Twin’Cup 1200 cc: a real race car for under €4,000!

Good news for everyone dreaming of racing on a small budget: Promo Events, the independent organisation based in the Gard region that runs the Twin’Cup, is launching a new 1200 cm³ version ready to hit the track at an unprecedented price, with a dedicated championship and classification.

The idea? Keeping the Twin’Cup’s “gentleman driver” DNA while drastically lowering the entry cost 😋

This new 1200 model complements the existing Twin’Cup 1600 cm³, whose engines produce around 135 horsepower. The objective is clear: offer an even more affordable entry point for beginner drivers or those wanting to have fun with the lowest possible budget 🔝

See also: "Twin'Cup: low-budget car racing with Twingo"

What is this new budget-friendly Twin’Cup 1200?

• 💶 Price: €3,750 ex-VAT for the complete car ready to race (assembled and checked by a dedicated team).
• 🎨 Livery: mandatory fixed livery supplied as files. Vinyl is not applied — budget for installation. Sponsors can be added in approved areas.
• ⚙️ Engine: stock Twingo 1.2 16-valve, tuned to around ≈ 100 hp thanks to camshaft work, ECU calibration, and port matching.

ℹ️ The Twin’Cup 1200 uses the same components as the 1600 — suspension, brakes, gearbox and tyres — ensuring fairness, pure driving, and a true one-make spirit.

• 📝 Race format: 2 qualifying sessions + 4 races per weekend, with a dedicated classification and championship for the 1200s. There is also a long sprint format (1 qualy + 1 long race) for added track time.
• 🤝 Shared driving: up to 4 drivers per car (e.g., 2 for sprints and 2 for endurance), ideal for splitting costs.
• 📜 Homologation: FFSA one-make series, but not homologated for other competitions (hillclimb, other trophies or championships). However, the car can be used on track days.
• 🛒 Purchase requirement: the car must be entered in at least 4 rounds (drivers may be different).
• 💰 Entry fees: around €700 per race in the classic sprint format, same as current Twin’Cup 1600 (excluding driver costs and licence).
• 📈 Evolutive: an upgrade kit will be available after two seasons to convert the car to 1600 cm³.
• 🛠️ DIY: a build kit is also available for those wanting to build their own car, announced at €2,500 ex-VAT (🆚 vs €4,500 incl. VAT for the Twin’Cup 1600 kit).

How is the Twin’Cup 1200 built?

These new 1200 cm³ Twingos are assembled and checked by an independent team in the Gard region before delivery 👌

⚠️ It’s important to note that these are not new cars, which partly explains the very aggressive price — but they are delivered assembled, compliant, and ready to race.

The reduced cost also comes from the absence of an engine swap: unlike the 1600 cm³ cars, this version uses the stock 1.2 16v engine, lightly optimised.

The technical base follows the Twin’Cup one-make philosophy: same suspension, same brakes, same gearbox, same tyres to guarantee fairness. The 1.2 16v delivers lively, rewarding driving with around 100–105 hp — plenty to have fun and learn properly without high running costs 👍

Can you build your own Twin’Cup 1200?

Good news for DIY enthusiasts: Promo Events offers a complete “build” kit for €2,500 ex-VAT, allowing you to assemble your own Twin’Cup 1200 cm³ from a donor Twingo 🎉

This kit includes all parts required to comply with the FFSA one-make regulations while keeping the same level of performance and safety as the cars assembled by the technical team 💪

Drivers wishing to evolve their car can later upgrade to the 1600 cm³ version thanks to the Evo Kit, available after two seasons. A smart way to start small and low-cost before eventually joining the top Twin’Cup category 🔥

➡️ Looking for a Twin’Cup to buy or rent? Browse all race car listings on GoToTheGrid 😋

What does a Twin’Cup 1200 race weekend look like?

The Twin’Cup 1200 cm³ cars race on the same grid as the 1600 cm³, but with a separate classification and championship. This guarantees exciting racing while keeping perfect fairness between engines ⚖️

Each weekend includes 2 qualifying sessions and 4 sprint races, with up to 4 drivers per car. For example: two drivers for sprints and two for endurance sessions. The result: maximum track time for everyone, shared costs, and the same friendly “gentleman driver” atmosphere the Twin’Cup is known for 😊

Where can the Twin’Cup 1200 race?

The Twin’Cup is an official FFSA one-make series, guaranteeing a strict technical and sporting framework for all competitors 👍

The 1200 cm³ version has the same recognition, but its homologation is limited to the Twin’Cup series: it cannot enter other championships (hillclimb, regional trophies, other FFSA series).

See also: "2CV/C1 Racing Cup: a unique endurance championship in Belgium"

However, it can be used for open track days, meaning drivers can train or simply enjoy driving outside race weekends 👌

How much does it cost to race a Twin’Cup 1200?

The car costs €3,750 ex-VAT (around €4,500 incl. VAT) ready to race. The official livery is provided but not applied — expect about €1,500 incl. VAT for vinyl installation if done by a professional ✅

👉 In total, for a maximum of €6,000 incl. VAT, you can have a car ready to take the start. Best case? Find a partner to sponsor the vinyl wrap — it’s often the first “sponsor” you’ll find 😉

Entry fees are €698 for the “classic” sprint and €298 for the long sprint. That’s roughly €1,000 per meeting to compete in all races.

As you must enter at least 4 rounds ➜ budget between €2,800 and €4,000 for the season depending on whether you run the long sprint as well.

💡 And this budget can of course be shared if you split the car with one or more drivers — one of the strengths of the Twin’Cup 🤝

Also budget for:

• 📄 FFSA licence: ~€270/year or €68 per event
• 🧤 FIA-approved driver gear (suit, helmet, HANS...)
• 🛒 Consumables (tyres, brake pads, fuel...): €300 to €500 per meeting
• 📹 2 onboard cameras + transponder (rental ~€50 depending on circuit)
• 🚚 Transport & logistics depending on your setup

💡 Rental possible: some teams offer rental for a race or a full season — perfect to try before buying.

When will the Twin’Cup 1200 debut?

The first tests for the Twin’Cup 1200 cm³ will take place during the 2025-2026 off-season, with several test days before the championship launch. The first official race is scheduled for March 2026 as part of the Coupe de France des Circuits.

A good idea to start in motorsport?

With this new Twin’Cup 1200 cm³, Promo Events is making a big move. Offering a real race car ready to go for under €4,000 ex-VAT is simply unheard of in modern motorsport 🥳

The organiser makes no profit on these cars — the goal is clearly to fill grids and get as many drivers racing as possible 👍

The concept keeps the original Twin’Cup philosophy: simple, fun, accessible, and fair — an ideal springboard for those wanting to experience racing without breaking the bank.

With its unbeatable purchase price, low running costs, ability to share the car, and upgrade path to 1600 cm³, this new format could attract new drivers curious to discover competitive motorsport in the best possible conditions.

In short, the Twin’Cup 1200 is the perfect entry point to turn the dream into reality — and maybe the best excuse to finally put a helmet on and take the start 😎

👉 Your questions about the Twin’Cup 1200 (FAQ)