Renault Sport UK assists Club Class to new home

Cars that raced in the now-defunct Club Class of the Formula Renault BARC Championship have been found a new home in Class A of the Formula 4 Championship, run by the 750 Motor Club.

Discussions between Formula Renault BARC Championship Manager Simon North and 750 Motor Club’s Robin Knight have resulted in a smooth passage being made for Formula Renault cars built prior to 2000.

All cars will have to run Avon slick tyres in place of the current Michelin rubber, although wet weather tyre choice remains free. The cars can have their built-in engine restrictor removed to increase performance, while the ride height must be raised to 40mm.

Club Class cars have been a mainstay of the Formula Renault BARC Championship, representing more than half of the 26-car entry in 2005 when Renault Sport UK became involved in the series. A desire from competitors to continue racing in the fast-growing series, which has been over-subscribed for the past two seasons, ensured they retained a spot on the grid until the 2008 finale at Silverstone.

Commenting on the negotiations, Formula Renault BARC Championship Manager Simon North said: “Renault Sport greatly values the contribution of Club Class cars to the growth of the series. Having six cars regularly on the grid in 2008 and a title fight that went to the last meeting is justification for keeping them in the field.

“Formula Renault BARC has now reached a level where we can’t accommodate them but we wanted to help facilitate a move to a new home. The list of modifications is relatively small so hopefully it will be a good home for them. Renault Sport will continue to support the championship with a trophy and cheque for £100 to the highest-placed Renault in the Formula 4 Championship.”

Long-serving Club Class driver Bob Pearson, whose son Ian was a three-time champion in the class, commented: “I really will miss the passing of these cars because to me, they represented everything a Clubman could want. They were built at a time of competition between manufacturers, so you knew you were driving the best car they could build. You could make your own parts and they were so easy to work on, which meant only spending a reasonable amount of money.

“I must admit the class has continued longer than I expected and I’d like to thank Renault Sport for doing that and I’m glad they’ve helped ease the passing. I’ve had many happy hours driving those cars so it’s nice they’ll still be able to race. It’s a sad time, but nothing lasts forever.”

Robin Knight, Competitions Secretary 750 Motor Club, commented: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer a home to these fabulous cars. They have provided great racing in the Formula Renault BARC Championship for many years and we look forward to equally close and competitive races in years to come.”