Of course Renaults have always been competitive sporting cars both at club level and international events, particularly in Europe. How many companies provide manuals on how to improve the performance of their cars like the Competition Manual for Renault 12/15/17 that Renault released. Certainly not GMH in Australia.

Renault have always had some form of one make racing in Europe. Even in Australia in the 70's Renault supported a Gold star series one make event for Renault 12, as a support race for the big race days through out the east coast of Australia. And of course there are Renault's many rally wins both international and Australian. Finally Renault has had a significant presence in Grand Prix racing (Formula 1) from the early 1900's.

Even today many older Renaults are still used in club events. While new Renaults with sporting capabilities are available off the show room floor.

It is quite practical to "hot up" older Renaults. It can be reasonably cheap compared to many cars  and there is a wealth of information in the club to help you go about it. Oh and they do perform quite well. Check out these Youtube sites for some inspiration.

R8 Gordini 

R12 Gordini.

It is reasonably easy to improve the standard performance levels of all Renaults and the club members have a number of vehicles that have various improvements to give them above average performance. Even vehicles from the 50's can be made to out perform many modern vehicles at a reasonable cost.

Alans 750: Alans "NOT 750" is certainly not 750cc but 1600cc and is well .....a bit warmer than a standard 1600 Renault motor.

Al kellys 110. Al Kelly's Alpine 110 is modified for rallying. It is a very nice car. Check out his blog site.

Al's Site.

More stuff on sporting Renaults but mostly photos.

Below are a number of photos of sporting Renaults.

For more pictures and details on projects check out the forum.

New Megane Sport.

Click on the link below for detail on an off the shelf sporting Renault currently available from Renault dealers.

New Megane Sport

Competition Venues.

Venues like Queensland Raceway, Lakeside, and Morgan Park at Warwick, as well as many local tracks through out country Queensland offer opportunities for motor sporting competition for beginners as well as the professional. There are the Confederation of Motor Sports or CAMS controlled events, as well as the lesser known Australian Autosport Alliance or AASA events. In many country areas events are run by local clubs with no national affiliations.

The RCCQ has always been a supporter of CAMS and over the years has run events under its auspices, however as the cost of running competitive events has increased the club has dropped these from it's calander and now joins with other clubs to allow its members access to motor sport. For example, the MG Car Club operates Mt Cotton Hill Climb. The Holden Car Club specialises in motorkhana, a good type of event for the beginner.

A number of members have elected to compete under the AASA banner at their events. These are usually cheaper to become involved in and do not have the same level of competition being for amateurs. For example the cost to enter is lower and they hold events for family cars as well as specially prepared cars, without the need to spend large amounts of cash in preparation.

The RCCQ does hold track days from time to time where any roadworthy vehicle can be timed around a course. Even those with cars that are not so competitive can compete against their previous best time or against their mates car.

In all these events safety is given very high consideration.

These links will give you access to the two main controlling bodies of motor sport in Australia.

CAMS the main controller of international and national motor sporting events in Australia.

CAMS web site

AASA  offers track based events for amateurs in Queensland they are held at Queensland Raceway and Lakeside.

AASA web site

Motor Sport Officials.

Motor sporting officials are always required and the Renault Car Club over the years has always provided a number. This is a good way to become involved in competitive motor sport at no cost. There are many advantages, usually a ring side view, and other advantages can apply such as a free lunch or a T shirt etc, as well as the feeling of being part of the action. There are club members that will be able to tell you what is available and help you contact the appropriate clubs or associations.