Michael Angel Vazquez
[dropcap] C [/ dropcap] With a weather more spring than autumn, on November 7 a hundred "Soplillos" (affectionate nickname of the R5 with turbo engines) coming from all corners of Spain, have come to the renovated Jarama Circuit on a day full of activities and public, summoned by the Club Renault 5 GT Turbo and Private Tandas to celebrate a very special birthday: the 30º Anniversary of this model.
At the 1984 Paris Motor Show the Renault Superfive, the model intended to replace the popular R5, which had been in production since 1972. Although the new vehicle was called the same as the previous one and had a similar aesthetic, it was a completely new car, destined to continue the success of its predecessor .
In that same Hall, the sports version of the model was unveiled, which would be used as a racing car for the Renault National Cups throughout Europe, following the tradition of the pilot school that Renault had started in 1968 with the R8 Gordini or the R5. Alpine later: just born the GT Turbo.
Like a glove: Renault GT Turbo and Jarama
The Jarama Circuit is one of the “natural habitats” of the GT Turbo. It has been linked since its inauguration with the Renault National Cup and it is the usual venue for the races of said Cup from 1968 to the present day. The first race held in Spain with the Supercinco GT Turbo was held there, on May 12, 1985.
That year was the XVII edition of the Cup, made up of 8 races at the circuits of El Jarama, Toledo, Estoril and the new Jerez racetrack. Javier Moreno, Íñigo Osset and Ramón Rodríguez were the winners of that year. In the Challenge Female, María José Revaldería and Adelina Vizcaíno triumphed.
In successive editions, other drivers who won the National Cup were A.Castro, Manuel Vidal, Tomás Saldaña, Enrique Codony, or Eduardo de Aysa.
In 1987 the Renault National Rally Cup was started, using the Superfive GT Turbo with specification of Gr. N as official car. The first edition was won by Gustavo Trelles. In successive years, the champions were José Piñón and Fco. José "kico" Top several years in a row.
Meanwhile, in France, names such as Alain Oreille stood out, who would be the absolute winner of the 1989 Ivory Coast Rally and several times Group N World Champion. The success of this driver was such that Renault launched a special series of the GT Turbo. with his name in his honor.
The champion Jean ragnotti he also got behind the wheel of a GT Turbo on numerous occasions. In 1991, the GT Turbo was replaced by the new Clio 16V. Thus ended the so-called "It was Turbo" from Renault.
30th Anniversary of a classic that raises passions
Returning to the present, the Anniversary event has been exceptional for the participants, thanks to the magnificent treatment and reception by the organization, which made them feel like real leading riders: reserved parking in the padock of the circuit next to the Supersiete, welcome with bag of gifts, briefing in the Press Room, group photo on the straight and the most special thing for most: parade of all the cars on the track and the opportunity to drive in one of the two exclusive races for the GT-Turbo reserved for the occasion.
After lunch, An awards ceremony was held (consisting of trophies with the steering wheel and the GT Turbo logo), in which the following were awarded:
- R5 GT Turbo from further afield: Esteban Fanals (Balearic Islands).
- R5 GT Turbo with more mileage: Gonzalo Nieto (Valladolid).
- Best R5 GT Turbo Phase I: José G. Adolfo (Collado Villalba).
- Best R5 GT Turbo Phase II: Jesus Tardón (Madrid).
- Best R5 GT Turbo Phase I of competition: Manuel Valle (Colmenar Viejo).
- Best R5 GT Turbo Phase II of competition: Unai Gómez (Beasain).
- Older R5 GT Turbo: Esteban Martín (Pinto).
In addition to the celebration of 30th Anniversary, Attendees were also able to enjoy the RACE Touring Car Trophy in the morning, and in the afternoon-evening of the sleeves organized by Private Tandas.
From the Club Renault 5 gt turbo They thank the attendees and Private Tandas for their participation and collaboration, essential in the success of the day; as well as the sponsors Talleres Leirauto, MTA Motorsport, Autosae, Sistemas Dentales, Rotec and Empubli, whose collaborations have made this event possible.
* Photos: Ignacio Leirana and Miguel Ángel Vázquez. Stock Images: Renault
