Perhaps one of the many perks of race car drivers is that they get to go behind the wheel of the latest and most modern additions to the world of racing cars. Jim Richards, a Bathurst winner for seven times, has the opportunity to drive the latest Renault Megane Trophy. Richards will see what the car can do in the top gear hot laps of the Broadford State Motorcycling sports complex, which is becoming the popular site for car companies to test their high-performance cars.
Richards takes the Megane Trophy into an exercise of contortion, but it is no mean feat to get this car rolling. The tiny clutch needs to be worked on to pump pressure to the drivetrain. The engine needs to be rev like a monster from hell and Richards expertly slam the car into gear and then drop the clutch. This action causes the rear wheels to spin and leaving a 15 meter mark on the track. This seems like an unusual way to start the car especially for the picky driver who excels in smoothness like Richards. However, the French technician aboard this exercise is quick to give assurance that this is how it works for this car, which excels in starting with a bang, literally.
The Trophy once rolling is truly an amazing race car with the gear changes that are surely exceptional. It was originally brought in Australia as a show car, showcasing the talents of the French with its fast cars. Incidentally, the Trophy is a much improved version of the Megane RS 250, which was launched as a road car while the Trophy will be introduced as hot race car. This is a fitting addition to Australia’s fondness for fast cars as can be seen in its beloved V8 Supercars.
For Richards, the Trophy is like a beast that needs to be tamed particularly on the most challenging tracks like Bathurst and Phillip Island. The Trophy joins other beasts in the racing circuit like the Commodores, Falcons, Mustangs, BMW 635 CSI, 318, M3, Porsche 911 and 968 as well as the Pontiac speedway cars. Richards himself is presently campaigning a Porsche GT 3 997 Cup car for the GT Championship so naturally he is familiar with the GT style race cars. He adds that the Porsche does better and faster in top gear hot laps in Broadford and more stable around the corners. The Trophy is also a super car able to go fast at 212 km per hour before breaking heavily for a 90 degree right turn. It is flat and stable even at insane speed under the expert hands of Richards. It could easily roll in succeeding fast gear changes at a screaming 6800 rpm, which is not the car’s top form for it can still be pushed to 7500 rpm.
For some top drivers driving top gear hot laps, smoothness is a big factor and a common trait shared by V8 Supercar drivers, IndyCar drivers and Le Mans drivers like Marco Werner. Richards is also known for his silkiness on the track, which explains why he has earned recognition in the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame and the V8 Supercar Hall of Fame. He is called Gentleman Jim for good reasons.
