Lotus Cup Europe's second season, under the control of Lotus on Track Racing Drivers Club, gets underway this weekend (30 April/1 May) at the famous Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

The series, which appeals to seasoned veterans and enthusiastic amateurs alike, is split into four categories: the 2-Eleven, Exige and Production classes, and the Invitation class for anything else Elise based.

The Lotus Cup Europe has thrived, seeing its numbers increase three-fold since the Lotus on Track Racing Drivers Club took charge of the Group Lotus-sanctioned series at the start of last season.

Scott Cruickshank, driving in the 2-Eleven class, will be looking to get his season off to a good start, but with a grid of close to 40 competitors it won't be a simple task. Expected to give Cruickshank a run for his money this season is Michael Damoiseaux, who shared the majority of the race wins with the Scotsman last year, as well as Christophe Lisandre, while Frank Berger will be out to impress as he makes his Lotus Cup Europe debut at his home circuit.

In the Exige class, brothers John and Gregory Rasse will be the drivers to beat in a record class of 12 cars, while the production class could prove less predicable with a wide range of entries leaving the category quite open.

The Nurburgring race is the first of seven events in 2010, with the series visiting other famous venues such as Magny Cours in France, Brands Hatch in the UK and Spa Francorchamps in Belgium along the way.