The Early Years: 1987

First jack the car up. Then mount the wheel on the hub (we are assuming the hub is straight) and torque the lug nuts equally.

Make an indicator fixture (a can with a welding rod taped on, a jack stand with a pencil attached by rubber bands, etc.) Move the fixed indicator to the vertical outer bead surface. Rotate the wheel and adjust the indicator to barely touch the wheel at its extreme outward point during rotation.

Now rotate the wheel until the maximum gap is reached between the indicator and the wheel. Measure the gap and you will have determined the amount of run out The maximum acceptable run out is 1/16" or 1.6mm.

If you have wheels that have 1/16" run out or even a hair more, don't worry that much about it. A Sports Renault with its treaded street tires, its straightforward suspension and hefty weight isn't really effected. Many races have been won on wheels that were bent as much as 3/16" during the heat of battle.
                         

February, 1987:  Memo from Zan Smith, President, SCCA Enterprises
We are happy to announce that SCCA Enterprises has been selected as the permanent replacement for RJS to distribute parts and package kits for the Sports Renault.

Enclosed please find the update concerning your Sports/Renault.

All parts are now available to the CSR's from our stock.

Kits are also available to the CSR's from our stock.

The SCCA Enterprises sealed engines are available immediately for $995 plus freight from your CSR, or from SCCA Enterprises, Inc.    If you are interested in selling your used core to SCCA Enterprises, you may send it to SCCA Enterprises, freight prepaid.

The new engines do not include carburetor, intake or exhaust manifold, flywheel or clutch.

Good Racing!
                         

February, 1987:  Sports Renault Technical Update
The following areas of concern have been addressed by the Sports Renault Committee and the results are presented below.
1.  Front Wheel Bearing Grease Seal Leakage.  The authorized correction is to replace the original washers with part # 1380900 bearing retainer, inner and outer, available from the CSR's.  There may still be some initial leakage .  Clean the areas after each race session.

2.  Rear Ball Joint failure.  An alternate design piece is being made for testing.  For the time being, please inspect these areas before each session.   One method of lessening the problem is to remove the rear body section after each session to allow the heat to escape, an/or cooling down the parts with water.

4.  Seat Belt and Shoulder Harness Mounting.  It is allowed to modify the shoulder harness attachment points, if necessary, to conform with the GCR Appendix Y.   The seat belt attachment points can be modified to reduce the distance between them.  The new attachment points shall be similar in design to the existing one.   The seat may be slotted or modified to accommodate the new seat belt or shoulder harness attachment.  Seat padding for driver comfort is authorized.  No purpose other than to improve safety or comfort will be allowed.

6.  Chassis Rub Blocks.  It is authorized to install up to eight pads of any material to the underside of the frame to eliminate damage due to bottoming out.  The pads shall be no larger than 1 1/2" wide x 2" long x1" thick.  They shall serve no other purpose.  Do not drill holes in the frame larger than .200"

7.  Seat mounts.  It is required to install a metal strap between the bolt heads and the seat fiberglass on the right hand side of the seat.  This strap shall be 1" wide x 14" long x 1/8" minimum thickness.  The left side spacer is also required.  A flat washer at least 1" in diameter must be used under any other seat attachment point.

9.  It is authorized to cleanly and smoothly cut off the unused portions of the steering shaft bracket and/or pad the remaining portion to prevent injury as long as this serves no other purpose.

12.  Ballast.  Ballast plates can be home made or purchased providing:
     a. They are identical to the RJS parts.
     b. They must mount in the same manner as the RJS part.
     c. They must be mounted only in approved location.
     d. They must be fastened securely by nuts on both ends.

13.  Engine Rebuilding/Replacement.  A program of centralized engine rebuilding/replacement will be implemented with a graduated phase in schedule.  All cars in the 1987 Pro Series and all competitors at the 1987 VRRC will be required to run a SCCA Enterprise sealed motor. All National competitors will be required to have these motors in 1988 and the Regional competitors in 1989.  Any competitor can submit his existing engine, freight prepaid both ways plus $199.95 for inspection and resealing, and if verified, it will be sealed by SCCA Enterprises.
                         

March, 1987 SportsCar - “Matters of the Moment”
Sports Renault News
SCCA Enterprises, a subsidiary of the Sports Car Club of America, has been selected as the new manufacturer of the Sports Renault, SCCA announced at the National Convention in Denver.  SCCA Enterprises was awarded the Sports Renault project following a 90-day competitive bid process.  SCCA Enterprises replaces Renault/Jeep Sport, a subsidiary of American Motors, which built the popular Sports Renault race car from mid-1984 through 1986.

SCCA Enterprises-built cars will remain identical to the 450 cars built by RJS.  AMC will supply SCCA Enterprises with all production-based parts -- namely the 1.7 liter, four cylinder Renault Alliance engine; the four speed Renault gearbox; the Renault drive train and Renault production brakes -- via its Denver parts distribution center.

The SCCA Sports Renault program has been a tremendous success since its 1983 inception.  When the prototype was unveiled at the 1983 Runoffs, 111 cars were sold in just three days, which set an all-time race car sales record.

Now nearly three-and-a-half years later, the SCCA Sports Renault program is still going strong.  More than 450 Sports Renaults have been sold and Sports Renault is well on its way to surpassing Formula Ford as the SCCA's most popular racing class.

A new SR engine rebuilding/replacement program, which will make for mandatory use of an SCCA Enterprises-sealed motor, was also announced.
                         

May, 1987 SportsCar - “Matters of the Moment”
Pro Sports Renault
The 10-race 1987 SCCA Pro Sports Renault Challenge will include premier venues such as Sears Point and Road Atlanta.  Additions to the 1987 schedule include Memphis, New Orleans and Sebring.  Each event in the series will carry a minimum $10,000 purse, with at least one event posting a $12,000 offering.

The schedule announcement follows the departure of Lucas Industries as a two-year partner in the growth and development of the SCCA Sports Renault Challenge.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has signed on as an associate sponsor of the SCCA Sports Renault Series for the next three years.   Goodyear will continue to provide the spec tire for the series.
                         

June, 1987 SportsCar - “Court of Appeals Report”
Dear Mr. Waltz,
The National Court of Appeal has reviewed your appeal of the Stewards of the Meeting ruling against you at the Road Atlanta National races on March 6-9, 1987.

Tech reported after your race that you had modified your suspension on your Sports Renault by disconnecting your rear sway bar.  The Chief Steward file a Request For Action against you with the Stewards of the Meeting.  The Stewards of the Meeting held a hearing and afterward ruled your car was illegal according to Sports Renault Rule 3.13G Suspension.  You were disqualified from your first-place finish by the Stewards of the Meeting.

You stated in your appeal that because of the heavy rain, you adjusted the right link of your anti-rollbar section and that it was not connected to the upper rocker arm which gave your car better handling in the rain.  You also stated that there is a distinct flaw in the 1987 Sports Racer and Formula Specifications section of the GCR.

The Appeal Court can find no flaw in Rule 3.13G Suspension.  It states, "no modifications allowed."  Adjustments are permitted with the limits specified in the official SCCA Sports Renault Specifications Manual.  Disconnecting your rear sway bar is not an adjustment -- it is a modification and not allowed.

Your appeal is not well founded and will not be heard.  SCCA will retain your appeal fee.
Sincerely,
The National Court of Appeals.
                         

September, 1987 SportsCar - “Fastrack”
Sports Renault Technical Order 87-3
1. Slitting or cutting the shock rubber is not an allowable operation and is illegal.

3. Effective Aug.1, 1987 the lefthand side seat support will have to be mounted in the car along with the strap reinforcing the bolt heads on the right side.

4. Effective Aug.1, 1987 the maximum weight for the nose section of the car will be 48 lbs.
                           

October, 1987 SportsCar - “Fastrack”
Sports Renault Technical Order 87-4
After weighing nose sections around the country, it has been decided to increase the maximum weight of this piece to 57 lbs., effective Oct. 1, 1987.  This weight should allow for sufficient damage repair without any changes in the handling characteristics of the car.  Your cooperation and patience in this matter has been appreciated.
                           

November, 1987 SportsCar - “Fastrack”
Sports Renault Technical Order 87-5
Bead blasting of intake manifolds will not be allowed on engines used at the 1987 Valvoline Runoffs or any events thereafter.
                           

November, 1987 Flyer from SCCA Enterprises
Offering for Sale: Jackets, T-Shirts and Caps
The Coaches Jacket: $36.50

The Athletic T-Shirt: $9.50

The Cap: $6.75

Some real classics here.  By the way, if any reader can identify the model, please email Barry Mumm via “Comments”.
                           

December, 1987 SportsCar - “Fastrack”
Board Meeting Minutes
8. Sports Renault Report: Zan Smith
A. Zan showed the Directors the new name plate for all Sports Renaults.
B. New contracts have been signed by all 10 CSRs.  They will meet in Denver next week.
C. Numbers 476 and 477 will be delivered next week.
D. Zan is checking into alternate brake pads, ball joints and steering wheels.
                           

1987 SCCA Pro Sports Renault Schedule
May 25: Seattle International Raceway, Winner: Mark Gundy
June 7: Sears Point, Winner: Mark Gundy
June 20: Peublo Motorsports Park:????
July 4: Lime Rock Park, Winner: Robbie Buhl
July 11:Mid-Ohio, Winner: Mike Davies
August 9: Bryar Motorsport Park, Winner: Bill Dollahite
August 16: Summit Point Raceway, Winner: Neil Tilbor
September 6: Memphis International, Winner: Gene Harrington
October 11: Road Atlanta, Winner: Robbie Buhl
October 31: Sebring, Winner: Mike Davies

Purse:$9,000 per event with Qualifying prizes of $1,000
                           

Miscellany from 1987
Mark Gundy wins SCCA Pro Sports Renault
Mike Davies wins the Runoffs
Tom Van Camp is Rookie of the Year in SCCA Pro Sports Renault
Dudley Fleck finishes first in CenDiv with 69 National points
Enterprises ships 490th Sports Renault by year end
Robert blows up his first Renault motor at the June Sprints
Robert’s first crash in a Sports Renault.  He takes down 9 feet of Armco at IRP and learns the reason for roll bar pads
AutoStuff Inc. formed as a Minnesota Corporation
38 Sports Renaults sold, total to date:488

Barry