Legends Cars are expanding into mainland Europe with the setting up of a competition in France.  The deal, which was agreed earlier this month, will see a French Championship contested this season 2004.

Negotiations are currently well underway with the country’s organising body, FFSR, to gain homologation for the cars prior to the commencement of the championship.

Heading up things across the channel is 2001 French Super Touring Car Champion and Andros Trophy ice racer Jean-Philippe Dayraut.  The 34 year old runs a circuit in his home town of Toulouse.

600 Racing Europe boss Phil Cooper set up the first test session in France at Nogaro with Dayraut in January, both men pronouncing it a huge success.  Leading UK Championship runner Robin Drysdale was also on hand to offer advice on set up and handling of the 1,200cc Yamaha powered cars.  Not content with racing on home soil, Dayraut is also investigating a parallel campaign in the Corgi backed UK Championship subject to date clashes.

In addition to the French Championship which will begin at the end of April, plans are being made for an Anglo-French Legends Challenge to be held at Bercy.  The leading French drivers will also be invited to join the European team in the annual World Championships in America in November.

Further expansion in Europe is also likely as contacts have been established in both Italy and Spain.

Meanwhile, with an ice racing front runner joining Legends, the reigning Legends World Champion, John Higgins has been invited to race in the formula on ice in Finland next month.