A Philippe Bugalski Challenge launched in 2021

Pillar of commitment Renault at the turn of the 80s/90s, Philippe Bugalski had shone at the start of his career at the wheel of Losange creations including the Clio Maxi, then the legendary Maxi Megane, in clashes that have become legendary between the latter and the Peugeot 306 Max.

Cars, like the Clio Super 1600, have passed into posterity on the scene of the French Asphalt Rally Championship, but which can still be found in a good number of French events.

With the ambition of putting these models back on the national scene, and in homage to the champion who died in 2012, Renault will launch a Philippe Bugalski Challenge this year, which will offer owners of the Clio Maxi, Maxi Megane and Clio Super 1600 a competition over six rounds of the French Asphalte Championship, on joint dates with the Clio Trophy France Asphalte.

Renault Sport Racing will thus welcome the crews within the one-make series service park, while “guaranteeing fairness and technical monitoring ensuring the authenticity of these historical models. »

Starting and results bonuses will be included and the winner at the end of the championship will be offered an entry in one of the Clio Trophy in 2022.

“Renault has a rich sporting history to which Clio Maxi, Maxi Mégane and Clio Super 1600 have contributed significantly for more than a decade, indicates Benoît Nogier, commercial director of Renault Sport Racing.

Even today, many drivers and owners take great pleasure in competing with these models which marked an entire generation. With this new cup, we now offer them a dedicated framework to bring these magnificent cars back to the most beautiful roads in France. »

The first event of this Challenge is scheduled for the opening of the season at Le Touquet in a month.

Philippe Bugalski Challenge Calendar 2021:

March 18-20: Rally Le Touquet Pas-de-Calais

April 22-24: Lyon Charbonnières Rhône Rally

June 11-13: Rallye Vosges Grand Est

July 8-10: Aveyron Rouergue Occitanie Rally

September 24-26: Rallye Cœur de France

October 28-30: Critérium des Cévennes