Renault 5

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Renault 5
Engine: Renault 956cc
Configuration: front-engine, front-wheel drive
Driver: Brian Butler
Class: BRSCC Renault 5 Elf Challenge
Date taken: 1975 at Chicane, Croft
Characterised by trains of cars leaning at precarious angle around corners, the Renault 5 Challenge was by far the slowest formula to race in the seventies. It was testament to the driver's skill that they managed to lap the circuit at 60mph (96kph). The Renault 5 TS Challenge, with 1300cc engines, superceded this formula in 1976.





Renault 5
Engine: Renault 956cc 
Configuration: front-engine, front-wheel drive
Driver: David Hodges  
Class: BRSCC Renault 5 Elf Challenge 
Date taken: 1975 at Chicane, Croft





Renault 5
Engine: Renault 956cc 
Configuration: front-engine, front-wheel drive
Driver: Neil McGrath  
Class: BRSCC Renault 5 Elf Challenge 
Date taken: 1975 at Chicane, Croft
Neil started circuit racing in a Mini during the 1970 season, after previously gaining experience in Sprint and Autocross events. He held the Croft lap record at 61.4mph (98.9kph) for Renault 5s, and won the championship in 1974 and 1975. He went on to repeat his success in the Renault 5 TS Challenge, with 1300cc engines, in 1976 and 1978. Running concurrently with his efforts in Renaults, he was also very successful in the Escort Sports and Mexico championships. His exploits earned him a work’s drive in a production saloon, Renault Gordini during the ’79 season, resulting in a class win. Neil continued to race in Touring and Production Cars, in the UK and Japan, until 1987.

renault5_mickle.jpg (11151 bytes)



Renault 5
Engine: Renault 956cc
Configuration: front-engine, front-wheel drive
Driver: Mick Hill
Class: BRSCC Renault 5 Elf Challenge
Date taken:July 1975, Woodcote Corner, Silverstone (l)
Date taken: circa 1976 at Mountain, Cadwell Park (r)
Image Copyright: Robert Brown (l)
Image Copyright: Colin Stubbs (r)
Mick shared his name with another well known saloon driver who was more well known for his big engined Special Saloons. Mick raced Formula Fords early in the decade, campaigning his Lotus 61M around Britain. Mick's specialty was Production Saloons, winning many Renault 5 and Escort Sports races. His number plate read 'Mickle' in an attempt to distinguish himself form his namesake.