Kent Motorsport Project:

Honda Civic Race Car Suspension Setup – Class Wins & Record Lap at Brands Hatch GP

Project at a Glance

Project Overview

In motorsport, every component of a race car contributes to performance—but few have as much influence on driver confidence as the suspension setup.

A well-balanced chassis allows the driver to brake later, carry more speed through the corners and consistently exploit the full potential of the car.

Kent Motorsport was entrusted with the suspension setup of two Honda Civic race cars that had been rebuilt and prepared by Snodhurst Garage for competition in the Classic & Modern Motorsport Club (CMMC) Southern Saloon Car Series.

Our objective was simple: develop suspension settings that would allow both drivers to get the very best from their cars on one of the UK's most demanding circuits.
Race winning Honda Civic race car suspension setup

The Vehicles

Vehicles: Honda Civic Race Cars

Championship: Classic & Modern Motorsport Club (CMMC) Southern Saloon Car Series

Circuit: Brands Hatch GP

Services Provided:

  • Corner weighting
  • Suspension setup
  • Steering geometry
  • Chassis optimisation
  • Trackside setup refinement

Customer Requirements

Following the completion of the vehicle builds, the cars required professional chassis setup before entering competition.

The aim was to optimise weight distribution and suspension geometry to produce a stable, confidence-inspiring race car capable of performing consistently throughout a race weekend.


Developing the Chassis

Every race car setup begins with accurate measurement rather than guesswork.

We first carried out a complete corner weight assessment to ensure the weight distribution was correctly balanced across the chassis.

Once this had been completed, we developed the suspension geometry to suit the characteristics of the Honda Civics and the demands of circuit racing.

Following initial setup, further adjustments were made after track testing to fine-tune the chassis and ensure the cars delivered predictable handling under race conditions.

This iterative process of measurement, testing and refinement is a vital part of developing a competitive race car.


Why Suspension Setup Matters

Suspension setup is one of the most effective performance improvements available in motorsport.

A correctly balanced chassis allows the driver to:

  • Brake with greater confidence.
  • Carry more speed through corners.
  • Make better use of tyre grip.
  • Improve consistency over a race distance.
  • Reduce unnecessary tyre wear.
  • Build confidence when driving at the limit.

Even relatively small adjustments to corner weights or suspension geometry can have a significant impact on how a race car behaves on circuit.


The Result

The results from Brands Hatch GP demonstrated the value of a carefully developed chassis.

Driven by Kam Tunio, one of the Honda Civics delivered an outstanding performance throughout the race meeting.

The car achieved:

  • Two class victories.
  • Fastest-ever lap for the Tin Tops series on the Brands Hatch GP circuit.
  • A remarkable lap time of 1:44.886.
  • Overall victory in Race One against every other Tin Tops class competitor.
  • Second overall in the Tin Tops field during Race Two.

For us, the most rewarding outcome wasn’t simply the race results—it was knowing the driver felt completely confident in the car, allowing them to push consistently throughout the weekend.

That’s exactly what professional suspension setup is designed to achieve.


Why This Project Matters

Race-winning performance isn’t created by horsepower alone.

A well-developed chassis gives the driver confidence to exploit every aspect of the car’s performance, often producing improvements that are impossible to achieve through engine modifications alone.

This project demonstrates how careful corner weighting, suspension geometry and chassis development can transform the way a race car performs on track.

It’s a philosophy that underpins every suspension setup carried out at Kent Motorsport, whether we’re working on a dedicated race car, a track day vehicle or a high-performance road car.


Related Services

Kent Motorsport provides professional chassis development and suspension setup for:

  • Circuit race cars
  • Track day vehicles
  • Sprint and hill climb cars
  • Historic competition cars
  • Performance road cars

Our services include:

Whether you’re preparing for your first race meeting or looking to extract the final few tenths from an established competition car, we can develop a chassis setup tailored to your vehicle, your driving style and your championship requirements.

Looking to improve your race car’s performance? Contact Kent Motorsport to discuss how professional suspension setup and chassis optimisation can help you get the very best from your car.

Honda Civic race car suspension setup
Honda Civic race car suspension setup
Honda Civic race car suspension setup
Honda Civic race car suspension setup
Kent Motorsport Project