Caterham Academy: the motorsport series for beginners

For many automobile enthusiasts, the prospect of competing in a circuit race remains a distant dream. High costs, complex regulations, and numerous administrative processes have long discouraged amateur drivers, even those eager to put on their racing suits and experience the thrill of competition 🤔

The Caterham Academy was created precisely with this in mind: offering an accessible solution, both financially and technically, for anyone looking to take their first steps in motorsport 👍

See also: "Getting started in circuit racing: the complete guide"

A single-make championship born in the 1990s

The Caterham Academy is considered one of the most accessible ways to discover competitive racing. It is a single-make championship that brings together novice drivers behind the wheel of the legendary Lotus Seven (renamed Caterham Seven after its acquisition).

According to several sources, including the British website Caterham Cars, the very first iteration of the concept, then called "Scholarship", was introduced in the mid-1990s, specifically in 1995. The goal: to offer an affordable and competitive entry point for anyone wishing to start racing 🏁

In France, the Caterham Academy was launched in 2011.

The company Caterham Compétition France, now managed by Vincent Beltoise, has since organized a championship equivalent to the one launched in England, but tailored to the French market, with support from a network of distributors 🎉

A reassuring and well-structured formula

Since its introduction in France, the Academy has attracted new drivers every year, most of them novices, by offering a framework tailored to learning 👨‍🎓

The formula is simple: a lightweight and high-performance car, while still being road-legal, a shared technical regulation that limits costly modifications, a calendar featuring several iconic circuits, and a friendly atmosphere where competition and camaraderie go hand in hand 🙂

This approach allows participants, around twenty each year, to gradually learn the basics of racing: mastering vehicle handling, improving trajectories, managing pressure in a pack, understanding basic mechanics, and learning the rules of the sport.

The stated goal is clear: to let participants experience the adrenaline of a real championship without letting financial or technical complexity become insurmountable barriers.

Rules tailored for beginners

The success of the Caterham Academy largely relies on its regulations, designed to level the playing field and control costs.

The main idea is that driving skills and personal progress take precedence over power or technological superiority. The technical and sporting regulations prohibit any modifications to the vehicle, which must remain in its original state ⚠️

ℹ️ The category is reserved for drivers who have never participated in official car racing competitions, but drivers coming from karting are accepted. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and for those over 18, a valid driving license (Category B) is required. Additionally, the Academy category is only accessible for one year.

These rules foster a learning environment where participants are all beginners, without the pressure of competing against experienced drivers. Some participants may have already driven on circuits recreationally, but all are experiencing competitive racing for the first time 👍

The organizers also prioritize safety, which remains the absolute priority. A FIA-certified roll cage, homologated racing seat, six-point harness, master switch, and onboard fire extinguisher are all part of the mandatory equipment. Each component must meet specific standards, ensuring a high level of protection while keeping costs reasonable.

Before the first event, novice drivers benefit from a dedicated training day focused on car handling and driving basics. They learn about flag signals, ideal racing lines, starting procedures, and safety rules in pack racing. This personalized support allows participants to progress confidently and quickly, which is one of the keys to the success of the Caterham Academy.

The spec sheet: what makes the Caterham Academy so exciting?

The Caterham Seven is an iconic car, inspired by the Lotus Seven designed by Colin Chapman in the 1950s. Its founding principle: “Light is right,” focusing on lightness and mechanical simplicity to achieve an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio. The Academy version carries this philosophy into the modern era, adapting it to meet the demands of modern competition and safety.

Based on the Caterham 340, the car features a naturally aspirated 2.0 Ford Duratec engine producing approximately 170 hp at 7250 rpm. This might seem modest compared to 400 or 500-horsepower GTs, but the car weighs only 530 kg. This impressive ratio places it among the most dynamic vehicles in its category: a power-to-weight ratio of about 3.1 kg per horsepower, delivering blistering acceleration (0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds) and sharp responsiveness out of corners 💥💨

The tubular chassis, paired with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle (a classic feature of Caterham cars), provides highly responsive handling and a rare sense of agility. Weight transfers are felt instantly, the unassisted steering offers precise feedback, and every corner gives the sensation of being one with the car. This “simplicity and authenticity” enhances learning: drivers quickly grasp how to modulate the throttle, position the car in curves, and develop a true driver’s instinct—something that’s hard to find in modern vehicles that are too heavy and overly assisted 😉

The car is also road-legal, allowing some drivers to use it outside race weekends, or even drive it to the circuits. This combination of track efficiency and road homologation is a key part of the unique DNA of Caterham.

See also : "Roadster Pro Cup: The One-Make Competition in a Mazda MX-5"

Budget: from turnkey packages to additional expenses

Addressing the financial aspect is inevitable for anyone looking to start in motorsport. The Caterham Academy offers an overall cost that, while not negligible, remains highly competitive compared to other disciplines. The price for a brand-new, race-ready Caterham Academy is €62,400 (incl. VAT) 💶

Options such as specific paint finishes or an onboard camera kit are available at an additional cost.

This price includes the car, homologated for both road and track, as well as all the mandatory safety equipment (roll cage, FIA seat, harness, master switch, etc.). It also covers the season registration, the initial racing license, the initial training (mechanics and driving), and participation in the twelve planned races throughout the year. In other words, it's a genuine “turnkey package”: you write the purchase check and receive a vehicle ready to hit the track immediately 🙂

The budget might seem high, but it’s important to note that at the end of the season, you are the full owner of the vehicle, which typically retains a good resale value on the second-hand market. Many drivers choose to sell their Caterham Academy after one year of racing to recoup part of their initial investment. This significantly reduces the final cost 😉

Of course, additional expenses must be considered. First, there’s the driver’s personal equipment: FIA-approved fireproof suit, gloves, boots, helmet, and potentially a Hans or similar device, which can represent between €1,000 and €2,000 depending on the brands and models chosen.

Next, there are travel and accommodation expenses for race weekends. Circuits are not always nearby, and an overnight stay in a hotel or camper van is often necessary to be fresh and ready on Saturday morning 💪

Finally, you need to account for vehicle maintenance. Caterhams are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance, but intensive track use puts a lot of wear on brakes, tires, and other consumables (pads, discs, fluids, etc.).

A well-prepared and properly serviced car minimizes unpleasant surprises, but it’s wise to set aside a contingency budget for potential mechanical issues or minor repairs in case of a collision or off-track excursion! 😬

All in all, the overall budget remains very appealing for anyone wishing to experience the thrill of racing without breaking the bank, especially considering that resale opportunities can offset a portion of the expenses.

Where to buy a Caterham Academy?

Here is the list of dealers provided by Caterham Compétition France:

• Caterham Compétition France - 30520 Saint Martin de Valgalgues
• Bauden Racing Cars - 73360 Les Échelles
• Marcassus Sport Bordeaux - 33127 Saint-Jean-d'Illac
• Marcassus Sport Toulouse - 31770 Colomiers
• SV Automobiles - 28160 Yèvres
• Verbaere Automobiles - 59160 Lomme

Onboard camera in Caterham Academy: fierce battles on track!

Leveling up: progressing to higher championships

After their first season in the Caterham Academy, many drivers quickly become addicted to the adrenaline of racing and the thrill of competition. Fortunately, the Caterham world doesn’t end there: several advanced categories allow drivers to continue on the same path while gradually increasing performance and difficulty 📈

In France, for instance, drivers can move on to the Roadsport, 340R, or 420R (historically known as R300), each representing distinct championships with more advanced chassis setups and tougher competition. At each level, costs increase slightly as the car requires more sophisticated components, but the core principles remain: a lightweight, responsive Caterham without unnecessary electronic aids, and a friendly paddock atmosphere 🥳

For a transition to Roadsport, drivers will need to upgrade to semi-slick tires and modify the suspension system. The Roadsport kit is priced at €4,500 (excl. VAT) with a limited-slip differential and €3,000 without it.

This step-by-step progression offers a dual benefit. First, it allows drivers to enhance their skills without completely changing their environment. They stay within the Caterham universe, maintaining familiarity with the tubular chassis, unassisted steering, driving position, and more. Second, they grow within a tight-knit community, often reconnecting with friends from the Academy who have already taken the next step. This sense of camaraderie and familiarity is far less intimidating than transitioning to an unfamiliar championship with radically different cars.

At the European level, Caterham also offers more advanced events, and French drivers often cross the Channel or head to other prestigious circuits to compete against international rivals. This continuity allows for a true career path, from the Academy to the highest levels of Seven racing, without ever abandoning the original spirit: passion, simplicity, and the joy of driving 😎

The 2025 calendar: six meetings, twelve races

The 2025 Caterham Academy calendar includes twelve races spread over six weekends.

The circuits on the schedule include Val de Vienne, Dijon-Prenois, Paul Ricard, Anneau du Rhin, Alès, and Magny-Cours.

The season will kick off in the spring, following the initiation day organized in Alès in March. Four meetings are planned before summer, and the championship resumes in September to conclude in the autumn.

Each meeting follows the same format: a 30-minute free practice session to learn the track, two 20-minute qualifying sessions, and two 30-minute races, allowing drivers to maximize their track time and build on their progress from one weekend to the next.

A friendly atmosphere for steady progress

One of the key strengths of the Caterham Academy is its unique paddock atmosphere.

Even though drivers come to compete in real races and fight for the championship standings, friendliness and mutual support remain ever-present. Newcomers often receive advice from drivers with one or two seasons of experience, and the organizer encourages these exchanges by hosting common briefings and fun activities.

This spirit extends to the online community and social media. Many participants share their race videos, telemetry data, or driving tips to improve collectively. For many, Academy weekends are an opportunity to meet enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds: some work in IT, others in finance, and others still in the automotive sector, but all are united by a shared passion for speed and mechanics 😍

This camaraderie doesn’t exclude competition: on the track, everyone fights to gain positions and earn points in the championship. However, fair play remains essential and is a fundamental part of the championship’s DNA. Technical parity, progressive learning, and a focus on safety reinforce this “friendly” approach to racing, which attracts more and more drivers who might otherwise never have dared to step into competition.

Conclusion: crossing the starting line with confidence

Ultimately, the Caterham Academy offers one of the most accessible and educational entry points into motorsport.

With a controlled overall cost, rules designed for beginners, and a lightweight, road-legal car, the series allows drivers to discover the joys of racing while making quick progress.

Drivers looking to take it further can advance to higher championships like the 340R or 420R. Regardless, the 2025 season promises exciting opportunities for those eager to hit the track, immerse themselves in a welcoming atmosphere, and share their passion for speed. Additionally, the introduction of Roadsport endurance this year offers a chance to explore a new aspect of motorsport 👏

To learn more or join the championship, visit the official website.