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MANUFACTURERS: Reynard delivers first cars for new championship

29 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
The last Reynard car to be built at the company's original Bicester factory left the site this week to be delivered to the organisers of a new single seater championship, the International Single-Seater Challenge. As the leading racecar constructor completes its move to new premises at Reynard Park in Brackley, the car build programme is transferred to the new factory, alongside Champ Car, 2KQ Sportscar and Formula Nippon production.

The new single-seater, designated Reynard 2KF, is based on the successful Reynard Barber Dodge design, with the innovative features introduced on this car utilised in its development. Powered by a 3.5 litre, V6 Chrysler engine, the car aims to provide young drivers with a car which has power, reliability and driveability. The car design has incorporated a number of safety features, and has completed crash tests to FIA F3000 standards.

The International Single-Seater Challenge (ISSC) will be introduced into Europe next year with a programme of events around the continent, and is designed to attract young drivers who are in the early stages of a motor racing career. The Reynard 2KF will provide these drivers with a car developed specifically to meet the demands of European circuits and as a stepping stone to the FIA Formula 3000 or Indy Lights Series.

Mark Smithson, Managing Director, Reynard Motorsport, believes the new Reynard 2KF and its Series will be invaluable to young drivers, saying, "The ISSC will provide an excellent training ground for drivers in the early stages of their racing career. The new 2KF will be ideally suited to this new Series. It offers the high standard of build quality expected from a Reynard car, incorporates the years of expertise gained from designing and developing a variety of single seaters, uses the technologies and research tools that are at the disposal of our company, and is cost controlled to ensure that the Championship is an affordable proposition. "

The International Single-Seater Challenge schedule is currently being finalised and further details will be released over the coming months.

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.