[robin]

This should really be in the Mexico Forum, but most of the one make discussion has occured here.

The Renault Sport Clio Cup, identically prep'd Group N3 Clio Sport rally cars in a one make series. Purchase Price? less than $20K U.S. ($31K CAD) fully prep'd & ready-to-rally. Eight rounds, all in old Mexico.

see:
http://translate.google.com/transla...ort+rally+N3&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=G

Robin

 

[wvonkessler]

And from my understanding, from someone involed in CNAR, there is no barrier to US competitors purchasing the Clio. It certainly would be Group 2 competitive (in addition to CNAR).

Wilson

 

[mattjohnston]

"Renault Mexico offers the cars to pilots of the public in general to a preferential price, the buyers acquire the commitment of rotulación in the cars of Sport Renault in 25% of the space available of body, besides to fulfill all the norms of the category Group N3 FIA in Mexico and the effective regulationses of CNR, FIA, and FMDAD."

Um does this mean I need a 5k downpayment?

Anyone have any purchasing info?

Can I lease it! With 2k cashback?

 

[robin]

The cars are ordered direct from Renault Sport (check out their site, http://www.renault-sport.com ) and cost 19K Euro - complete with Bilstein suspension (Ohlins is extra)

I guess the whole prob is importation - unless you start a holding company in Mexico.

They sell a Super 1600 version too...

Robin

 

[Ray]

Where do you people get your information?
Post the link to the info about pricing and such here.
I'd really like to see that.

Whiplash RallyeSport

 

[robin]

The links are posted above.

The pricing came in an emailed response to my inquiry.

Robin

 

[mattjohnston]

My next question would be...

How would somebody raise the money neccesary to run a one-make champ such as this one? In europe, young people are backed by car clubs, investors and I assume it is easier to get sponsorship..

How would somebody here in the USA who is young enough for it to matter, but not wealthy enough to finance it out of their pocket go about raising the money? Surely it would be next to impossible to raise money via US sponsors alone?

I'm 20 years old, make 37k/year and I would like to pursue a professional rally drive, It seems to me the best way for me to do that is a one-make series such as the 206cup, or this Renault Cup.. Unfortunately, there is no way I can afford the ~40-50k/year.

I am currently building a gp2 Civic for club/pro rally, but it almost seems this would be a waste of $$, as in the USA, my efforts would go un-noticed.

 

[wvonkessler]

Matt:

No pearls of wisdom. Just an observation that Proton (a car company we have never heard of in the States) puts on the Satria Cup in Australia, and Proton of Australia subsidizes vehicle purchase for young rallyists so they are out of pocket only $8000 AUS for the fully prepped vehicle.

On the home front there is not much to offer. Read Patrick Richard's most recent interview regarding self-marketing. Become marketing savvy. Put together a sponsorship package (meaning materials to obtain sponsors) with demographic information, etc. If you are prepping a Honda, do a personalized mailing to the 100s of Honda tuners in the US, and follow-up with telephone calls - you might be surprised at what can be obtained to subsidize your out-of-pocket expenses. But be aware that this takes time, and an up-front investment. Sell yourself for your passion for rallying.

Wilson

 

[Roving Rally Man]

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a Proton just a rebadged Mitzy????

While on the subject of Aussie and one car classes I seem to recall a few years back that a shipment of Diatsu's (spelling?) were sea water damaged onthe way to Oz and were stripped and set up as Rally cars, sold at a good price and the series sponsored by the manufacturer.

Now guys, no thoughts on sabotaging a shipment of Evo's or WRX's OK!!!!!

 

[RichardM]

>Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't a Proton just a rebadged
>Mitzy????
>
>While on the subject of Aussie and one car classes I seem to
>recall a few years back that a shipment of Diatsu's
>(spelling?) were sea water damaged onthe way to Oz and were
>stripped and set up as Rally cars, sold at a good price and
>the series sponsored by the manufacturer.
>
>Now guys, no thoughts on sabotaging a shipment of Evo's or
>WRX's OK!!!!!

Well, there is that ship, the Tricolour?, that is upsidedown in the English channel with load of Saabs, Volvos and BMWs.
Richard Miller

 

[warwick]

Matt -

It is definately possible to raise $40-50K through sponsorship...but as was said above, it takes some time, effort, and marketing savvy. Don't necessarily look inside the motorsports industry ...look at the big companies. Find a late-model (current) car that would be marketable and "cool". There are loads of benefits to a sponsor...especially if you make the car available for use in their tradeshow booths, grand openings, etc. Put together a video and a comprehensive sponsorship proposal and start banging on doors. You never know.

 

[mattjohnston]

Thanks guys.. Read Pats interview.. It was posted 5 minutes after I posted

Check out www.stickshifter.com

Im working on it, not much there yet.