Started in 2007 for the World Series by Renault events, the Renault Sport Show is a demonstration built around four Clio or Twingo Renault Sport performing incredible balletic feats on track. At their steering-wheels, the four professional drivers are all dressed like « The Men in Black ». And they have one idea in mind: to produce a special, surprising and very enjoyable show for you on the tarmac of each WSR circuit. Designed and managed by the “Racing Evolution” race team, this show is embedded into the World Series by Renault schedule. There is a lot to enjoy and be surprised while watching the dramatic feats which are shown, using strictly standard Renault Sport cars in the hands of drivers who are ….anything but “standard” ones.
What is the show made up of? You get to see a wide variety of fun performances going from 360° with four synchronized cars, 180°, cross slaloms, fast reverse driving, sudden lane changes, burn-outs…. You’ve got to see it to believe it.
One of the most cherished moments of all is undoubtably the one when each driver gets out of his car, let it run on its own (without anybody on board), before climbing on the roof for the pleasure of greeting the crowd and enjoying the atmosphere. Judging by the loud applause, the public loves this.
Backstage, and even if the Twingo and Clio Renault Sport are strictly standard cars, this show is very demanding in terms of rehearsal, control and know-how for every team member. For instance the technical assistant plays a key role in the success of the show. He is in charge of the cars : cleaning, tires changing (they are over-inflated at 4 bar…« is it meant to slide or not ?… » and general maintenance. He is also a respected coordinator (in stunts’ word, he is the “setter”). Thus, he is the one who gives the “GO”, and set the show pace to ensure the best synchronization.
On the other hand, the leader and manager of the show remains the “boss at the wheel”. Simply because he is the one who delivers and coordinates all the moves. He can rely on a radio in his car to provide sharp instructions to the driver’s staff. The team is always in connection with the Race Control if need be. Very often, it is necessary to adjust and adapt the show length to the tight timing schedule that are implied by the management of so many races and track animations on every WSR. Not to mention the various difficulties and surprises that the weather can provide – especially when the rain comes on. In the the drivers’ opinion, the rain can make a lot of tasks rather complex, notably when drivers have to climb on the extremely slippery roof of a drenched vehicle.
Rehearsals happen on Friday evenings to assess the track performances and to synchronize the music of the show. Even if all straights are… straight, they are anything but the same. With cars passing by each others at a speed of 120 km/h and only a few inches to spare; there is nothing to be left at random. This is real artist’s work ! And this is the reason why this "automotive choreography" is protected by the INPI.
As Julien Piguet, the show’s creator & manager, says: “no matter which car we use, Clio or Twingo, all Renault Sport vehicles amase us by the precision of their chassis, the quality of placement while braking and their pedal feeling (especialy when we have to use the left foot). They are more than up to the rigorous and sharp inputs required for our performances. In this context, the Clio Renault Sport is probably the ideal thanks to its precision, character and reactivity. Its handbrake bites as no other does on a sports car. Nevertheless it remains surprisingly progressive. It allows us, even when sliding, to keep what we call "a mechanical sympathy". In other words: we are never obliged to use force and can keep a “smooth and “clean” style for the benefit of both cars and the show.”
“The Twingo Renault Sport,thanks to its lightness and compact size, is the best on the narrowest tracks (such as Barcelona). It is surprising “in the caterpillar performance” in which its feedback allows us to take position at less than 5cms of each others cars.”
As if it was not enough, the show drivers also drive for “Histoire & Collection” and take VIPs on board of the two-seater Renault Formula, Mégane Trophy, Clio Cup, not to forget test drives with the Renault Sport passenger cars. It just leaves them little time to sign autographs in the pit walk, still dressed like “MIB” (which means: sunglasses are a must, even in the rain!)
At the wheel are : Julien Piguet: professional "track" driver and cinema stuntman. Clio Cup French Championship Winner in 2005 Frédéric Johais: professional “track” driver (GT) Lionel Comole: professional "Rally" driver (Clio R3 National Trophy ) Nicolas Navarro: Professional track driver - FR 2.0 2005 French Rookie Champion
Without forgetting Christophe Vaison and Sebastien Seveau (who were stuntmen on James Bond and Taxi movies) who complete the team when required.
All in all, it is twice: two shows on Saturday and Sundays that you can see at every World Series by Renault. You’d better not miss them!
