Rafols to Make International Debut in Radical Challenge UK

Reigning Blue Marble Radical Cup North America champion Gustavo Rafols is set to make his international debut at Silverstone this weekend in the UK’s Radical Challenge series.

Rewarded with a Radical factory works team drive, the Puerto Rican rising star is due to compete at the famed Formula 1 circuit in the UK after winning the outright championship in the North American series last year.

Tom Drewer, Radical’s Global Motorsport Director said: “Outright champion across all three classes is a prestigious title to hold given the competitive nature of the U.S. series, and I can think of no one more deserving than Gustavo for the 2021 season.

“He dominated almost every round of the Pro 1500 class and has backed up the performance this year– winning two of the three opening races at Barber Motorsports Park and securing another win Road America, all in front of IndyCar crowds.

“I’m excited to see his performance against an international grid this weekend.”

Starting his Radical career in 2018, the young gun turned heads in his first full season, by securing the Rookie of the Year title in the Pro 1340 class while just 19 years of age.

Stepping up to Pro 1500 the following year, he finished 3rd in the class championship.

Confined to Puerto Rico, his progression was completely halted by COVID-19 in 2020; but that only made his comeback stronger as he dominated the 2021 season.

Nine wins and an additional five podiums later, he was crowned the Pro 1500 champion in addition to securing the outright title.

The outright championship is awarded to the driver across all three classes of the Blue Marble Radical Cup who secures the most points across the season.

The prize for this is an opportunity to drive with the Radical Works Team – the factory-supported race team based at the Radical headquarters in Cambridgeshire in the UK.

Currently, the outright champion for the 2022 season of the Blue Marble Radical Cup is being fought by Canadian Austin Riley from the Pro 1340 class, Reece Everard from the Pro 1500s and SR10 driver Robert Rossi in the Platinum class.

This award also supports Radical Motorsport’s ‘Race The World’ initiative – that enables competitors from any of the 14 international Radical series to join the grid at any of the iconic race tracks that they compete at around the world.

This initiative has been amplified recently with the announcement of a Radical World Finals that is due to be held in Las Vegas in November.

Speaking of his upcoming international debut, Rafols: “[I’m] excited to represent the Americas across the pond.

“Everyone knows the significance of Silverstone– It’s the home of British motor racing the birthplace of Formula 1, and I can’t believe it’s where I’m going to be competing in Europe for the first time.”

Rafols is one of 34 drivers competing in round 4 of the UK Radical Challenge series this weekend. Live coverage of the event will be available from Radical Motorsport’s YouTube channel as well as updates across their other social platforms.