1996–1999
Racing
Spider Trophy
Conceived from the outset as a single-make racer, the Spider Trophy ran as a curtain-raiser to Formula 1 grands prix for three unforgettable seasons.
The concept
Born for
the track
The Spider was conceived from the outset as a single-make racing car. Renault had already created this discipline in the early 1980s with the R5 Turbo European Cup, followed by the Europa Cup with the Alpine GTA, the R21 Turbo, and then the Clio. The Spider Trophy followed in this lineage.
Very close to competition specification in its road form, the Spider requires minimal modification for track use. To keep costs low, almost all components are standard. A single seat is fitted, the passenger space concealed by a rigid tonneau cover. The doors are removed. Slick and wet tyres developed with Michelin are fitted on OZ wheels.
The Trophy engine is a tuned version of the F7R, fitted with a specific exhaust (by Orbisoud), a different air filter, revised injection maps and bespoke engine management. Output: 180 hp. The gearbox is a JC Sadev 6-speed with dog engagement and no synchromesh. Adjustable brake balance, 6-point harness, roll cage.
Champions
Three seasons,
three champions
Franck Lagorce
FranceThe French driver takes the first Spider Trophy title ahead of Norwegian Tommy Rustad. Lagorce would go on to race in Formula 1 with Ligier.
Tommy Rustad
NorwayThe Norwegian takes the 1997 Trophy without great difficulty, claiming the title he had narrowly missed the year before.
Andrea Bellichi
ItalyThe Italian driver wins the final edition of the Spider Trophy in 1998. The series is replaced by the Clio Trophy V6 in 1999.
In action
Trophy
in pictures
After the Trophy
In 1999 and 2000, several Spiders appeared in the French GT FFSA championship — Trophy versions modified with a roll cage and windscreen, competing in GT3 and GT4 against BMW Z3 coupés and Caterhams. The Force Motorsport team ran a Spider Trophy in the 24-hour VHC race at Magny-Cours in 2000, covering 4,000 km non-stop to finish 4th overall, 1st in the sport-proto class. The team also entered the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in the FIA GT World Championship, and the 3 Hours of Dijon in 2001.