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 Many
people know the regularity in rally. The Trophy Alain Fabre includes two
tests of regularity on the circuits of Ledenon and Nogaro. Its principle
is simple. After the 4 hours of free tests of the morning, each team provides
to the organization his time of reference. After the 4 hours of race,
the best crews will be those which is the closest of its time of reference
on 60 laps among 100 laps.
No system of timing is authorized in the cars, the technical aids are
authorized in the stands, the supplies are made in entry stands.
The year passed, in Nogaro, we had discovered as simple spectators, the
last race of the Trophy Alain Fabre 2003. Allured by this test, we had
made the bet take part the following year. And thus, October 16, 2004,
we were registered !
Preparation :
Two drivers, Vincent, and Herve, respectively vice-president and secretary-webmaster
of the STARC Aquitaine, Christine, the time keeper, Nicolas and Pierrick,
our two time indicators and Philippe, president of the STARC Aquitaine,
our mechanic: our team was created. Our car: a Renault 8 Gordini 1100
is certainly the least powerful car of the plate, but it is a true car
of race. It took part during two seasons in VHC in Trophy Maxi 1000
 
Stand and free tests
During all this day, the rains didn't stop !
Free tests:
In addition to the means of test ourself with the circuit and its
particular conditions weather, the tests also make it possible to define
for each crew, time with the turn which it will be committed following
throughout the 4 hours of race. It also allows to the pilots less expermiented
to be ready to the race in group with cars from which the performances
are very different (many Alfa, Porsche including one superb Carrera
6, Ford Escort and Capri, Lotus, Marcadier). Two Alpine A310 were present
too. The Faucheux crew, father and son are besides the winner of the
edition 2003.
 
Fiat 124 Abarth - Alpine A310 VE Faucheux
 
Porsche Carrera 6 - NSU
 
Porsche 911 Carrera - Alfa Romeo Bertone
We shared our stand with two sympathetic Spanish crews
accustomed of this type of races. Good environment and the mutual help
exist in the stands.
 
Renault 8 Gordini 1100 MAxi 1000 - Alfa Romeo Guilia GT
Only one problem : a windscreen wiper lost on the track... This essential
accessory will be found intact during the pause lunch. 2' 47 '', it
is the time which we had set, a modest time in agreement with the conditions
weather and the lack of experience of drivers.
Race :
Always under the rain, the start is given behind the pace car. Vincent
has some difficulties to slow down and be held with the 2' 47 ' '. His
record is in 2' 30! As for Herve, it is given as well as possible to
follow fixed time. Indeed, we let pass the faster cars and lose the
optimal trajectory... But let us not seek more excuses!
Our team of time keeper and our R8 Gordini under the rain
During the 4 hours, we changed the drivers 3 times.
Superb day, for a first race on circuit, a true race organized
under the control of the FFSA. We covers 79 laps without any technical
problem, an assistance limiting ourselves to fill the tank with gasoline.
 
Notre Renault 8 Gordini - Fournier Marcadier
 
Lotus Europe - Alfa Romeo
The 3 first for this race are:
- Vigreux - Blattier with Alfa Romeo 2000 Bertone
- Todeschini - Grand with Simca Rallye 3
- Faucheux-Faucheux with Alpine A310 VE
As for us, we finish with honourable a 27° place on 42 leaving.
It is not excluded that other Alpine crews join us the next year. Some
think of it already! This race is superbe (serious organization and sympathetic
team, environment, mutual aid, good atmosphere between competitors).
So we invite you to visit the official web site of
Trophee Alain Fabre.
2004-10-22 - AlpineRenault.com
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