Donington Park, UK (3rd July 2024) – In the world of motorsport, most purpose-built race cars are delivered in a standard white, ready to be wrapped, raced, and often repaired before hitting the track again. Over half of the 150+ Radical race cars that roll out of Cambridgeshire, UK, each year adhere to this tradition. However, some racers prefer to stand out, which is why Radical offers seven distinct bodywork colors, plus an eighth ‘bespoke’ option. This unique choice caught the eye of two-time Gulf Radical Cup Champion, Alex Bukhanstov.
Preparing for the 2024/25 season, Bukhanstov chose a distinctive ‘Ruby’ hue for his new Radical SR3 XXR, making it the only SR3 XXR in this striking color. This exclusive shade, though currently unique to Bukhanstov, can be ordered through Radical’s extensive network of over 30 global dealers.
Bukhanstov secured his Ruby SR3 XXR through Radical UAE, operated by GulfSport. GulfSport, renowned for its racing expertise, mirrors Bukhanstov’s championship success, having won the Radical Dealer of the Year award for the Rest of World region, covering Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, for consecutive years.
GulfSport, helmed by the father-son team of Barry and Martin Hope and based at the FIA-sanctioned Dubai Autodrome, has been a cornerstone of the Gulf’s motorsport scene since its inception in 2004. The company has significantly developed the Radical market across the Gulf region, and in 2005, it established the Gulf Radical Cup, one of the most celebrated Radical Cup championships globally. This November, Radical UAE will host the 2024 Radical World Finals at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Creating Bukhanstov’s unique Ruby color was a challenge met by the skilled team at Radical’s Cambridgeshire factory. They began with small samples sent to Dubai, allowing Bukhanstov to evaluate the color under Dubai’s sun. Once approved, Radical’s in-house body shop team set to work, applying the bespoke color to the fibre-reinforced composite bodywork panels. Simultaneously, in the main assembly hall, the spaceframe chassis, 1500cc RPE engine, and other internals of the race car were meticulously constructed.
The process involved mixing specially-formulated pigments into the gelcoat layer, resulting in a colored, glossy finish that will endure for years. This method also ensures the SR3 XXR’s surface is more resistant to chips compared to traditional paint, even under the extreme conditions of high-speed racing.
