FORMULA Renault BARC’s transition from club status to national series will be confirmed this weekend (5th November) when the Renault Sport UK-backed championship receives equal billing with its established sister-series, Formula Renault UK and Clio Cup.
Just 12 months ago the prospect of holding a winter series was far-fetched for the championship but this year registrations have surpassed expectation with double-figure grids guaranteed.
“It’s a strong indicator that this series has really established itself,” said Championship Manager Simon North. “It’s a good, solid field for a winter race which is very good news for next year. The drivers have got a real enthusiasm to race – there’s great competitive spirit there.
“On top of that we’ve got TOCA teams taking an interest which indicates the series has really built itself some status over this season. That’s an extremely important achievement for everyone involved.”
After only one year of manufacturer backing competitors are already reaping the rewards of their new status with bigger prizes, more publicity and higher participation. “There’s been a lot of pluses to having Renault manage the series, not least the extra publicity it’s brought,” said this year’s Club Class champion Ian Pearson (Didcot, Oxon). “A lot more people have been taking notice and I’ve managed to get myself some backing for the winter series as a result.”
Pearson will be using the same car he drove at Oulton Park, where a gear box problem saw him narrowly miss out on a 2005 100% victory record. “I’ve been working on the car since then,” said the 25-year-old. “We’ve had to strip it completely down but I want to win this winter series, not just for the free registration prize but to make up for Oulton Park as well.”
One of Pearson’s former sparring partners in the Club Class has now signed with Welch Motorsport and will be driving the FR2000 in the winter series. “I think he’s going to go very well,” said team manager John Welch, whose son, Daniel, ran in the Formula Renault UK Championship this year as well as working for the BARC series’ champion ETEK Motorsport. “He’s had a day buzzing around Silverstone. It’s quite a big jump but he’s adapting very nicely.”
Other confirmed entrants include James Heffernan (East London), Robin Palmer (Yelverton, Devon), Denis Autier (London), Bob Pearson (Didcot, Oxon), Lee Larman (Hawkwell, Essex), Carolyn Barker (Sudbury), Pierre Renom (London) and James Green (Torquay, Devon).
Competitors will take part in a double-header at Brands Hatch this Saturday and Sunday (5th and 6th November). The winner will have their fees paid for the 2006 season.
For all the latest Formula Renault BARC news visit the official Renault Sport UK website www.renaultsport.co.uk built by Racecar
