes-AMG Romeo Ferraris driver Vitantonio Liuzzi resulting runner-up.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 World Touring Car Championship</span>

The 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship was a motor racing competition organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) for Super 2000 Cars. It was the eleventh FIA World Touring Car Championship, and the tenth since the series was revived in 2005.

Team Ferlito is a team founded in 1984 in Verona. It is also known with the name Ferlito Motors, a moniker used until 2010 on the team's racing cars.

The 2014 EuroV8 Series was the first and final season of the EuroV8 Series, a series formed using the machinery from the Superstars Series, which folded after the 2013 season. The series was re-branded by the FG Group and the Associazione Team Top Car (ATT) for the 2014 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International GTSprint Series</span>

The International GTSprint Series was a grand tourer-style sports car racing founded in 2010 by FG Group, led by Maurizio Flammini, and afterwards by Superstars World of Racing SpA, a company managed by the same group. The series born under the name of Superstars GTSprint and took the current name the following year, and was canceled before the 2014 season due to lack of entries.

The 2010 Superstars GTSprint Series season was the first year of the International GTSprint Series. The season began at Monza on 28 March and finished at Vallelunga on 10 October. Alessandro Bonetti and Maurizio Mediani won the championship, driving a Ferrari.

The 2011 International GTSprint Series season was the second year of the International GTSprint Series. The season began at Monza on 10 April and finished at Vallelunga on 9 October. Gaetano Ardagna and Giuseppe Cirò won the championship, driving a Ferrari.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Superstars Series Vallelunga round</span>

The 2012 Superstars Series Vallelunga round was the seventh round of the 2012 Superstars Series season. It took place on 7 October at the ACI Vallelunga Circuit.

Romeo Ferraris is an Italian tuning and auto racing team based in Milan, Italy. The team has raced in the TCR International Series, since 2016, and in the FIA ETCR – eTouring Car World Cup, since 2021. Previously the team had raced in the Superstars Series and the Italian Touring Car Championship, amongst others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antti Buri</span> Finnish racing driver

Antti Buri is a Finnish racing driver currently TCR Italian Series champion. Having previously competed in the ADAC TCR Germany Blancpain Endurance Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Germany & International GTSprint Series amongst others.

Alessandra Neri is an Italian racing driver currently competing in the TCR International Series. She previously competed in the International GTSprint Series, Italian GT Championship & Formula Azzurra amongst others.

Mario Ferraris is an Italian racing driver currently competing in the TCR International Series. Having previously competed in the Superstars GTSprint Series, Campionato Italiano Turismo Endurance and International GT Open amongst others.

References

  1. "FG Group". Archived from the original on 2013-03-15.
  2. 2009 Superstars Marketing Presentation Archived April 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  3. "FG Sport become Infront Motor Sports". Motors TV.
  4. Hudson, Neil (25 January 2014). "New EUROV8 SERIES to fill-in for Superstars in 2014". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  5. Hudson, Neil (4 December 2013). "SuperTouringSeries to take over from Superstars". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB.
  6. Omni Corse. "33,000 a Vallelunga". Omni Corse. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  7. SUPERSTARS. "SUPERSTARSWORLD a perfect fit for young racers" . Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  8. SUPERSTARS PRESS OFFICE. ""SUPERSTARSWORLD" reveals combined schedule for 2013 SUPERSTARS, GTSPRINT INTERNATIONAL SERIES".
  9. SUPERSTARS, MARKETING OFFICE. "2013 Brochure". SWR SpA. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  10. SUPERSTARS. "MARKETING BROCHURE". SUPERSTARS MARKETING DEPARTMENT. Retrieved 2013-02-26.