Frank Stephenson teams up with Praga Cars
Design legend Frank Stephenson is turning his attention to the race track with a creative partnership with Praga Cars
Frank Stephenson Design is to collaborate with Czech-based racing car maker Praga Cars in a series of projects throughout 2021. Stephenson will bring his design expertise to Praga’s new all-carbon R1 race car, with more details to be unveiled ahead of the 2021 Britcar Endurance championship in March.
Featuring carbon and zylon body panels and improved aerodynamics, the lightweight R1 pumps out 365hp. “It’s a purely engineering-led aero body, and it is like nothing else on the grid, which really excites me as I admire design that stretches the boundaries of what is possible,” says Stephenson. “We have a few ideas about our follow-up projects later in 2021, but first, I can’t wait to reveal the surprise that we have in store to kick off this collaboration.”
“Of course engineering is priority and is key to winning, but at the end of the day race cars also have to look great on track and in the paddock. At the top level millions of people watch cars racing and have them on their screensavers, so aesthetic is crucial and I find famous race cars are memorable for the drivers, the wins and also the looks.”
Stephenson said he would also be looking at Praga’s rich history for inspiration. “The way that aero defines the R1 especially means we can be really creative in our work. Interestingly in Praga’s case also their very long history as a company - over 114 years - means we can look at that for inspiration,” he said.
The partnership between Stephenson and Praga is a natural fit according to Mark Harrison, managing director at Praga Cars UK. “We have worked together at MINI and McLaren and it’s always an exciting journey with Frank. I knew he’d love the dramatic, functional look of the R1 and so it proved. The R1 is now in its fifth generation, so is a well-honed all-carbon downforce racer, but what we have planned will really raise the car’s profile to a new audience. It’s a real privilege for Praga to be working with such an iconic car designer as Frank and also to provide him with an opportunity to work on a championship-winning racing car.”
