The KZ1R, Ascari’s new thoroughbred for the track, hit British tarmac for the first time. Sporting the number 38 badge, the KZ1R was driven by Nicholas Cowell at the start of the 2004 Bullrun Ibiza with Wanadoo, in support of The World DJ Fund raising money for Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy. It’s special appearance at the event, held at Marble Arch, London, marked Ascari’s announcement that the KZ1R is now available to order.

After driving the KZ1R for the first time Nicholas reveled in the attention it drew saying: "Everyone was going mad over the car, it created such a stir. I really love this car, I want to keep it – it’s awesome! It’s incredibly fast with amazingly precise handling."

The KZ1R is the track-tuned version of the KZ1, the race-bred supercar for the road, of which only 50 will ever be created.

Its powerful 5.0-liter BMW based V8 engine delivers 520 bhp and can reach a top speed of 200 mph and goes from 0-60 mph in an adrenalin pumping 3.7 seconds.

Hand-built to order at the state-of-the-art Ascari design and production facility in Banbury, the KZ1R costs around £225,000 (approx. $400,000) depending on exact customer specification. Stylish, edgy and sleekly aerodynamic the KZ1R has a super-light, super-strong carbon fiber monocoque chassis and body shell weighing just 1,250 kg (2755 lb). A front splitter and fixed rear wing add the finishing touches that turn this supercar into a track superstar. The interior is stripped to the bare bones to reduce weight even further and accommodate the integral roll cage. This is a car designed to take pole position on even the most challenging racetrack and is one to look out for in 2005.