Renault Sport Trophy
| Company type | Racing competition |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorsport |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Defunct | 2016 |
| Fate | Discontinued |
| Parent | Renault Sport |
The Renault Sport Trophy was a single-make racing competition organized by Renault Sport. The series showcased the Renault Sport R.S. 01 during the 2015 and 2016 seasons within the Renault Sport Series, but it was discontinued after just two years.
Development
Plans for a new one-make sports car championship were introduced by Renault in 2014, with the Renault Sport RS 01 racecar revealed at the Moscow Motor Show. Created by Renault Sport, the RS 01 featured a 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine tuned by Gibson Technology and supplied via Renault’s partner Nismo, paired with a chassis constructed by Dallara. The series was designed to accommodate a professional and gentleman driver format. Its first season commenced in 2015, followed by a concluding season in 2016, where it acted as a support category for the 2016 European Le Mans Series.
Drivers and race format
The championship included pairings of professional and gentleman drivers, with professionals competing in the Elite (PRO) division and gentlemen in the Prestige (AM) division. During race weekends in 2016, the schedule featured one endurance race lasting either 60 or 90 minutes plus an additional lap, involving both drivers. Additionally, there were two separate 25-minute sprint races—one dedicated to Elite drivers and another for Prestige competitors. Grid positions for these shorter races were determined through individual qualifying sessions, while the starting order for the endurance event was established by combining the qualifying results of both Elite and Prestige classes.
Awards
In 2016, the champion of the Renault Sport Trophy Elite category earned access to a driver development program along with a test opportunity with Nismo’s Super GT team. Should the driver not advance to Super GT competition, a monetary prize of €200,000 was granted instead. Meanwhile, the winner of the Prestige category had the option to receive €140,000 to help progress into the Elite class or alternatively secure an LMP2 entry at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Specifications
- Engine capacity: 3.8 L DOHC V6
- Transmission: 7-speed paddle-shift semi-automatic with reverse
- Weight: 2524 pounds
- Power: 550 horsepower
- Fuel type: Elf LMS 101.6 RON unleaded
- Fuel tank volume: 39.6 US gallons
- Fuel system: Fuel injection
- Induction: Twin-turbocharged
- Dimensions: Length of 4710 mm, width of 2000 mm, wheelbase measuring 2744 mm
- Steering system: Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
