BUSINESS: Reynard Motorsports builds unique new vehicle

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

September 7, 2001

Reynard Motorsport, the world's leading constructor of racing cars, has turned its skills to building a completely new type of vehicle for the Blueyonder Challenge Project, an attempt on the Human Powered Vehicle World Land Speed Record by British Olympic Gold Medal cyclist, Jason Queally. Chris Field, a noted racing bike designer, and Reynard, joined forces to turn a dream into a reality, with the building of a vehicle destined to break records and realise one of Jason Queally's ambitions - to become the fastest man on earth.

The vehicle, constructed from carbon fibre composite, is a ground- breaking example of advanced construction techniques and aerodynamics research. The chassis and the shell of the vehicle, the Blueyonder Challenger, have been constructed to achieve maximum performance, at minimum weight and with strict adherence to the aerodynamic requirements. Advantage CFD, the Computational Fluid Dynamics division of Reynard, applied a programme of CFD research to the initial designs of the vehicle aiming to create a structure that offered the minimum drag to aid performance. The composites division, working with the designer and the results of the research, produced a blueprint for the vehicle and using the latest composites technology, constructed the chassis and the shell for final assembly as a unit.

Mark Smithson, Managing Director, Reynard Motorsport, explains the involvement of the company in this unique project, saying, "The Blueyonder Challenge has given Reynard an opportunity to demonstrate how the cutting edge technology, construction methods and aerodynamics research which go into producing Championship winning racecars can be applied in other disciplines. We're used to building cars that reach over 240 mph and they need plenty of horsepower to achieve this. Jason will only have the power of his legs, but we're confident that he'll capture the record and reach at least 75 mph."

"Our branding is seen worldwide throughout the year on Champ Cars and on the British American Racing Formula One cars and we're very proud to have our name on the nose of this very special vehicle. Whenever I see the Challenger, it reminds me of the breadth and depth of our business, which is reflected in this product."

Reynard Motorsport has a heritage of over 25 years in the motor racing industry, producing racing cars that have won numerous Championships around the world. It is recognised as a leading constructor, with advanced design, engineering and manufacturing techniques and technologies applied in the production of a range of products including Champ Cars currently racing, and leading, the international FedEx Championship Series; Formula Nippon cars, currently leading this Japanese single seater race Formula and the Reynard Sports Racing Car, competing in Sportscar Championships in Europe and the USA.

Text provided by Alison Hill

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.